How far in advance can I book a place with a childminder?

[Defeatedbypoppers]

Hi everyone, I'm going back to work p/t in June 2009 & for peace of mind I want to have childcare set up as far in advance as possible. There's a childminder in my area who I'd like to meet up with and possibly book a place with, but when I called she suggested I ring again in April-May, when she'll know whether she has a place free. That seems quite close to d-day, especially since if she didn't have a place I'd consider hiring a nanny/arranging a nanny share, which might be difficult only a month or 2 in advance.

Can anyone tell me how far in advance is standard for making these sorts of arrangements?

You can make arrangements as far in advance as you want.

If you do a deposit for the place then if there isnt a place available when you need it you can get your deposit back

Or pay a retainer fee, taking up the space now and usually paying half fees until you need the space

Or wait till a bit closer to the time and hope that there is a space!

Hope this makes sense

The problem is that most parents when, leaving, only give the minimum notice. So if a childminder is full when you call, they often recommend phoning back nearer the time as any of the parents could move house, change jobs etc and circumstances could change in your favour.

If a childminder does have a vacancy, sometimes they will offer the opportunity to reserve the place by paying a retainer fee as Lucy mentions. But some childminders choose not do this because it means turning away people who might want to start and pay full fees much earlier - they could lose out by having a reduced fee for several weeks/month and then the parent might cancel the arrangement after all.

If she's full, you can ask her if she can put you on a waiting list - to give you first option on any space that becomes available. If she does have a space now you could offer to pay a retainer to reserve the place.

From a mum's point of view rather than a CM's, I think that it would be a good idea to go and meet some prospective CMs soon, but don't rule out seeing if someone has space available nearer the time. I was lucky in that I found a wonderful CM well in advance who kept ds's place with a week's fees as deposit, which were taken off once he started ie I paid a deposit in November, he began the first week in March and I paid weekly from the 2nd week in March. I would have found it hard to find a retainer though I understand that CMs also need to know where they stand, where their income's coming from etc.

See if you can meet up with a few CMs sooner rather than later and if you can find one you really like and can come to an arrangement you're happy with for securing a place, go with it. But I've known lots of people find a childcare solution in less time than you have!

Thanks v much for the replies, much appreciated!

Defeatedbypoppers I leave the family im working for in June so if you were thinking of getting a nanny I should be avaliable..where are you living?