Should I get an assistant?

[Mymadworld]

I've been childminding for eight years and increasingly dreading Monday's . I've always loved the job and do still love the children but am lonely. a cm friend who I used to see at least once sometimes twice a week has given up& I really miss the adult company. One of my mindees really hates playgroups (& another is 4.5 and getting too old for them) so other than the odd activity I don't tend to have regular social opportunities.

Ny friend & I used to get together once, sometimes twice a week for outings or just days at home together playing, joint craft activities etc -the kids loved having more children around as we did lots of group type activities (singing, movement, story time etc) plus the freedom to make a cup of coffee or wee without an audience was lovely.

I would only want someone 1 possibly 2 days a week probably term time only and as it's not financially motivated I don't mind if I only take on 2 more children and don't increase my income by much (hourly rate £6 so would more than cover wage) .

Any pros or cons I need to consider? I assume they would have be my employee if it's regular days a week or can they be self employed & offer flexibility on a 2nd day?

You sound a bit like me... I’d love extra adult company around, but for me, in my circumstances, an assistant wouldn’t work at all.

I’d think they would have to be your employee? If they were able to be flexible, how would you offer the service to parents?
One issue is if you don’t actually get on that well together. Your cm friend from before, I assume you got together so much because you were friends and liked spending time together and it was mutually convenient to be together. (Which is great). But if you employed someone and you didn’t get on so well, that could be awkward.
It would be lovely to have more cm friends, there are hardly any in my town and it can be lonely work.

@MyMadWorld yes they'd be your employee and you'd be required to demonstrate how you supervise them and get them doing training and stuff. Also pretty sure there is a limit on how long an assistant can be left by themselves??

Bear in mind that you also are liable for pension, maternity and sick pay. which may be hard to find if you have to turn children away because you haven't the staff.

Having someone in your house all the time can be difficult, nothing is private and you need to think how you mange keys, making a cuppa etc.

You can leave an assistant who has paediatric first aid for 2 hours (within ratio) and it can be helpful on school runs and outings.

I would try the toddler groups again, children's preferences change and to some extent they need to get used to that type of environment before school.
DO you have any childminder support groups where you could meet other childminders?