Childminders-would this be a nightmare job for you?

[oddgirl]

Hiya
thinking of going back to work in October when DS (5) will be in year 2 and DD (3)will be going into reception full time. Thing is I only need 2 days child care and only termtime before and after school. Is this totally unreasonable form a CM point of view. On top of all that I need term time only and on top of all that DS is on the autistic spectrum though mild with no massive behaviour problems.
As a CM would you run a mile from us....

no i don't think it is. you would have to pay a retainer for teh summer period that you wouldn't be using the CM so tehy can hold the places for you, but before and after school care is very normal and tehre are lots of CMers with experience of chidlren with autism, and even soem who dont but are happy to take them aswell. just give yourself plenty of time to find teh right person.

Thanks ILove it-you have really cheered me up-am so worried about DS which is why I havent even considered going back to work but he is now very settled at school (statemented) and I think would cope well with the right person...so you have made my night to think I wasnr being totally insane to evevn contemplate it!

I happily offer term-time-only contracts. I do not charge any kind of retainer during school holidays, but offer an ad hoc ("pay-as-you-go") service during holidays. I also have a particular interest in working with children with special needs, however mild/severe.

You would actually be my ideal parent!

Term time not a problem at all, i would charge a retainer fee to keep your space for you. I think as long as cm knows about autism, thru previous experience or you giving as much relavant info and advice as you can then that should not be a problem either :)

My dd went to a childminder 2 days a week when she was younger, which then went to 2 after nursery sessions a week once she started nursery.

The childminder was fine with it - she had other parents who used the other days.

Thats great advice everyone-thanks so much-dont suppose you are in Herts are you prisoner-you sound ideal
Was most concerned re the autism issue as wouldnt want people to think DS would be a nightmare because he is delightful...if a little quirky!!

Shame, no, I'm not - but am sure you will find someone equally as lovely - I have a delightful, quirky daughter!

oddgirl, where in Herts are you?

I am in St Albans, have special needs experience and have some part time places left

I do the same as ThePrisoner,
Im in Herts, Im Markyate.

Bloomin computer...
I cant to St Albans tho, as I have pick ups from our village scool, and the Monessori up the the road

Get to, and Montessori that should be.....

Ladies-I am actually in Harpenden so I guess not right for either of you but thanks-its very reassuring to know there are people out there who enjoy looking after special needs children.