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Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

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Original poster

Babysitting for six children. Help!

7 replies

pinkandsparkly · 27/02/2011 22:22

I have been advertising for babysitting in my local area and I've just been asked what I would charge for looking after six children (siblings) aged from ten months to eight years!

I must admit I am a bit flummoxed, my rates are normally £6.50 an hour (going rate for where I live) for up to three siblings but I have no idea what to charge for six, or even I would be mad to consider it?

Advice and opinions most welcome.

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

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purplepidjin · 27/02/2011 22:26

If you don't feel you're experienced enough to look after 6, then either turn it down or take a mate and charge double? (No idea if this is usual practice?)

SingingSands · 27/02/2011 22:31

I sat for the six kids who lived next door when I was 17. I'm still traumatised.

nannynick · 27/02/2011 22:36

It may depend on what time you start and if the children are in bed or not. Also how many are under 3... thus may need more attention during the evening.

I'd say that £10 would be reasonable. Meet them, see what they are like. Get a feel for how much the oldest child would help out with the younger ones if they were all up.

Original poster

pinkandsparkly · 27/02/2011 22:45

It's not that I'm worried I'm not experienced enough, it's more the practicalities I need to consider. And how much is reasonable to charge. I don't want to rip them off but I also don't want to do it for my usual rate.

Singingsands, I sat for four kids round the corner at 17 and that was bad enough, very clingy baby who only wanted mum. Didn't put me off though, still babysitting 15 years later!

OP posts:

Original poster

pinkandsparkly · 27/02/2011 22:51

Yes nick you are quite right about the time etc... This was just an initial enquiry generated from my ad on whispers Facebook! I've told her I'll get back to her.

There are 3 really little ones of 3 and under. Think I might be a bit busy!

OP posts:

Original poster

pinkandsparkly · 27/02/2011 22:52

Didn't mean to bold whispers, doh!

OP posts:

eastmidlandsnightnanny · 28/02/2011 09:12

I charge the same no matter how many children in the family I charge per family - I have babysat for 6 children from same family and also had 7 children from 3 different families one night (i charge time and half when children are from different families whether 2 or 7 children in total) and you think will be busy and yes ok it was but once put to bed (I requested parents did the bathing and putting into PJ's of younger ones beforehand) then its all done - you may have older children up a bit later but I like babysitting for larger families.

I am the eldest of eight children though and was hands on from a very early age so maybe thats why large families dont flummoxe me.

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