working with an assistant (childminder)

[lovemyjob]

Im a Childminder and wondered whether it is worth looking for an assistant. The reason being is that I am always full and have been for the last 6 years or more (I am very lucky I know). I now have a waiting list for six children (4 under 5's and 2 before and after school) with parents wanting me as soon as possible. Also, present parents of 4 children wanting extra days as soon as a vacancy exists for them. Present children have not left unless parents moving house (happened once) or can manage childcare before and after school(happended once). I have an exellent reputation hence the waiting list. I have given other childminders' numbers to prospective parents (I always state that I dont really know them ie brief chat at T/Groups) who have been to see them and prefer me!

Everyone keeps telling me to get an Assistant - but, have no idea what this entails. Three sets of parents only need me term time only so wouldnt need assistant in holidays - how would this work? Also, what do I pay someone? Is it all too much trouble or I am better staying on my own? Also worried if parents leave due to current climate what do I do?

If you have got this far - well done!!

I know from reading threads Katymac employs assistants so maybe you could enlighten me! Thank you to anyone who could give me feedback.

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What do you want to know?

I've got an assistant ! She is my sister though, and I only employ her when I need her, which is every now and again, but could increase at any time.

It involves getting a crb and suitable person check done on them, plus references. You pay them minimum wage, which is £5.73 I beleive, but I round my sisters up to £6 to cover her petrol.

Thank you for replies. I suppose would like a kick up the you know what and for someone to say go for it!! Little frightened of the unknown I suppose! Is is easier to employ family or a stranger? Do I pay their tax and national insurance and how easy is this. Is it possible to employ someone term time only or would this be unfair. If anyone started minding on there own and then employed an assistant how did your mindees parents react? I think also it would be nice to have another adult there to help with meal times, activities and school runs etc.

You must pay minimum wage
You must pay Tax & NI - you can get a CDrom from HMRC which talks you through it (it is easy) - you also pay an extra 11% Employers NI
You need to pay holiday pay - look on busisness link website to work out the calculations - you might be better to pay them their holiday pay in the holidays rather than allow them to take leave in term-time (iyswim)

I think having another adult present helps the children language skills - Not really sure why

Be careful an assistant doesn't always mean more children - they can say only 6 under 5's rather than 12 under 8 of which 6 may be under 5 - unless your assistant is a childminder in their own right

That was quick Katymac! Thank you for all the info I will look over the weekend and have a really good think about it. Yes was wondering about numbers so maybe better with another childminder.

Thank you so much Katymac and Chatkins the information has helped so much. (Chatkins wish I could employ my sister but she has no patience whatsoever with children and hates it when her two are on school hols - she is the complete opposite to me).

Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

You can contact me through my website (on my profile)

I may be able to give more info after the weekend (I have 3500 words to write for OU)

measure your area that you have as play space to help make this decision there is set ammount of space for different ages of children under 2's need larger area

ps what area are you in?

I am very lucky with my sister, lovemyjob ! She is just like me and loves kids. The only drawback is at the moment her youngest is at nursery, so she can only do certain hours. I have had to turn down a few jobs that she couldn't help me out with. But I would rather that than employ a stranger. I think I woould feel just as repsonsible for the assistant, as the kids, whereas I know I can trust my sister 100%.

Have you thought of having a student, and see what comes of that ?

A cm I know has had several assisants over the years, and all had started off as students from local college on work experience. She liked them and took them on when they were avaialable. Worked out really well.

And I love having the extra hands on when my sister is here - even if it is her reading my mind and sticking the kettle on !

Katymac thankyou but I have no idea how to link to your 'profile' perhaps someone could let me know (who is not in the middle of typing 3500 words for OU - good luck by the way).

Chatkins - yes know what you mean about trusting someone 100%. After all we are looking after the most precious 'thing' in the world. If I do go ahead though I just want to make sure I am making the right choice to enable parents to use my service where I may not be able to offer it to them without an assistant/childminder. Also, I worry that someone may not be as passionate about my job as I am. So many decisions!!!!

LM1 - thank you for your post - I have a dedicated playroom - not small and a large conservatory, kitchen and garden - no idea of measurements though! Im in Gtr Manchester area.

There will be many mothers with kids at school who will bite your hand off to get term time work only, including me .

What area are you skramble? Yes agree with you re term time work only. Only thing is I start work at 8 and finish at 5.30 so assistants children (if they have any of course) would have to attend my setting too I suppose so would then have to be accounted for in my numbers.

Gosh there is so much to think about!

I am up north in scotland
Desperate for a job, term time would be ideal, but don't think I can limit myself to looking just for that.