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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

CM Settling sessions

5 replies

nikosmum2010 · 17/04/2011 09:56

I am about to sign up with a CM. They told me settling sessions may be £5/hr (babysitting rate?), shouldn't they be less/free? Also, I need advice on settling a 9month old, how many sessions should I do and for how long, I start work in 3 weeks time. Thanks

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amberandgregsmom · 17/04/2011 10:05

£5 sounds dear - my childminder is only £3 an hour. My kids went to a nursery first and they did a few - one where I stayed in the room, one where I stayed nearby but not in the same room, they did one morning one so they could be fed there and an afternoon one I think.

It normally depends how they cope - if they aren't used to you not being there it will be tough but childminder should really advise.

Hope that helps

looneytune · 17/04/2011 10:50

Is this more than their standard hourly rate? If so, it's rather odd and I've never heard of it before. If it's their normal rate then it's fine, although I personally offer 3 x 2 hours for free (and then a 4 week settling in period on the contract where the contract can be terminated with no notice).

nervatious · 17/04/2011 12:53

Yes settling in is usually less or free, especially if you are there. I don't charge for 2x 2hr settling in sessions either, but when we do the first morning settling session its full price.

Be good to build up to what you will be doing when you go back to work before you actually do, though I would do this over 4 weeks. Obviously some mums don't have this luxury!

HSMM · 17/04/2011 16:08

I don't charge while parents are here, although I discourage this, as it is for the parents and doesn't help the child settle at all (in my opinion).

I charge my normal hourly rate for the child's sessions and these can be as many, or as few as the parents would like. These sessions also depend on whether I have a space available for the child before their actual start date.

I hope this helps. You will find that each CM is different, because we are self employed and it is up to you to negotiate rates. If this is your CM's normal arrangement (or normal for CMs in your area), then you may have to live with it I'm afraid.

Original poster

nikosmum2010 · 18/04/2011 11:57

thanks all for the advice. I have managed to negotiate an initial free 2 hour session and subsequent reduced rates with CM for the settling sessions.

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