Childminder in London rates

[Newmother8668]

What's a decent hourly rate for a childminder that takes care of your baby at your own home?

Newtothis.....unless its less than 2 hours a day anyone other than family need to be Ofsted registered if caring fro children in the child-minders home (only Ofsted registered should call themselves childminders) if they are not in the above criteria they are illegal and uninsured.

How many hours do you need? I guess it has to be enough hours to make the paperwork worthwhile and to warrant turning other work away....unless your super flexible and just happen to fit into another clients needs.

Theclockstruck2...
charging whilst at school -
If its a part time place at school like a nursery that is normal as your child is taking up a full time space that can not be filled so you pay for nursery time.
Once a child enters 30 hours full time funding at school or reception tahy can now be counted in the over 8 ratio so the cm can still take 3 under 5 children and a 4 year old in full time education.
However they can only have a total of 6 under 8 so if they already have 3 school age children and you ask for your child (under 8 or a 30 hour funding or one moving into reception) to use their service or stay with the cm your child will stop the cm earing a full time wage so they may say they will only do this if you pay the full time price - you may wish to do this if for example its only a few weeks until another child's 8th birthday and you need the space or wish not to move your child....or if you cant find anyone else.

If a child is going to nursery or taking the funding in another setting expecting a cm to do the wrap around care without payment for lost earnings is a bit like asking Tesco's to deliver your Sainsbury shop you can get food in both places so why would Tesco's drop a £50 Sainsbury's shop to you with your £10 Tesco order and your going to pa for delivery for anything under £40 to make you spend £40.
You choose not to use funding with a cm who offers exactly the same things ie the EYFS then the parent has to pay.

If the cm is charging full price for an over 5 and they are not full in the 5 to 8 age range I think that is excessive and wouldn't do it personally.

Thanks Jannier that’s helpful. Yes I’m talking about a 5 year old in reception. In my area if it’s your only child they charge full time rate per hour all day, or if you have a younger sibling with them it’s a retainer during the hours they are at school, about 6.50 an hour. It’s part of the reason I’m not working right now!!

Should clarify that, I think it’s absolutely right they should be paid well for what they do, but I’m not a high earner myself (teacher) and with 2 kids the costs are too high.

Theclockstruck2 .....the retainer in the school day unless as I've stated they then cant take an under 5 is in my opinion unjustified unless they also offer home schooling. (this has been discussed on a child-minding fb page and most agree with me) In England children have to be in schooling so they couldn't earn from that money anyway a child under 5 in reception for ratios is counted as an over 5 so not even an argument in that. sounds like you have a shortage in your area so they get away with it....have you considered registering?

Yes I have it’s a good idea!! You are right there is a shortage and there’s a lot of money in the area so people able to pay...

Childminders in London: I have heard of rate from 35/day to 96/day (10 hour days). Its very variable according to area (ie these 2 extremes of prices are only about 2 miles apart).

Nannies (which I believe is what you are asking) are 10-12 gross around here

Really appreciate these insights everyone! Jannier, you know your stuff :)

I will mainly have 1 kid with childminder and only for a few hours each week (less than 10) , with other child attending on school holidays only for same hours. Costs are for each child, so I am guessing I am paying a premium as we are effectively using up her ratio allowance? I have had really positive reviews from parents and it is so near to me that I am seriously considering it....

I wonder if the high hourly rate quoted is because you require so few hours?

The childminder may need to make it worth her while as you'll be blocking a place that another child with more hours could use.

Not only will it be hard to fill the space around it but there is still as much work for Ofsted so many have a minimum charge to justify the work.

I've learnt a lot from this, thanks everyone