Becoming a Childminder ADVICE NEEDED PLEASE!!

lynnexxxo

I pay £3.50 per hour for my childminder (seems quite expensive compared to others, but my sons nursery is £4.20 and thats for the 3+ room).

I provide her nappies but she provides everything else.

Also childminders in my area get into the soft plays (during weekeays) for very cheap so my son goes there once a week and also goes to the free things at the local library.

Moomum

wow my childminder is £5.50 an hour, feel like im being ripped off now lol

macaroni

Just looked at my local childminders and they vary from £3.50 to £5 p/h with £4 being the most popular !! barely worth working !!

lynnexxxo

As childminders can only take one child under one (and there are other rules too -think if you have a baby you can only have another 1 under three - not sure) its really difficult to find a childminder to take a young baby.

I reckon if you charge say £3-4 per hour and have a few kids and also do pick ups after school, you could potentially make reasonably good money - and as you are self employed you can get tax breaks on numerous things for your buisness, such as improvements in your home, petrol, etc.

I'm thinking of doing it myself, must be better than commuting almost two hours (by time drop kids off) in the morning and another hour in evening rush hour traffic.

I'd say the only down is that my two boys can trash my house in ten minutes - imagine having 4 or more!!!!!!!!!!

superflygal

Well, have sent for information pack from CIS, so hoping it'll come tomorrow.

lynnexxo, macaroni and natmid, do you mind me asking where you are in the UK? I think location changes price.

Lynnexxo, i agree, for me its quality of life. I want to bring up my son, and even if my time and energy is divided, its good for him to have his mummy there. As you say, you can claim tax relief on most household things- gas and electric, petrol, council tax (as house is used for business purposes probably even food (keep grocery receipts) as you have to feed the kids!!

I was initially intending on returning to work (i'm cabin crew), but after petrol (£200ish) and childcare, it's not really worth all the hard work.

At least childminding, i'll slash my petrol bill!!!!!!!

Do any childminders on here look after kids overnight? or for shiftworkers?

Many thanks folks,
Superflygal x

mummytofour

Now if you child mind for shift workers u really would be a god send as there really are not many that do it there are extra rules for over nighers tho so look into it. SO many jobs are shift work these days and most nurseries are only open 8=6, good luck, I do think you must be mad lol but you have very valid reasons and it sounds like it might just be the right thing for you! Good luck.

cazad

Im a childminder and enjoy it as it suits me (i have a 3 yr old).
its a very rewarding job but i would still say my other half has the easiest job getting up and going off to work every morning

superflygal

Hi Cazad, How are you?

Yes, the men do get easiest time! lol. My DH says, "Oh babe the baby wants you, he needs feeding etc" when he cries. Hmmm.

I'm sick of the rat race now, have been cabin crew for 9 years and LOVE being a stay at home mummy. Can't bear the thought of returning to the old craft! Too many grumpy passengers, and fed up of fighting for correct wages each month (always getting diddled by my airline-tight g!ts)

Thanks mummytofour, i was thinking of minding for shiftworkers, could install a bed and travel cot in my tiny spare room. I'm used to shifts and nights (worked them all my life!) and could maybe charge bit more (£4 maybe per hour) What do you think? Could trial it....

Superflygal x

cazad

Hi there superflygal,
I have never offered shift worker or overnight care . i am quite flexible between the hours of 7.30am and 6pm but in my opinion i need some family time. It would worry me that i would be up in the night with an unsettled child and then still have to be fully functioning the next day for the day time children. You do need to register to provide overnight care.
I dont blame you not wanting to go back to your job. As i said to you earlier at least in this job you are your own boss, you can choose how much work you take on( within the limits set) and you can choose your own working hours and how much you charge. Hope you get your pack soon and start the ball rolling.
Cazad

webbie

I have been a childminder for nearly 5 years - there are many advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages -
- you get to be at home with your own children.
- You earn per child - so three children under 5 = £3.00 per hour x 3 = £9.00 per hour. (Or £6.00 if you have one of your own - but if you were paying childcare out yourself - you need to earn at least £9.00 per hour AFTER tax to come out the same!).
- you get to see all of your own child's experiences and can have fun creating them!

Disadvantages
- my house has ripped wallpaper, constant fingerprints, pee on the carpets, paint on the kitchen walls - a constant flow of toddlers over the years takes it's toll - my house has 3 toddlers 10 hours a day - you need to consider wear and tear!!
- can be lonely - but then so can being a "housewife" sometimes!
- need to be firm with the parents - amazing how many "forget" the cheque, or "forget" to tell you they were throwing up all night.
- your child will be "sharing" their toys, tv, their mum - takes time for your child to adjust.


I have to say my own children (now 8 and 10) haved loved and hated it - they have a constant stream of friends to play with, they are very sociable and great at sharing and turn taking. However, they have to wait for my attention and often just want their own space back!!

You NEED TO LOVE KIDS though!! Most minders seem to last either 6 months or 16 years - I think you know a few months in which one you are!!