Can anyone give me a rough idea of the hourly rate a childminder charges?

[dollybird]

It would be for a baby. I've no idea as my kids went to nursery - trying to find out for a friend. TIA

Where I am it is anywhere between £3.50 and £4.00 an hour.

In my area it is £3.50 to £4 an hour as well.
But you need to check if playgroup fees are included and also food.
Some childminders will only offer snacks and water as they would have to be registered as a food business if they did any cooking.
Parents usually provide the lunch or supper.

thanks for that. my friend was talking about paying her sister £5 an hour and I was sure the rate was less than that, plus her sister's not registered, so wouldn't get child tax credit etc..

Look on childcarelink website Put your postcode in and you'll get a list with costs. It really depends on where you live as I know some charge as little as £2.70ph and as high as £6ph.

thanks for that link looneytunes - really useful

As mentioned - depends totally on postcode.

Not all childminders can take nursery education grant money as it only applies to 3yr old plus children and in some areas a bit younger.
But it would be alright for an auntie to look after the child BUT if its anyone who is NOT related then they will be illegal if they get paid in any way if they are not registered and working in their own home.