Childminder question(s)

[abbymeg]

Hello everyone

I'm in early pregnancy and am trying to put my sensible head on to figure out what I will do with DC when I have to go back to work.

My first question is how far in advance should I try to find a childminder?

Also, it would be really helpful if anyone could give me an indication of how much it costs now, as it's been 10 years since I had DD. I live in Leeds if this helps?

Finally, I'm a teacher which means I'm on and off work throughout the year. Does this make a difference?

Thank you so much for any help

I have just posted this on another thread, HTH

Congratulations. It depends where you live on availability. Where I am in St Albans, all but the worst nurseries ( one chain in particular) are full with major waiting lists and most childminders are full.

New childminders quite often have potential clients lined up, but many will have vacancies and some people can be apprehensive about a new childminder, but IME of mentoring childminders for the last 5 years, many of them are ex nannies, nursery teachers etc. They have lots of experience with children, although it is very different looking after someone else's child in your own home.

I look after all teacher's children, term time only as that is what they want. They pay me half fees during the holidays, but I add all the weeks together and divide by 12 to give a set monthly payment.

Go to the Children's Information Service and look at the list for your area and phone a few to get an idea.

Put your postcode in here

I care for a mix of teachers children and other children and dont charge anything for the holiday time but thats my decision. I took a deposit for a teachers child when mum was just 16 weeks pregnant as my vacancies are few and far between. If you want to look now then go for it and if you find the right one that will have a place available when you need it then offer a deposit. Good childminders are hard to find so have a good look round first and visit as many as possible. I live in Greater manchester and charge an all inclusive fee of £3.50 if that helps but ask around your area but it will be probably be not much different.

Congratulations.

I am a teacher and I am a registered childminder.I can't find good childcare in my part of London!I was always full as a childminder so I would say start looking as early as possible.

I charged £5 an hour.I didn't charge for school holidays but most childminders here do, you pay a 'retainer' - maybe half fees- for every holiday.

There are some excellent childminders here but they are always full,I now need them to pick up from a particular school as well so that has made finding good childcare really difficult.

yes i agree with all of the above.I have had several childminders,which have been excellent.Definitely meet them,have a range of questions ready,such as sickness arrangements,some have an agreement with another childminder if they are unwell,Holiday arrangements,some have wanted me to have the same time as them,some want half pay whilst you are away,some want full pay and when they are away,some rules you will find illogical and cant work around,some are really reasonable and flexible.I have had brilliant ones who really put their all into it,and others who stick the TV on and let the children "vegetate"!! Prices have ranged from £5.50 - £2.50.Some still do a sibling discount which is great imo,as with 2 DD's under 4 it makes going to work impractical,as all I pay for is childcare otherwise! Good Luck.

It would be worth talking to some cms early certainly - the good ones can book up early.
The only other thing I'd say is when is your baby due? There's often (ime) a lot of switching round & change after the school holidays - I found (looking for a space in Oct) that a few cms I liked would say they would probably have a space then but couldn't guarantee it, which made things tricky.

Ooh yes that bit about school reminded me,if you get your "list" from the Childrens Information service,try to also take into account where they will probably go to playgroup/School as if you really like your childminder you may not want to unsettle them again and change if this childminder cant do the playgroup/school run as its too far etc.Sometimes not choosing one on your doorstep works well,but having one close to school,is better for the longterm view.Difficult to think so far ahead,but might help if you can,and "prevent" later problems.

Agree with previous poster, all the children I care for that are teachers children have the school close by and dont live near me. Its easier for illness accidents etc.

sorry to hijack! those of you who just mind teachers children, can i ask where you advertise for them? i have one (a friend's lo) but need some more. my dh is a teacher and we just don't want a housefull over the summer! have done a mial shot to schools but didn't get any replies. so how do i target teachers for minding please!

Thanks to everyone so far! I think I'd better start looking. I'm needing childcare from Septmber 2009.

My teachers children have all been siblings or word of mouth in the staff room.

I get all mine from DH's school I am on my 6th now.