emergency childcare today-what shall I charge??

[Cwmbranchildminder]

Hi All

I had social services ring me today to childmind a 16mth old straight away which I did and had lo from 2.15 till 4.30.

The social worker said just invoice her and she will send the money via the account dept which I understand takes a while but I dont mind.

What shall I charge for the hourly rate? I charge £3.50 per hr normally. I was think £5 per hr but my dh said to ask you lot as your always really helpful and have lots of experience.

I think I impressed s/s as she said she'd ring me again for the same and see if im free.

How do you get on the s/s emerg list - do they just phone up if something comes up?

I am not sure - I was thinking around £5 as well...

£5 seems fine as it was short notice and for a short time
if it had been all day i would have said £3.50-£4

I'd say time and a half, so 5.25 per hour.

If your interested in working for social services give them a ring in your area. I havent done that mind - I was going to but today they had an emergency and baby needed to be cared for so they had a list from CIS and rang me. Now I think they will use me again.
There can be some awful cirmcumstances but this little one today was so so sweet and it was nice to think I helped and she was happy here playing and laughing.

I've had several placements through Social Services - I think that once they realise that you are ready, willing and able, they call you again. Several of the children I've had have had special needs.

I charge the same hourly rate as I would charge for anyone else, even if it has been at short notice.

When I say "everyone else", I mean the same rate I charge the other parents I mind for.