childcare after 12 years old

[Harriette]

Can someone tell me how common it is for children to still require childminding after 12 years old. I work full-time and when my daughter changes school next year I still would like to have her minded by a childminder as i feel being a latch key kid would be too much of a challenge for her. (she has aspergers). Even if your child hasnt got a special need I would have thought a lot of people wouldnt be happy about their child coming home and minding themselves till their parents get home from work. I would like to know about other peoples experiences.(I have posted this in the childcare section as well - I am very keen to hear how other people manage)

My mum has been a childminder for 20 years. I don't see any problem with children being minded at any age. I've helped my mum all of my life and she's had children ranging from 6 weeks old to 15 years old (not just a one off case either - I can think of at least 5 13-15 year old that were looked after by my mum for a substantial length of time). It just depends on the families circumstances. And if she is happy with her childminder I don't see why it should be changed just yet unless your daughter is insisting on it. It's going to be a difficult enough time changing schools without a big change in lifestyles like that as well.

I don't know, there's not 1 childminder in my area that will take a SEN 11 yr old girl. The local kids club only take them until the end of yr6, and she's in seniors now. As it is I've had to get her to go to after school clubs every day (history club, drama club, music club, and homework club the other 2 days) as she is physically unable to unlock the front door and I have to collect my youngest 2 from primary first. I wish I could find an answer as well...

Hi, this is a fear I share. I have one NT child 13yrs. We were anxious but she is so mature we let her come home by herself - school literally round corner and she is mature for her age. Even so, I have been anxious. I work 5 mins from school so could get here quich if needed. But her sister we think if ASD - working to getting dx at moment. Do'nt know what to do when she goes ot SD as she will want to copy sister but we don't feel she will cope and don't want to put pressure ons sis. Sorry not very helpful, but we are also looking for answers.

Hi, this is a fear I share. I have one NT child 13yrs. We were anxious but she is so mature we let her come home by herself - school literally round corner and she is mature for her age. Even so, I have been anxious. I work 5 mins from school so could get here quich if needed. But her sister we think if ASD - working to getting dx at moment. Do'nt know what to do when she goes ot SD as she will want to copy sister but we don't feel she will cope and don't want to put pressure ons sis. Sorry not very helpful, but we are also looking for answers.

I have 4 children, ages 11,10,8 & 7 and trying to find childcare in a rural location is awful. My eldest child has special needs and the county provide a taxi to transport him to and from school. This means he cant join in on any afterschool clubs, and there are loads. The others go to a rural vilalge school and the nearest town is 8 miles away. I need to go back to work soon but fear what we can do regards childcare for the kids..We have 2 childminders in the village but both are always booked up and have massive waiting lists and the dont take kids after age 11. My eldest is 12 this may.