Childminder for DS when he starts Year R in September (mornings only)

[Cazzr]

I know there are some childminders on here so wanted to ask advice.

I currently work full time and DS is in preschool and goes to a childminder. The current childminder doesn't do pickups at the school DS is going to so we will have to make new arrangements.

Now, I can adjust my working hours a bit but think we will need a childminder at least until he goes fulltime in January.

My question, how keen would a childminder be to take on a 4 year old for say 3 afternoons a week knowing that he will probably cut down to afterschool only in a few months?

My worries are that as he would take up a space in their 0-5 quota they might not be too interested but am prepared/hope to be surprised. Now I know the only way to find out is to start calling them up but I thought I would try to get some opinions first...

Also, would I end up being charged for a full day seeing as they would probably not be able to fill the morning part?
Help! I'm sure loads of people have this problem each year but i'll be damned if I can find the threads...

He won't take up a space in their 0-5 quota as he'll be at school. 4 year olds in Year R count as over 5s for childminding numbers.

I think if he's not full time he would count in their under 5 spaces, so you'd need to pay for a full day until January. If you find a childminder with a space though I don't see why they wouldn't be happy with a temporary contract.

Don't they have to be full time at school to count as an over 5 though Bramshott?

when he's in FULL-TIME school he will be classed as a 'rising-5' but until then he will still take up an under-5 space - so till January he is still in the early years age group.

I charge from picking up from school - unless I also drop off, then I charge also for the time the child is in school. However, all cms charge differently. You may also find that they charge a different rate for before and after school.

I would start ringing around - or ask your current cm if she can recommend anyone to you.

And the new cm needs to have the 'rising-5' clause added to their registration - been there with mindee in reception last year

Oh, sorry, I thought it was just "school" per se!

He wouldn't be counted as over five until he is in school full time.

I wouldn't charge you for a full day so you need to check with individual minders.

Thanks for the quick replies, will get on the phone and see what I can find out.

You don't have to take up the school place until january if its really difficult for you.
Talk to the school as often other parents are also having issues and they may know of a local nursery or childminder that will offer a pick up service until january.

Its a common problem that pops up every year.

Danthe4th: DS is desperate to get to 'Big School' tho, i'm sure i'll figure something out.

As it happens, have rung round a few CM's and tho a lot are full already one is calling me back later when she has looked at what she can juggle.. She seems nice on the phone, fingers crossed if she has space she'll be right for us..

waht area are you in im in richmond and maybe able to help

Ok so I got a response back from the school just now on what hours DS will be doing in his first term at school. I'm astounded is all I can see. Comments?

term starts 6th Sept but...
14th September-1st October afternoons (12.15-3.15)

4th October-30th November mornings (8.45-11.45)

1st - 2nd December morning + lunch (home at 1pm)

from 3rd December full time.

And sorry Mummyquilliam, i'm in New Forest Hampshire.

Um I thought, well told, that it was the September after their 5th birthday, that we have to do the EYFS till then?
Might have heard wrong?

Mine did 8.45-11.45 from Sept until December.
1st week back in January they did 8.45-1pm.
2nd week - full time.