How are fees worked out and paid for?

[ratbagcatbag]

Hi everyone

I'm wondering if you can help at all please?

I'm currently ten weeks pregnant,which is very early, but have been looking into childminders and I'm confused how you pay for them!

The general rate appears to be £35 per day,so do you times this by five for full week and the 52 for full year and divide by 12 equal payments or do you not pay for bank holidays and xmas etc.

Also what happens regarding our holidays and child minder holidays, is it still full pay, half pay etc?

I know this may seem early but I will have to return to work after five months so was just wondering.

Thanks all.

each childminder is self employed and will run their business according to their own needs.

You will need to ask each individual childminder these questions and the anwers may vary hugely.

In my setting, I charge an hourly fee in advance. If I am open, I charge and if I'm closed then I don't charge. I take 4 weeks holiday (unpaid) each year and am open at all other times and charge accordingly. I invoice each month for the days that are to be used for that month.

I charge a daily rate whenever I'm available to work. I invoice the paremts before the start of each month. A couple of parents prefer to average it out and pay a monthly standing order.

We're all different.

really does vary from childminder to childminder - have you looked into childcare vouchers as many take them and thats a big saving -and both you and any partner can often get them from your employers
I think personally that its a bit cheeky if CMs charge for their holidays - and I have never come across it except on mumsnet

Holiday fees vary - I give parents two weeks at 50% rates and myself two weeks at 50% rates. Some minders charge nothing for when they're away but full fees for when parents are away so it often comes out in the wash. I charge £50 a day for each day I am available to work (so not bank holidays) and I don't average out invoices - parents get a specific invoice for the month that takes into account any holidays, bank holidays etc.

Thanks all for the replies. Myself and DH both work for the same company and will both be taking full value in vouchers to whatever we are allowed.
I guess towards the end of pregnancy it's a case of looking round and seeing what fits with us :)

Thanks again :)

I would say any time from 6 or 7 months onwards would be a good time - I would visit some nurseries just to get a feel for alternatives