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Paid childcare

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

Original poster

When should I start looking for a childminder?

3 replies

Mambear · 02/06/2010 14:10

I need a childminder in London for the beginning of September.

I have called a couple, and the ones who have spaces want you to pay a retainer fee of half the full weekly fee - I cannot afford this as it is all of my maternity pay.

Does anyone have any advice on what I should do? Should I hang back and start looking closer to the date I go back to work to avoid a lengthy retainer fee? Or, should I look for one that has a space in September?

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CityChildminder · 02/06/2010 19:06

Mambear, I am not far from De Beviour.I live just off Old Street roundabout. If this is any good my email is citychildminder at yahoo dot co dot uk

actonchildminder · 02/06/2010 17:55

hi Mambear, where about in london are you?

apotomak · 02/06/2010 15:30

Unfortunately if you want to book a space you will have to pay a retainer. Unless there is a childminder who knows she'll have somebody leaving in August and she'd like a new child to start in Sept but you'll have to pay a deposit now to hold the place for you.
Alternatively you can look nearer the time but then the choice may be very limited ...