I am considering an ofsted-registered childminder for my DD when I go back to work in february. She will be seven months old at the time.
I have met a childminder who is willing to keep a place open for me. She initially said I would need to pay a retainer, which is reasonable, obviously, but it turns out that the retainer is a full months childcare costs - ie, I will be paying as though my child was in attendance.
If I am to pay for my child to be in attendance for the next five months (almost £1600), even though she will be at home with me, I think I ought to be able to leave her with the childminder for a few hours on the days I am paying for, so that I can get some housework done, or whatever. It hadn't been my intention to leave her with a childminder before february, but I think I should have this option if I am paying for the place.
However, the childminder will not take children below the age of 6 months. Apparently, she once looked after a child who had colic, which was problematic.
I'm not sure whether it is standard practice for a childminder to charge full costs to retain a place, and I feel concerned that she is happy to take the money every month, yet will not look after my DD on the days I am paying for.
Any thoughts??