Childminders..help a few questions for a newbie

[JennaJ]

Hi everyone
I have been lurking for a while, but this is my first post. Im registering as a childminder at the moment and I need some advice.
I have had a query from a school teacher at my sons school about looking after her 2 boys from March (so will fingers crossed be registered by then). Now she is coming for a chat later Arghhhhh and have a few questions I know she will ask that I don't have the answers too and I thought you lot might be able to help

How much do you charge for siblings? Im going to charge £5 an hour (as I live in London) is it full rate for the 2nd child or am I supposed to offer a discount??

Also as she is a school teacher it will only be during school term time, can I charge a retainer fee for the places during the school holidays and how much would you normally charge??

Thanks so much for your advice
Jenna

Message withdrawn

Offer a discount for second child from same family, have you checked the prices of other childminders in your area before you set it at £5. Many childminders take half rate on holidays or charge a retainer fee per day! I personally don't charge on holidays as i am term time only but i have added 50p to the hourly rate and that covers my holiday pay!

YES i KNOCK OFF 50P PER HR FOR 2ND SIBLING!
IM IN WALES - SO £3.50 PER HR BUT I ONLY DO A DISCOUNT IF ONE OF THEM IS FULL TIME. NOT IF THEY ARE BOTH PART TIME

you don't have to offer a discount at all, many childminders don't because

• the amount of work/quality of service is no less for siblings
• siblings can bring in problems of their own, eg arguing/fighting
• with the introduction of tax credits help it might be argued that the parent should be able to afford the full fee
• the childminder's income is already limited by the number of places she can offer; if some of these are discounted it can be more difficult for the business to stay afloat/earn a living.

on the other hand if enquiries are few it might be worth offering a small discount to close the contract. not all parents are eligible for tax credits and paying for one childcare place can be difficult enough. Some childminders discount as little as 10p an hour. Others charge £1-2 per hour eg, for 3rd and subsequent siblings.

Never apply any discount to the youngest child - apply any discount to the eldest child as you may end up only caring for the younger child (eg when the eldest goes to school) and this has caused problems when parents have expected the childminder to continue at the lower rate!

that should say you may end up ONLY caring for the younger child ...

Thanks Very Much, I asked her the full rate for the second child and half rates for half terms. They are both part timers and both term time only... I explained to her how difficult it is to take 2 part timers on term time only as it will really restrict the other places I have available..... I don't think she liked me much anyway!!
I still have a lot to learn!!
Thanks for your advice
Jenna