A little question for childminders

[abbymeg]

Hello all

I'm planning my second baby. I will need to go back to work full time. Roughly how much do childminders charge nowadays? (Hope it's okay to ask this?) I'm in West Yorkshire.

I'm also aware that twins run in my husband's family. If we did have two, would a childminder be able to take both? I didn't know if there were limits as to how many babies a person coud mind at one time?

I'm working on the idea that I go back full-time when the baby (ies) is 9 months.

I apologise for my ignorance - I'm excited about trying to get pregnant, but a little voice keeps sobering me up with the reality of cost!!

Thank you for any help or advice

Hi abbeymeg, a childminder could take both if they asked for a variation from OFSTED which they have to apply for as usually they could only mind 1 under 1. I live in Norfolk and the going rate round here for childminders is anywhere from £2.50-£3.50 per hour. Some people don't offer a discount on the 2nd child but for twins some will it completely depends on the person. Hope That helps and Good Luck TTC!

I'm not in you area, so I wouldn't know what the going rate is there, but I do know that having twins comes under special circumstances. Don't panic there, you won't need to split them up! Check out the Safestart website for ideas on costs.

I mean SUREstart not Safestart!

Here you go!

I did a long reply earlier but it didn't post Anyway.....others have covered the twins thing (although I THINK it has to run on the female side?). For prices look at this link and put your postcode in

Thank you all so much! I really appreciate the help.

Hi Abbymeg

Best way to find out loca rates is to phone around some local childminders. It can vary alot according to availability and local demand. For example I am in a large london borough. The more affluent areas rates are as much as £5-6 ph but the local estate areas it is nearer to £4.00

I look after twins and in order to do so - they were 8 mths when they first came i had to apply to OFSTED stating how i would be able to care in terms of safety, sufficient equipment, managing needs in balence with other children. If the twins were over 1 and the CM had 2 spaces though this would not be necessary.

Good luck!

Hi I am a registered childminder based in cleckheaton west yorkshire I charge 2 pound per hour per child if you need any more info please ring Amanda on 01274 851441
Thanks