Going rate for childminders in SW London?

[PassthePercyPigs]

Hi all,

Going to meet a potential childminder tomorrow for my as yet unborn DC(due in 3 weeks). I'm having to go back to work one or two days a week from January and this woman sounds fantastic - 20 years experience, OFSTED inspected, no more than 8 children at a time and always has a helper. She also lives just round the corner.

She charges £7 an hour which includes food. Obviously my baby won't be needing meals as I'll be providing milk so should I ask for a lower rate? Does £7ph sound like a high rate, or pretty average for South West London?

Thanks,

PtPP

Why not ring other childminders and ask? The rates may be very different ... two friends of mine use childminders in Norwood and one pays £5 while the other one £7.