Is it possible to employ a childminder for a few hours a day?

[jerryg]

.....or is this impossible? I understand its probably not likely :( My husband could possibly work from 11am, so I'm hoping to work mornings, only needing childcare for an hour or so for the cross-over. Trying to work out how we could do this. Thanks.

A childminder friend of mine cared for a child for 2 hours today... so it's possible. It depends on if it fits with what the childminder wants to work.

I have a child three times a week for two hours at a time so her mum can go for a run. She varies her run times so it fits in with me.

If it was only a couple of hours, I'd prefer it not in the middle of the day and not for 5 days.

It's possible. However you may be charged for more than just one hour as some childminders have fees per session, daily fees or a minimum charge for an X number of hours. It all depends how old the child is. I assume the child is in the early year's group (0-5). I would be charging minimum for three hours as otherwise it would not be worthwhile and I would not be able to fill the rest of the day with another child ...

I do this. I offer a complete 'come and go as you please' service and you pay for only what you use, not what you book.

I am one of the only childminders I know who does this though. However I have my own reasons for doing so.

As others have said, it is a bit of a pain if the hours are in the middle of the day as it prevents the childminder having another child for the whole day or a morning/afternoon.

Do ask around though, you may be surprised how things like this sometimes fit in well with people.

Some childminders mind children at nursery and so might have the hours in between drop off and pick up that they have a vacancy. It's usually a very difficult gap to fill, so it's worth a try!

Thanks for all your replies, good to know there is a small possibility. Will get researching x

Just a wee note, remember you do not employ a cm, you are paying for a service.

Mine does 20 mins three times a week!

She has another job though so really only cm wraparound and holiday care. (DD is 9 and at school)
She also charges by the half hour and you only pay for what you use so I don't pay if I'm off sick or DD is.

It's fantastic for me.