Childminder doesn’t have space for toddler ?

[Hann376]

I am trying to find a childminder for my toddler and a childminder said they only have space for a baby. Is this because of ratios? I don’t really understand why they would have space for a baby under a year but not a 2 year old?

I think there could be a lot of reasons - maybe the childminder likes a balance of ages, maybe they want a longer term arrangement (obviously chances are a baby would stay more years than a 2yo would), maybe they already have a toddler who doesn’t get on with other kids their age so a baby is better for the mix. It’s frustrating but unfortunately not much you can do.

There pod be a multitude of reasons. She may only have certain car seat and the ones for older children are already taken. She may want a child longer term. Her current cohort may already work well without another toddler. She may earn more with a baby due to funding levels, having a group of toddlers pays far less especially once they turn 3. The childminder may have a limit on toddlers so she has a good mix of ages. It may also come down to the hours that you want and possibly ratios too.

Could be financial. If you are using the funded hours it’s more for a baby than a toddler

I would say it's financial. Many childminders and nurseries are not accepting 3/4 year olds because the funding rate is significantly lower than that for an under 2. And they have been stopped from charging extras to make up the shortfall so it makes sense to only take babies, or at least prioritise them.

Having said that, if a childminder doesn't have any other toddlers maybe she feels your toddler would be bored with just babies.

Lots of childminders prefer to take on children as babies and then keep them until they're 3 or 4.

The funding is more for under 2s so if they already have a 2 year old and 3 year old then financially it's better to have a baby.