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Childcare
Is £8 too much or reasonable???
vix1 · 22/06/2006 19:46
Im going to start advertising as a Babysitter in and around the Newbury, Berkshire area, would you say that £8 an hour is reasonable or too much?
Im qualified, police checked, excellent references, and drive, if that helps!
Comments appreciated
clairemmcc · 22/06/2006 20:18
I think that is quite a high price. Maybe if it was just for a couple of hours after school it would be ok, otherwise, surely not many people could afford that fee full time? I live in quite a wealthy area of London and am a childminder. As I am just starting out I'm only charging £5 per hour but even the experienced cms in this area only charge £6 per hour. Is there a local forum you could internet ask on? I guess it just depends on what everyone is charging so that you can be in line with that really (unless you find some rich parents )
Hope this helps
bluebear · 22/06/2006 20:23
We pay a babysitter with the same qualifications as you £7 per hour, and that is in London.
Have you tried looking at babysitter agency websites ( Is Sitters still around?) to see what they charge.
Will you only want jobs for a minimum number of hours? I know that some agency babysitters will charge for a minimum of 4 hours, but our babysitter gets a lot more work by being happy to do 2 or 3 hours if it's local.
vix1 · 22/06/2006 21:00
I thought it was a bit much, but other Nannies are saying that is what they would charge. I think I may advertise at that rate, and see what happens, I will let u all know if you need to up your prices or if i need to lower mine!
I cant afford to go much lower cuz the reason I am doing it is to save up for a deposit on a house!
Thanks for advice though
grumpyfrumpy · 23/06/2006 08:12
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southeastastra · 23/06/2006 08:26
£8 seems fine to me - you are looking after someone's child !!
it annoys me that childminders/babysitters are so badly paid, it is an important job. You get what you pay for. people are quick to moan when they get bad staff but aren't willing to pay for them.
nzshar · 23/06/2006 08:41
It would depend on the type of babysitting. If it was while the child was awake and needed entertaining or feeding etc then £8 is reasonable, if it was just to watch over them while they slept i would say nearer £6-6.50. My child is worth every penny i would pay. Having said that i am required to entertain and socially educate a 3 and a half year old as a childminder and only get £4ph!!!!
Pamina3 · 23/06/2006 08:49
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grumpyfrumpy · 23/06/2006 09:53
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