the going rate for childminders

[tiny84]

Hi could someone please tell me the going rate for a childminder I a. Going out to work for 10 hour per week and my friend said she Would have my 2 little ones but don't know what to pay and can I still claim for help towards cost or would I need a qualified child minder thanks

It is illeagal to leave your child for more than 2 hours per day with your friend if she is not ofsted registered and you are paying her in anyway. You could both be in serious trouble if you got caught as she wont be insured either.

Childminding fees vary from area to area and checking with your local childrens centre will probs be your best bet or calling round a few. You can claim upto 80% of your childcare fees if your childminder is ofsted registered.

A way around the current legislation is for your friend to care for your children, in Your home. Then they are a nanny... and you can pay them (you would need to register as an employer and operate PAYE if paying over £97 a week, or if your friend as any other income).

You would not be able to claim any help via Tax Credits or use Childcare Vouchers - unless your friend went through Ofsted registration.

If not in England, then there are different rules that apply... so please state your country.

If you decide that you need a Registered Childminder - so then you can use Childcare element of Tax Credits or Childcare Vouchers, then contact your local council Families Information Service for a list of Registered Childminders.

You can find some basic info about childminders in your area on childcarefinder.direct.gov.uk but the list from the council will be better (plus they may be able to tell you the average cost in your area).