Thinking of becoming a Childminder

[Enchanted]

We have recently move to another part of the country and I am finding the work situation quite difficult. I can't find the motivation to travel the 60 miles back to London, DS 2.5 in tow to do my part-time job. I think I will have to give it up. All the jobs I look at here (Bedfordshire) are very low paid and then you need to pay the nursery. In London my Son was looked after by DH mother for free so we are really feeling the pinch. I have been doing a couple of mornings at a nursery DS attends, the money is rubbish but I get reduced fees for him.
How much do childminders charge and how many kids can you take? I am sure this is a situation that most mothers find themselves in.

You will have to speak to your local Social Services to find how many children you would be allowed to mind when first starting off as it differs from area to area. Normally 3 under 8s into which number you have to include your own children, but at your next inspection they will usually up your numbers if you have coped ok. You do have to like children to do the job as it is not an easy option by any stretch of the imagination!! Re cost per hour you will have to research your local area ... here in Essex anything between £3-£4 ph is acceptable, but other parts of the country the norm is more £2-£3 ph, so it really depends. Look at the NCMA website thats helpful. Also it takes quite a while to get registered as a rule, 18 mths in my case, I believe they quote you as 6 mths but its rarely the case! good luck!

Thanks Ragdoll,
I don't think there are any easy options for Mums who need to work, do you?
That seems such a little fee to be responsable for someone elses child all day. I'll make more inquiries and look at the website.
Thanks again!

Aha, another british term I don't know. What exactly is a childminder? Would it be like a daycare/nursery in someone's home? Or more like a nanny in your own home? Sorry about the ignorance

Try the Pre-School Learning Alliance they offer all sorts of advice on child care careers and options.

Corbin, a childminder is a woman (invariably a mother!) who looks after other peoples' kids for a fee, in her own home. You have to be registered, checked etc. etc. I think the idea is that your child becomes pretty much part of the childminder's family during the time he/she is there (at least, that was my experience), doing all the normal things like school runs, going shopping. My ex childminder would also do things like take d.s. to the baby clinic if I couldn't make it and she even took him to get his hair cut as he other two kids were going anyway!

Sorry, I guess in theory, a childminder could also be a man, although I've never come across one!

oxocube, I know at least four male childminders within 5 miles of where I live! There are also many hubandsppartners who are also registered to work with their other half, as well as in their own right.

I have been a childminder for 16 years, and am "buddy helpline' for new minders in Herts. any questions, just ask Enchanted or habva a look at my website here

My childminder's husband is also a registered childminder so that he can pick up the kids from school etc if she can't.