looking for a childminder that doesn't charge in holidays - Cobham area

[annieblessing]

Hi, I'm looking for a childminder for 2 days a week from september until christmas. Then 4 days after that until September 2012. Wondered whether anyone knew any good childminders that don't charge in the holidays in the cobham area?
Thanks

I know a lot of cms in the Weybridge/New Haw area - they all charge a retainer for the holidays often around half pay.

I would advertise on all the local childcare boards - you may be lucky!

You need to find someone who does term time only contracts. There are some and they may not necessarily advertise the fact, so phone around.

I know some nurseries here in the east midlands offer term time only contracts and some childminders do but charge a 50% retainer in holidays

As another option you could offer to pay a higher hourly rate to the childminder it often works out not much different to paying a retainer the childminder is then free to advertise a holiday space.
I offer term time contracts but I am more expensive than other ninders who don't.

Thank you everyone for the advice. I will continue to look around and great idea about paying a higher hourly rate, thanks Danthe4th

I find you have to phone and ask them as they never advertise the fact IME. In the past I have had CM who don't charge for the holidays (I am guessing you are a teacher) at all. Recently though I have had to pay 50 % as a retainer.

At the moment I have two CM (don't ask!). One I don't pay for the holidays but I pay a higher hourly rate. The other one I pay a retainer.

Hi Annieblessing,
My name is Sandy and I am an Early Years Teacher living in Cobham. I am in the process of registering as a childminder and I have a son aged 3y 7months and a daughter aged 2y 4months. How old is your child? What kind of hours will you be working? I work one day a week at school and the rest of the week I am a Mummy :-) I have been told that the registration process takes about 12 weeks.......which may work our pefectly for when you start back at work in Septemeber!

Hi Sandy,

As from September I will looking for a childminder 3 or 4 days a week near the Cobham area 8am until 4.30pm or 6.00pm depending which days, are you available or could you suggest anybody else? We will discuss payment etc if you are able to do this for a 3 month old.