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Paid childcare

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

Original poster

What would you class me as?

35 replies

ELLNEW1698 · 08/01/2016 10:37

I am 17 and in full time education I look after two boys aged 8 and 10 both with autism usually two days per week for a few hours. This can be Thursdays anytime from 4 - 11, Saturdays anytime up until 11 and Sundays. I am not qualified, I took a crash first aid course with my school and have an Autism awareness diploma. I get paid £5 an hour. I am really confused as to what I would class myself, as I put the boys food on, play with them, take them to the park, soft play. Can anyone help me??

OP posts:
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chrome100 · 20/01/2016 09:01

I used to look after a boy with autism in the school holidays when I was 16/17 and he was 9/10. I worked 8-6 every day in the half terms and summer. I really enjoyed it, wasn't paid much but then I was only a school kid so I wouldn't expect to be.

Original poster
ELLNEW1698 · 10/01/2016 01:32

No its from the online academy I took it in my spare time last year.

OP posts:
peppielillyan · 09/01/2016 20:29

You sound like a home child carer to me.
Is the Advanced Diploma / Cert HE in Special Educational Needs from Leeds Becket the one you have?

Original poster
ELLNEW1698 · 09/01/2016 01:35

Parents go out whether its to run errands or go out for day trips stuff like that I have never felt my age is a problem more the lack of predictability that goes with the job, their moods can change in a flash.

OP posts:
Blondeshavemorefun · 08/01/2016 20:58

Whoops hit send

As 4/8 thur so more of babysitting role tho obv weekend work you do all day on a Saturday

Where are the parents?

And yes it is a lot for you to take on 2 boys with autism when you are only 7yrs older then them

Blondeshavemorefun · 08/01/2016 20:54

You are 17 so you are being well paid over nmw - which is £3.81 - so yes you may think you are being underpaid but you aren't for your age

You Havnt any childcare quals and although you are doing some daytime care I would call you a babysitter tho others may say nanny

Original poster
ELLNEW1698 · 08/01/2016 17:25

Thank you sitsonfence and wiIdfire

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WiIdfire · 08/01/2016 17:17

I called it babysitting when I did it, but the children were you nger and it was usually early evening. I did some in the daytime when their mum was at home, although I'd take the children to the park on my own etc - I would call that mother's helper. It think you could sell this as nannying though. Either way, I earned £4-5 per hour for less responsibility and this was 15 years ago, so I do think you could earn more.

SitsOnFence · 08/01/2016 17:15

I'd say you were a Nanny.

I pay a local 15 year old (a junior leader from DD's Rainbows group) £5/hour to look after 5 yo DD and then-6 yo DS on odd days when I work from home over the school holidays. I would class her as a babysitter, despite the daytime hours, as she's not really in sole charge (except maybe the odd short trip out to the park) and I prepare lunch and snacks for them all.

You sound fantastic btw, good luck with your studies!

Original poster
ELLNEW1698 · 08/01/2016 17:14

When I do get bruises it is by accident they don't mean to and I am on my own the majority of the time however the boys are for the most part well behaved.

OP posts:
Original poster
ELLNEW1698 · 08/01/2016 17:09

A standard week last year week be like this Thursday - 4pm - 8pm and Saturday 11 am - 6pm however this could increase or decrease depending on the week I have stayed till past midnight before

OP posts:
ElinorRochdale · 08/01/2016 17:07

Is everyone missing OP's post at 13.52, where she says she sometimes comes away with bruises? Isn't anyone concerned about a seventeen year old in sole charge of boys of eight and ten with special needs? OP, is there an adult on the premises when you are there?

wizzywig · 08/01/2016 17:06

You do more than my nanny. I pay her £8 p/h gross in home counties. I have 2 kids with asd.

wizzywig · 08/01/2016 17:04

You do more than my nanny and i have two kids with asd. I pay her £8 an hour gross. She has no childcare qualifications.

ProjectPerfect · 08/01/2016 17:00

I'm not clear on your hours.

You say you work a few hours between 4-11 are you expected to be available at any time during those hours or are the hours decided on by mutual agreement?

And ignore bonkerz she sounds...erm... Bonkers

sleepwhenidie · 08/01/2016 16:52

Maybe ask around locally to get a feel for babysitting rates. I think what you do sounds over and above whatever that would be (because of the SN and also the duties involved - most babysitting, imo, does not include taking children out or preparing meals and presumably clearing up after), so you could justifiably ask for more, but of course you need to know what you will do if you get turned down.

Original poster
ELLNEW1698 · 08/01/2016 16:42

I have an A* in health and social care and I am also very experienced working with SEN children despite my age I have set up a support group for siblings of children with autism and Asperger's, I have won a Autism champion award for my support of my brother and fundraising and my brother has Autism and Asperger's who I helped from a very young age. I am going to uni this year to become a Primary school teacher.

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RM00054 · 08/01/2016 16:38

According to Ofsted babysitting is done between 6pm and 2am.
Therefore you're a nanny. You don't need qualifications or insurance to be a nanny. However, if you want a career as a nanny it would be beneficial to get both of these and a first aid qualification.

I don't think you're underpaid; because of your age and lack of qualifications / previous experience. You're page a lot higher than minimum wage (£3.80ish?).
If you get a first aid qualification when you turn 18 you could ask for a raise?
Do you have any GCSEs relevant to childcare?

Original poster
ELLNEW1698 · 08/01/2016 16:37

I live in the South West of England

OP posts:
sleepwhenidie · 08/01/2016 16:31

I think you sound underpaid but it depends where you are in the country, in London £8-£10 ph is the going rate...Bonkerz you sound seriously underpaid!

MajesticSeaFlapFlap · 08/01/2016 16:20

Your a babysitter

Original poster
ELLNEW1698 · 08/01/2016 16:18

Bonkerz - I don't understand why you are so angry I'm only asking a question

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littleducks · 08/01/2016 15:17

I dont think you can compare a CM (self employed) charges per child (so in theory multiple £3/hr up to ratio limits) is comparable with someone working for one family in their home.

I pay my babysitter more but she is over 18 and is for occasional childcare. Her main job is at my son's nursery.

Bonkerz · 08/01/2016 14:42

As an OFSTED registered childminder with a degree and an outstanding grade I only charge £3 per hour so YES I think as an unqualified person with no over heads and it being cash in hand I think your pay is very fair!!!!

ginmakesitallok · 08/01/2016 13:54

If you were qualified then I'd say you were underpaid. You're not though.