Childminders fees

[b8tes7sw]

Hi all, I'm starting to look at future childcare options. Do you only pay for the hours you use at childminders or does this vary? For example I would need 7 hours per day 8.30-3.30 (as an example for now) but wondering if it's the norm for CM's to charge a daily rate or charge 8-6 regardless of what you use?? A bit waffly so apologies!

They will have a fixed number of kids and you would be booked in regularly for your specific days / am or pm (depending on childminder). Whether you turn up or not will be irrelevant, you pay to block that space, and give notice of leaving. That's generally how it works, same as a nursery.

It really depends on the childminder, you'll just have to ask I'm afraid.

I have seen both with childminders. A daily rate and an hourly rate. It will depend how the childminder wants to charge.

Some childminders charge an hourly rate for the hours you need but most of the ones I know are moving to a standard day rate as we are limited on numbers so people doing short days really affects our income. It's worth asking around in your area as there may be some who would like an earlier finish if they have after schoolies that could fill the space.

I thought this would be the case, thank you. Just starting to research available options early!

Thanks, I will check with the individuals.

I charge a higher rate for the first six hours and a lower rate for additional hours. As pp have mentioned this is due to a fixed number of spaces and needing a minimum income.

It really depends. If for instance you can pick up before the school run, and that means they can have a different child for after school then you may find they will be more flexible. 3.30 though could be a problem because most childminders are collecting the older children then

Great point and definitely something to consider on my WFH days for example

I was worried about this, from what I've seen in my area prices are similar to nursery and no annual leave to try and cover with a nursery. It's a shame but I've only just started looking...I could perhaps mix childcare options... Thanks for replying

I have just 1 hour after school and it's £4ph
I have used other childminders pre pandemic and you would just have the hours you used. So 1 before school 2 after etc

I have a minimum 5 hours if inside school hours becouse it takes a space but will take any number of days others have half of full days some charge by the hour. Its a case of shopping around finding the right fit at the right price. Don't forget you can use tax free childcare