Does anyone know anything about having a childminding assistant?

[CrackopentheBaileys]

So, my best friend and I are looking at working together, with her joining me as my childminding assistant. This is new territory to me, and something that I know NOTHING about, so I'd be so grateful if anyone out there has any tips or advice for me.
Are there any advantages to her becoming registered instead and working alongside me? What about tax? Does she pay her own or is that my responsibility?

As an assistant you may only be allowed the 6 under 5 & no over 5's but as you know OFSTED are nice & consistent about making these decisions (not)

Yes you will be responsible for paying her tax & NI & employers NI

I think it is normally better if you work with Reg C/M but that is just my opinion

Friends working together can be tricky - I have lost 2 good friends to childminding

Thanks KatyMac, I had a feeling that you might reply!
We worked together for 3 years (different vocation though), thats how we became friends, so I guess I'm hoping that we have that covered?

So she'd just get registered at my address right? Thats not really much harder then being an assistant I guess? If she has to do the ICP and First aid and police checks anyway, then it's only an Ofsted visit that's different.... is that right? And then she'd sort out her own taxes yay!

So, my thinking behind this idea is along these lines...

It will be nice to have someone to share the day with, adult company!
That we will spur eachother on and motivate eachother with new ideas
That it will be a benefit to parents with regards to sickness etc

Am I looking through rose tinted glasses?
Also, I just don't know if my house will be considered 'big enough' for extra numbers... which we will most certainly need to have!
Any idea how I can I find that out?

(Thanks for your reply, it's invaluable to hear from people with experience, not just read from a factsheet)
Where in the UK are you?

Norfolk

The sizes for children are in the EYFS I think they are - 3.5 sm for an under 2 2.3 for a 2-3 & 2.5 for an under 5 (but do check these)

I'd be careful about her doing her own tax - if she has her own children & you have yours who gets no money when the children leave? If you employ her you can lay her off if you don't have enough children

Do either of you have under 5's?

yes, I have a 1 year old, she has a 6 month old.

If you co-childmind would you have your 'own' children so to speak?
We were just thinking of working on equal terms, splitting the pot 50/50 come what may. Not a good idea? I don't like the idea of 'laying her off' as we both have lots of commitments. But to be honest, we are in Surrey, and up to now I've never had a problem filling my spots, and turn people down regularly.... lucky I know!

It's very complicated - can I get back to you later?

sure, thanks again for your help

I know one cm who works with another cm at her house. The each recruit their own mindees separately and are responsible for their own finances. I can see this would only work if filling spaces is not an issue.

OK back now - less children

Where were we? - my website is on my profile if you want to get my contact details?

Thanks Katy, sorry I had a bit of a busy evening sorting my sisters baby shower! I looked at your website (very nice btw) so I'll email you over the next couple of days or so, thanks for your time

Sorry - I went to bed

ha can't blame you much!
Nothing like an early night. I have mentioned this to a lot of my childminder friends and they are all saying.... 'don't do it'!! Oh dear. This worries me. It seems like such a good idea, but I don't want to completely ignore everyone's advice! They ALL think the friendship would end up turning sour. Argghh what to do?!

That's fine - I'll wait for your email (or you could phone?)