Going rate for childminder?

[Loulou31]

I am starting a course in September 2008. The course is part-time and I am down for a nursery place for my DD for those days I need to be in college. However, in the first 3.5 weeks of the course, I need to spend some additional time in college (the first module of the course is taught alongside the full-time students) and my sister has offered to look after my DD for those extra hours. I want to pay her for this - but have no idea of the going hourly rate for childminders. My DD will be 14 months in Sept, and her three will be nearly 2, 5 and 7 (so the two older ones only around outside school hours). Can anyone advice of an appropriate rate??? Thanks!

going rate for childminders is about £3.25 - £3.50 per hour for each child. I cringe everytime I get an invoice!

Check out www.childcarelink.gov.uk for c/ms in your area.

Oh, I read this wrong - a childminder is someone who is registered by Ofsted to care for children. A family looking after a child is just that - sorry I was confused

Yes, thanks anyway crace! I just want an idea of the right rate to pay my sis (rather than her operate as a regisetered childminder).

Thanks for your response jolofee - thats less than I was expecting..??

Think it depends where you are, we live in Leeds. Down South it may be more

Ah yes - we are in London!

Ask your sister how much she wants to be paid.
Care by family members doesn't really compare to care by a childminder/nursery, family members may accept less for example.
London childminder rates can be £6 or more per hour, per child. Childminders can charge what they like, no set rates. The link crace gave, will give you some idea of costs in your area.

god yes, £3.50 an hour?? that would be absolutely fantastic! where we are in SW London the rate for new/inexperienced childminders is £6.50 an hour, while the more experienced ones charge £7-£7.50!

I pay mine £5.50 an hour. (London)

Miniegg, we're in SW London too.

LyraSilvertongue, which bit? we're in SW13, which is Barnes. I gave up looking for a childminder because it was not that much more expensive to get a nanny, but i'd be interested in a childminder for when baby is a bit older.

think of a rate or discuss it with her so that it suits you both. wherever you live do not think childminders rates are relevant as tho as unless you are expecting her to meet 14 national standards,do compulsory training, kids first aid and perhaps more qualifications, be inspected by ofsted, pay Ni and tax, and have public liability cover, than its just not relevant. but round here (not london) childminders charge 2.50.-3.50 and babysitters usually ask for minumim wage or above.

Miniegg, we're in Kingston. I think Barnes is a fair bit pricier in general.