Hi, when you registered did you not have to do a survey of local provision and how you could create and sustain your customer base, researching fees charged and supply and demand? I know that all the minders I supported in Herts last year had to as part of the registration process. I know the support scheme ended this month, but you would have been given support for a year and your supporter would have been able to help you there. I am happy to continue to support all those I have until there first year is up, but unofficially, without NCMA input
FYI, fees vary from a basic service of £5/£5.50 an hour to £7 an hour, depending on what you offer, your experience, etc etc. Every setting is different, food, outings, trips, pick up drop off.......
There is huge demand in St Albans for childminders despite all the day nurseries, but then the latest Ofsted for one close to the station was found to be inadequate in all areas except two, which were satisfactory. I now realise why I have had 10 calls in a week of people wanting to move their children out.
Good luck, use your Children Centres, they have a remit now to ensure that they support minders and there is a lot of new communication form them regarding training, events, etc