Would a childminder offer ad hoc sessions if they weren't full?

[HarriettJones]

And how much roughly does a CM cost?

Dh & I both work part time & my parents fill the gaps in childcare( usually 1 day a week). My Grandad is ill and my Mum is needing more time to look after him. She would hate me saying I would use a CM instead but I wondered if a CM would do occaisional days( like when they have hospital apts etc).
Our other option is dh dropping a days work occaisionally as it may be cheaper than paying someone but he was hoping to start a business this year and really needs to start soon.

I only do adhoc work as it suits me inbetween doing my second job (am fully reg childminder and other job) . Family info service in my borough are useless at giving prospective parents the right info though and I rarely get suitable families through them. All my work comes from other childminders who know what I do and pass prospective parents over, so its worth asking around!
I am near Heathrow, if that is suitable please PM me.

I also offer adhoc care when not full. Some will charge a bit more than their usual rate, I just charge the same which is £4.50ph (South East). The cost really does depend on where you live.

Other end of the country thanks!

I know a couple if CMs through school run/toddler group but wondered if it was a bit cheeky to ask. I know one has spaces at the moment as she only has 2 part timers. She always seems really good and friend used her before she moved away.

Yes I would offer it. It suits me not to have all my pre school places filled (I like spending time with my own children during the day) but I amhappy to do adhoc work.

The one I used to use would - it's a little bit of a faff filling in the forms to register with them, but not a big deal. She was always quite glad of the money I think. More likely to be a problem if DC is under 1 or if he/she is hard to leave and gets unsettled with just ocassional sessions. They charge around £5 an hour round here (South East)

Mine does - worth asking :) Mine is £4 an hour which includes food, drinks, outings, nappies. Midlands area, from posting on here it seems the SE is about £1-1.50 an hour more expensive but everywhere else is roughly the same, unless there is a big discrepancy between the amount of CM places and the amount of places needed in your area.

Thanks everyone.

I would do, I only have a before and after schoolie at the mo although a lady has asked me to mind a 16 month old for 2 or 3 days a week which suits me, not sure I have the energy to do a full week now ,

I charge by the day babies and toddlers (0-3 yrs) £30 per day with meals and tots group fees all in and it reduces to hourly rate as they go to nursery school at 3.

mine does. the kids are registered already as they've attended the childminders I used previously. Its probably just worth finding a few then asking them personally. If they do, then get all the forms filled out in preparation and maybe take your dc to them a couple of times just to settle.

forgot to say - I'm in Cambridgeshire. I have two CMs that I use, my neighbour (she is registered) who charges £3 an hour. My other CM is £4.75 ph (but offers a bit more of a stimulating environment) and our nursery is somewhere in the middle - they also offer emergency childcare, but generally only for children that already use the service more regularly