CM CLUB - When did you last put your prices up?

[LoveMyGirls]

I am considering putting my fee's up, I haven't put them up since 2006, I charge £3 per hour.

How much do you charge and where are you based (roughly)

I'm a bit worried because it's hard for people to pay for childcare as it is but otoh I eed to afford to live and the cost of petrol, electric, gas and food has all gone up so much in the past 4 years I need to do something.

I usually put my fees up yearly in either January or September depending on the contracts & age of child. Didn't put mine up in January this year but am increasing across the board in September, probably by my usual 20p per hour, but might be less say 10p.
I am in West Sussex & charge £4.30 or £4.50 per hour depending on hours contracted (full or part time)

1st Jan every year. Berkshire. £45 per day.

I always review my prices for the beginning of January each year and give all my parents one months written notice at the beginning of December. I have always stuck with the same rate for all children irrespective of the number of hours they attend - it makes the monthly invoices easier!! I don't offer different rates for siblings either so it is equal for everyone.

I also feel it really difficult to put prices up when I know everyone is struggling.

I have just put mine up from £3.50 - £3.75, I last increased from £3.25 - £3.50 in 2008.

I did point out that it was something I thought hard about, and pointed out some positive things, such as gaining my NVQ3 last year, and going on further training, and that I have invested a good percentage in new equipment for the childrens benefit, as well as implementing the EYFS with lots more drive towards "educational" toys and games.

I am North Essex/South Suffolk border.

September every year going from 3.60 to 3.75 this year (bit of a mind game doing it in September, schoolies Parents sigh with relief it is bot before the holidays when their bills are bigger, but of course they will still pay that price for the next summer holidays )

£4.50hr Kent.

I think I will leave it as £3 per hour for full time and £3.25 for part time for now, will have to re-think at some point but around here (midlands) the local cm's are between £2.50 - £3.50 and I can't afford to price myself out of the market.

Mine are going up on may 1st always charged £4 per hour but going up to £4.50 per hour if over 10 hours and £5.50 under 10 hours.I'm in the west midlands.

danth are you in a city?

Mine have been £6/hr since mid 2007. I am putting them up for the first time, to £6.50/hr in Sept this year. This is for all day care.

ps: I'm in SW London.

I currently charge £4ph f/t and £4.50ph p/t. (this includes, snacks, drinks and lunch and once a week visit to soft play)
I am in the NE.

I last put my rates up September 09 and will probably review again in Sept 2010.

The clients are getting a highly qualified (level 5 foundation degree), experienced practitioner (8 years), in a good sized home and garden with good quality resources, activities and experiences. I know I said I include at least 1 soft play a week but I probably pay out for more,ie/ drink and sandwich at the cafe, ice-cream at the park, toddler group, no charges for a pick up/drop off and I will occasionally drop off/pick up.

Think I am pretty good value for money actually! lol