are we likely to be able to get childminder cover for these hours?

[MamaChocoholic]

ds1 currently in independent nursery. has been offered a place at local (and lovely) children's centre. but in order to accept we will need to get a childminder to cover either:

wed 8.45 - 12.45

or

wed 8.45 - 12.45, 3.45 - 5.15
fri 2.45 - 5.15

with collection/dropping off at nursery.

is this likely to be possible? how much is it likely to cost? it would start end September, so we have some time to arrange, but if it's unlikely that a childminder would be prepared to do these hours, then we need to refuse the offer.

can anyone advise?

I would work those hours.

Only thing is that I would charge for the 3 hour 'gap' as it is blocking a space for another child.

I would charge £4.50ph (south east) all inclusive.

hth

thanks NN. would you really do just the wed morning or would you prefer the wed/fri combo? trying to work out whether to use the nursery's wrap around care (which isn't available wed mornings) or just a childminder. sounds like costs will be similar, except the 3 hours mid-wed would be additional if we try and find a CM to do both wed/fri.

Having already had a child with a split day I would also charge for the full day on the Wednesday (which I didn't) as I wouldn't be able to get another child in for the middle of the day.

It's also wprth bearing in mind that it is fairly unsettling for the child having a split day - being at home, then with the CM, then at nursery, then at the CMs again, then home again. It would actually be preferable to do just the morning because of this.

I charge £3ph all in but that's in the Midlands.

would you be prepared to take a child just for one morning a week though Fliss? I think this would be preferable because his day would be more settled, as you say, but I thought CMs would rather have children who did more hours

How old is the child?

Personally I'd be happy to take on the Wed only unless it was a baby (under 18 months) and then I don't think it would be enough to settle. Preferably the two days just so you get a chance to actually do things with them.

I would gladly take a child for one morning a week at the moment - it depends what demand is like in your area to be honest.

he will be 3.8. at least it sounds possible :) thanks so much.

think we will accept the place and start looking for a CM for wed mornings. any tips on where to look appreciated :cheeky grin:

Call your local FIS and ask for a copy of all local CM's.

Also Childcare.co.uk, netmums, gumtree, Childmindinghelp forum, ask friends and family for recommendations, ask the pre-school, post on your Facebook page.

HTH

thanks NN, really very helpful. one last thing: what's FIS?

Family Information Service used to be Children's Information service so might still be CIS in your area.

Hope you find someone! Message me if you're in Berkshire