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Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

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Childminder's Club: Reduction for twins?

31 replies

HappyMumof2 · 23/01/2006 17:15

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ThePrisoner · 26/01/2006 00:28

As a childminder registered to have three children under the age of 5, I can only earn three times my hourly rate at most. I do feel guilty about not offering a reduction for twins/siblings (which I did offer when I was new to childminding but was taken for a right mug), but I need to earn money as much as the parents paying me need to earn money.

As a parent of twins myself, I totally understand about childcare costs. We are currently putting ours through university at the same time.

I know many childminders who do offer reductions, so they are out there.

ScummyMummy · 25/01/2006 09:54

Lots of minders/nurseries offer a 10%- 15% discount on siblings so the twins' parents may well ask you about it. Childcare for twins can be cripplingly expensive. I couldn't afford to return to my then job as a classroom assistant after mine were born as the childcare fees were significantly higher than my income. Admittedly that was a pitifully paid job but I think most parents of twins may find child care costs a big issue. Would they be likely to look elsewhere if you don't offer the discount or do you have some other USP?

Isyhan · 25/01/2006 09:43

Yes - I know I get a grant but Im not sure it covers buggies. It may just cover stairgates a, fireguards, safety items I think.

HellyBelly · 24/01/2006 19:31

I agree with Theprisoner BUT IF you have been given a grant upfront to spend like me (I got due to them being desperate for minders in my area) and already have other stuff, then go ahead a buy a cheap double (mine was £60 brand new in toys r us - thanks to jellyjelly who researched!)

ThePrisoner · 24/01/2006 18:33

Can't answer that one myself because mine is free.

freshstart · 24/01/2006 18:22

How much is it to hire a triple buggy from toy library or similar?

ThePrisoner · 24/01/2006 18:21

Just to add that I wouldn't buy a triple buggy myself either (mine is on long-term loan from our network) - however, I've been minding three children under 14 months!!

ThePrisoner · 24/01/2006 18:19

I wouldn't buy anything like buggies or high chairs unless you know how old the children are that you would be minding. You will, no doubt, end up buying something eventually, but don't bother yet! Just stick to the essentials that you ought to have (perhaps stairgates etc).

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HappyMumof2 · 24/01/2006 16:33

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Isyhan · 24/01/2006 16:08

Im currently trying to get registered but not sure what buggy to buy. Should I wait and see what children I get? Should I buy a double or triple buggy? I have a 6 month baby of my own. I dont know!!

ThePrisoner · 23/01/2006 22:33

I have a triple buggy (not technically mine as it is from network group) - you can take over the world with a triple buggy!! (Well, you can take over the pavement). Mine is in permanent use at the moment - and my chiropractor bills are mounting ...

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HappyMumof2 · 23/01/2006 22:10

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katymac · 23/01/2006 21:59

So travelcot £40

Triple buggie - £300 +

Are they fulltime? If not then it may not be worth it

How about a double buggy with a buggy board?

ThePrisoner · 23/01/2006 21:59

Just say YES!!!

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HappyMumof2 · 23/01/2006 21:58

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HappyMumof2 · 23/01/2006 21:57

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katymac · 23/01/2006 21:55

That's quite a nice gap - they should be sitting up

they should also be weaning (or starting)

have you enough equipment?

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HappyMumof2 · 23/01/2006 21:53

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katymac · 23/01/2006 21:50

and the babies?

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HappyMumof2 · 23/01/2006 21:47

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katymac · 23/01/2006 21:47

How old is she?

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HappyMumof2 · 23/01/2006 21:45

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ThePrisoner · 23/01/2006 21:44

If I was desperate for work, then I guess I might think about it. However, I'm not (desperate for work that is)! Being quite mercenary about it, I would end up being a bit resentful of knowing that I could "let" all my places for full fee, but that I was charging less. I guess that is being a little unfair (but I have got twins of my own, so I'm allowed to be unreasonable!)

I pay out quite a lot during the week for activities that we attend, and don't expect parents to cover those.

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HappyMumof2 · 23/01/2006 21:40

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katymac · 23/01/2006 21:39

And you would need a variation from OFSTED as well (2 under 1's)