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Original poster

What childcare do u use for 8yrs+??? Would you use a homework club???

56 replies

MrsMaker88 · 26/12/2018 20:33

I really need to earn some extra cash and for various reasons it’s near on impossible to work right now.

I’m pretty good with most school subjects and I enjoy having a full house. I was thinking of setting up a breakfast club and after school homework club for 4 kids 3 days a week.

What do most people do with their kids over 8years??? Would you use a homework club???

I was planning to charge a couple of pound per session more than our local after school club (which is full) as I will be giving the kids some extra focus.

My kids are 3 and 5 so I’m not sure what age most kids are allowed to walk home alone / stay home alone.. guessing it’s not till at least 10yrs...?

OP posts:
KindergartenKop · 26/12/2018 21:41

Would you essentially be a a childminder for older kids? You'd probably need to be registered with ofsted.
I think this would be popular. I'd want care until about 6 30pm and would pay extra for my kids to have a sandwich tea.

Original poster
MrsMaker88 · 26/12/2018 21:49

Yes. With a focus on homework as that’s not something they do at the local after school club and I thought there may be a demand for that. Sandwiches would work well.

OP posts:
Original poster
MrsMaker88 · 26/12/2018 21:51

Someone on another thread said I need insurance, first aid, DBS, car business insurance.. I won’t need to register with ofsted but poss with the council

OP posts:

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KeepServingTheFestiveSnogs · 26/12/2018 21:55

I've run hw clubs and they were very v popular, but were in the schools I already work in and FOC for parents.

What you're suggesting sounds like a v different thing. I don't know enough about childminding plus, which is what you're talking about.

But I would say 8 yr olds don't generally get that much homework. Only reading and maybe spellings as an every night thing.. And something once a week. Often something make-y

In the schools I know, generally children aren't allowed to walk home alone until at least yr 4 or 5

MsJaneAusten · 26/12/2018 21:56

I would use something like this, but ideally I’d want my younger child to go to the same place (one of the reasons after school clubs are so popular). Could you set up as a childminder so that prospective parents could also send younger siblings?

MincePieMum · 26/12/2018 22:00

Our after school club goes right up to the end of juniors, so 10/11. I think it depends what school area and how far away it's for what age they walk home alone/with friends.

I think yr 5 for us, to walk home by himself. But our school is 5 mins away and only 2 small residential roads to cross.

We would probably not want a homework club, DS does well at school but very much enjoys physical play, sports etc. I see the after school club as a chance to play with kids of all ages and make different friendship groups. As an only child that aspect is important to me.

Not helpful, but I wouldn't use tour service. Perhaps you should work out what kind of parent/child is your 'target customer'. And then shape the service you offer to meet the needs of your ideal.

Who are you appealing to?
busy parents with guilt for not spending time helping kids with their homework?
Kids who won't do it unless supervised.
Parents with less confidence in their own knowledge and ability to help.
Parents who can't afford a tutor?

Or something different, like pick up and drop offs?
Offer pick up from school and drop off to a sports club or hobby.
If you're in a grammar school area, almost every primary yr5 will be tutored to some extent. Pick up and drop off to tutored sessions.

Or offer a few different style of sessions:
Homework supervision
Baking (+£ for ingredients)
Nature walks/The Daily Mile

Just do some research first to find out what parents want first. You may fins they just want more places for the after school club and would happily sign up for the identical service from you. You will definitely need to be registered with OFSTED for most of these things, if not all. Good luck!

Original poster
MrsMaker88 · 26/12/2018 22:03

Good points thank you. Hadn’t considered they don’t have much homework as my five year old already gets some so I just assumed it increases!

Childcare is lacking a bit here and there is def room for more childminders for the littler ones too but there are more costs involved. I need to do my sums!

OP posts:
Original poster
MrsMaker88 · 26/12/2018 22:09

I probably was targeting parents who would ideally love to help with homework after school but don’t have time due to work

OP posts:
Original poster
MrsMaker88 · 26/12/2018 22:11

The lift service idea is a good one but I think my own kids would hate doing that with me!

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LEDadjacent · 26/12/2018 22:23

Around here there's good money to be made as a childminder before and after school. It's worth the hassle of Ofsted registration.

Original poster
MrsMaker88 · 26/12/2018 22:29

Thank you! Everything I seem to read says there is no money in it unless you are full to capacity all the time and then it’s just ok!

OP posts:
5fivestar · 26/12/2018 22:31

No it’s very worthwhile, do a proper business plan ... I will turn over £200,000 next year

Original poster
MrsMaker88 · 26/12/2018 22:34

Wow!!!! I’m not sure I can manage a lot of young children tho. It’s such a big responsibility. I worry they mind find something and choke or get a head injury etc etc etc.. plus I have my own 2, how old are yours 5fivestar

OP posts:
titchy · 26/12/2018 22:38

The parents who don't have time for the relatively small amount of primary homework will be the ones who can't pick up from school so you'd have to do that, and I can't see what the difference between you and a childminder would be...?

Starlight456 · 26/12/2018 22:41

I can’t see why you wouldn’t need to register with Ofsted.

Our primary school homework was reading as they got older probably took an hour a week at the most 10 spelling and either a maths or English challenge

BringOnTheScience · 26/12/2018 22:42

If your own DCs are only 3 and 5, are you fully up to speed with the current primary curriculum, especially the SPAG? Can you help a year 4 sort the present perfect from the simple past tense and their co-ordinating from their subordinating conjunctions?

5fivestar · 26/12/2018 22:45

My youngest is 8. You must have paediatric first aid training, I don’t care what the law says it’s a moral responsibility when you have other people’s children in your care. I’m more qualified now than I was as a young mother.

I would recommend registering with ofstead most people will want to claim the rebate.

Original poster
MrsMaker88 · 26/12/2018 22:46

Yes I’d be a childminder basically. But for over 8s you don’t register with ofsted so I thought it might be less costly to set up. Money is not great right now.

A working mum mentioned the homework concern to me so I thought there might be a gap and I would enjoy helping them with it!

I can do pick ups, just checking people don’t just send kids home on their own as I don’t see that many older kids at the after school club.

OP posts:
GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat · 26/12/2018 22:47

By 8 most kids are settled in to some sort of childcare provision already.

Original poster
MrsMaker88 · 26/12/2018 22:48

Thanks 5star. What rebate? For 3 yo you mean?

Yes good point. I’m training in emergency first response for a Saturday job but it’s not specifically paediatric

OP posts:
GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat · 26/12/2018 22:50

No she means parents can claim tax free childcare payments or UC or vouchers.

Original poster
MrsMaker88 · 26/12/2018 22:51

Bring on the science I’m not a qualified tutor, I’d just be on hand to help them find the information they can access in books and online etc like I will with my kiddos

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Original poster
MrsMaker88 · 26/12/2018 22:52

Ahh ta!

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5fivestar · 26/12/2018 22:56

Most kids aren’t settled by 8 at all. My unique selling point is no under year 1’s to cry, whinge and generally distract the activities the older children enjoy. Lots of local childminders turn up at the school gates with babies in tow, I don’t see how that meets either child’s needs

GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat · 26/12/2018 23:01

If you’re a childminder turning over £200k then you have far too many children to not call that a distraction!

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