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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

Can anyone help me decide...............?

20 replies

JenumGeranium · 27/02/2006 19:06

I have been offered a job looking after twin girls of 7 months and maybe their 4 year old brother sometimes. I think it would be in their home, as it would mean me re registering as a childminder and I don't think I can go through all that bumf again if it was to be in my home.

The thing is I have a 3.5 year old who goes to playgroup every morning from 9.30 till 12. He starts nursery school in Sept. The family (who I know from working in a day nursery) is fine with him coming with me. So I could take him out of playgroup, but then he will be starting school in Sept.

They will want me for 4 days a week full time
starting in April.
They want me to start just doing a Monday am as from next week!

My first thought is that its not going to work, but just thought I'd ask for opinions.

Also what kind of fees could I charge? They want me to say what I would charge and I have no idea!

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

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RTKangaMummy · 27/02/2006 19:15

wouldn't it be as a live out nanny?

rather than childminder??????

Original poster

JenumGeranium · 27/02/2006 19:18

Yes, it would be like a live out nanny.

OP posts:

jellyjelly · 27/02/2006 19:28

wHY DONT YOU THINK IT WILL WORK? Is this your gut feeling?

Original poster

JenumGeranium · 27/02/2006 19:33

To be honest I really dont know?!

I'm thinking maybe it could work, but then what if it doesn't? I don't want to be wasting peoples time!

I am discussing this with DH as we speak.

We are now thinking it would be ok, but I really want my DS to stay at playgroup so we would have to work around that. I would have to start a bit later and I think DH would be able to pick him up! I would feel better not having him with me, if that makes sense.

There is just so much to think about. Do nannies get a contract? I have never been a nanny before!

OP posts:

RTKangaMummy · 27/02/2006 19:37

Make a list of for and against

to help sort it out

IMHO I would want to keep your DS happy before considering others

mumlove · 27/02/2006 19:41

Is the 4yr old already at school?

Will your son be going to the the same school?

Would the family take holidays in the school hols to make sure you get some time alone with your son?

Original poster

JenumGeranium · 27/02/2006 19:44

No the 4 year old is not starting school untill Jan I think. He will be going to a nursery a couple of mornings a week I think - everything is still a bit up in the air - I only went to see the family today.

My son will not be going to the same school as we live about 10 mins away (in the car) from the family.

As for holidays, I am unsure about this.

As I said, everything is still a bit up in the air really as the mum only phoned me today out of the blue.

I think I can do the job and would love to look after twin 7 month old girls!

OP posts:

HappyMumof2 · 27/02/2006 20:01

would she be expecting you to pick up 4 year old as well as your ds? or is she only wanting temporary?

Original poster

JenumGeranium · 27/02/2006 20:01

OK guys - thanks for your advice. I think I need to have a really good think and sleep on it. I have a headache now .

OP posts:

Original poster

JenumGeranium · 27/02/2006 20:04

If I was picking up her ds then I wouldnt pick my ds up - my hubby could do that hopefully. I am not sure if she wants me to pick up her ds, but it wouldnt be a problem.

OP posts:

joanna4 · 27/02/2006 22:28

sounds like you need a much clearer indication of what exactly is expected before you make any descions regarding anything.Also the list thing is good.For what its worth gut instinct is normally right and I would be very sure before all the upheaval around your own family comes along.

Original poster

JenumGeranium · 28/02/2006 08:37

Thanks joanna4. You are right!

I am going to go with my gut instinct and decline the offer - just have to tell them now!

OP posts:

pol25 · 28/02/2006 09:19

Before I had my dd whsose now 18 months I used to be a nanny in cambridge to three children, one at nursery four mornings and two at school.
I was classed as live out although felt like I lived there! I had sole use of a car and £250 nett per week with extras for babysitting etc...
I know a girl who continued to nanny after her baby was born and she gets £206 nett per week plus a car- this is in norwich. She works roughly 7am-7pm and her two are at school full time. For any extras she works, sleep overs etc she gets £60 per night and £60 per day at weekends.
Not sure where you are and how revelvant but good luck I hope it works out for you!

Original poster

JenumGeranium · 28/02/2006 09:29

Thanks pol25!

I recently gave up childminding and said I would prefer a break from working with children. I previously worked in a private day nursery for 8 years! I also have 2 of my own, so I think I should try something different maybe. The money side of it sounds good, but I would hate to start the job and then find I didnt enjoy it.

OP posts:

joanna4 · 28/02/2006 18:36

How did it go I am sure you have done the right thing you wanted the break time to try something new,good luck.

nannynick · 28/02/2006 21:10

I find with nannying that it's best to go on gut instinct. If you have doubts when you initially meet a family, it's not going to work out - at least, not in my experience.

So I think you made the right decision.

PS. Any nannying related questions, feel free to ask me directly (CAT me, or look me up on Google) or post on here, I usually spot the thread eventually!

Original poster

JenumGeranium · 01/03/2006 08:27

Oh thanks guys!

I told the family yesterday and I just felt really bad. It was like I was their last hope. But I am sure they will work something out.

I would have had twin girls aged 7 months to look after and possibly their 4 year old brother oh and maybe one day I would have had the mothers sisters little girl who is 1 and maybe her older girl after school! Just sounds like so much!

The family are lovely, I know them from working in the nursery, it was just the whole situation I had the bad feeling about. I don't think I would have coped.

OP posts:

HellyBelly · 01/03/2006 18:26

I've come late but just wanted to say hello :) and I haven't forgotten about getting back about selling your website - just need to work stuff out

Original poster

JenumGeranium · 02/03/2006 09:25

Thanks Helen!

Don't worry about it - I know you are on the case!

OP posts:

HellyBelly · 02/03/2006 11:22

Cheers, it's just been a bit mad the last few weeks with 3 new mindees and extra emergency cover work. Will get back to you asap as it would be nice if you could get some money back from the site! :)

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