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Original poster

Calling all childminders

70 replies

KatieMac · 18/01/2004 19:53

I'm quite a new childminder and there seem to be quite a few childminders on MN, and Mumof2 (I think?) is a very new childminder-to-be.

Would any of you be interested in exchanging ideas, help, advise etc - maybe this thread could be used.....What does anyone think?

But if it's not appropriate.....never mind

But I thought it could be useful to me if no one else

OP posts:
alibubbles · 18/01/2004 21:11

Hi KatieMac, I have been minding 17 years.......

mummysurfer · 18/01/2004 21:12

i've been minding for 5 years

Original poster
KatieMac · 18/01/2004 21:23

Alibubbles - I've seen your website very impressive.

What do you two think of my idea - as a new Mnetter and a relatively new Childminder (I was registered in April) I thought I could do with any help avail.

I'm signing up twins tomorrow (hopefully) and I work with my Husband. I'm also doing my NVQ3 - which is loads of work - do you ever feel like you are juggling? And I just had my 1st proper inspection and got GOOD! (not that I'm boasting)

Nice to meet you both (iyswim)!!

OP posts:
mummysurfer · 18/01/2004 21:27

How much are you going to do this? I only mind for children of friends, and children the same age as my own children. Have had babies in the past and found it difficult to keep equipment that my 2 had grown out of. So had to have highchair, stairgates, buggy, changing area etc all for 2 days a week & very little money. ( I don't mind fulltime)

Original poster
KatieMac · 18/01/2004 21:33

I've currently got 4 part-timers under 5 and 2 over 5 - the twins will be f-t, I've got 2 double buggys, one single (would like a second) 2 proper highchairs (looking for a third) and 2 strap ons (again looking for a third) and 2 travel cots (considering a third)

I worked F-T from April up til Christmas but my f-timer moved house (after discussing staying in the area by moving jobs!!)

I'm not being funny - but I don't know how much I can talk about the children 'cos of confidentiality (what do you think?)

OP posts:
mummysurfer · 18/01/2004 21:36

where are you - I've a spare buggy, a travel cot and a strap on highchair!

Original poster
KatieMac · 18/01/2004 21:43

Miles away from you if I remember right - you're in the NW aren't you I'm in rural Norfolk!! But I'm a scouser by birth.

Bit far to pop round - but ta very much for the thought - I'll be haunting the carboots and charity shops (or more likely asking at Mum & Toddlers - so I know it's history)

I'm looking forward to having the twins, but very worried about talking about such a large amount of money!

OP posts:
mummysurfer · 18/01/2004 21:46

Yes, I'm near Manchester.
How old are your children?

Original poster
KatieMac · 18/01/2004 21:48

My own is 6, Most of the others are under 2

What do you think about the confidentiality thingie?

OP posts:
mummysurfer · 18/01/2004 21:53

Confid, if you treat your minded children's details as you would your own children's then i think you are fine. I think the usual behavioural/ development type chat is OK, personal family details would be a no-no, but you wouldn't do that on here anyway. Plus I think it's fine to chat about the business side of things including relationships with the parents. If in doubt, don't post anything that you wouldn't like to read about yourself IYKWIM

Original poster
KatieMac · 18/01/2004 21:58

So if its ok to talk about them

G 13m
B 20 m
B 8m
G 23m

Twins B's 16w when they start!!
As I say very worried about asking for SO much money....I am thinking about offering to do it on a monthly basis (ie 39xFull fee + 13x half fee (as not coming then) divided by 12) so I get an even income - what do you think?

OP posts:
mummysurfer · 18/01/2004 22:05

I too would prefer the even income. If they went to a nursery they'd have to pay 50-52 weeks so i reckon they're getting a bargain. Are you charging double? ie. for 2 babies.

mummysurfer · 18/01/2004 22:07

Are they teachers ... if yes, they are paid over 12 momths, they too may prefer it this way. must go to bed soon.

Original poster
KatieMac · 18/01/2004 22:08

Yeah - I'm not thick! (well not very anyway)

How old are yours you say you only take ones that are the same age - doesn't that limit your income?

Should I ask for a retainer (I thought I'd ask for march's money up front instead - when we sign the contracts)?

OP posts:
Original poster
KatieMac · 18/01/2004 22:10

Sorry answered 1st not 2nd,
Yep that's why I suggested it

OP posts:
mummysurfer · 18/01/2004 22:11

Sorry did I say something wrong? Thick?

mummysurfer · 18/01/2004 22:12

Sorry yes I think I've got you now . Yeah, you're charging double - good.

Original poster
KatieMac · 18/01/2004 22:14

Sorry - I ment about charging double for 2 (didn't mean to offend) I just a bit blunt!
If 2 places are being used 2 places are being paid for - my network co-ordinator won't 'allow' us to make discounts for siblings (she frowns!! )

Please don't take offense

OP posts:
mummysurfer · 18/01/2004 22:18

Yes, I got you in the end. I did say, i need to go to bed. i'm off now. G'niight. Hope it goes well with the twins.

Original poster
KatieMac · 18/01/2004 22:24

Thanks

OP posts:
alibubbles · 19/01/2004 09:44

Katiemac, I do exactly the same with my school teachers as regards payment. It is good to get the same amount coming in every month. I also take childcare vouchers, so the parents save 11%.

I am a mentor for new childminders for the Hertfordshire Childminding Buddy scheme, a similar scheme is to be launched nationally any time now.

I would normally ask for a month up front as you will have quite a few expenses taking on twins. I presume that you have a specific authority from Ofsted for them, and that you don't have the other under one at the same time.

I'd love to look after twins, but may well be having two under one soon. Even though I had my Ofsted last week, I still have to write and request permission, with detaials of planning etc.

I got a good, but I also got an excellent in an are of outstanding practice, - Care, learning and play. (Standard 3)

twiglett · 19/01/2004 09:50

message withdrawn

Momof2 · 19/01/2004 10:00

Morning all, yes I am a very new childminder to be, planning to start in the summer, as I want to get everything up to scratch. I am hoping to do my DCP from April, having completed my ICP before christmas, would love to have an exchange of ideas etc as I am quite nervous about the business side of things and the inspection.
I work full time at the moment and have soooo many questions......
Thanks for starting this KatieMac, jolly good idea
BTW I am in South Glos

Original poster
KatieMac · 19/01/2004 18:02

Momof2 - don't worry someone on here will be able to answer all your Q's (maybe not me tho' )

AliB- I childmind with hubby so we can already have 2 under 1 - but we have asked for the reg to be altered to 2 under 1 individually (but still only 2 under 1 when working together) and they said YES (so we are waiting for a new reg doc)Due to birthdays we will have 3 under one for 3 days in March - but Ofsted have said they won't alter our reg for those days (as long as we have informed them in writing!).
Congrats on your excellent (I am still proud of my good after only 7 months).
I have asked for a month up front, but the Mum is wavering (I offered her 6 weeks retainer at 100 a week instead - but she seemed to prefer the month up front!!)

Never mind Twiglett - just read and giggle at us instead

OP posts:
Twinkie · 20/01/2004 10:10

Oooh - glad you childminders are on here - I amtrying to get an answer to a question - although I used to be a childminder it was a while ago and I was a pushover where finance was concerned!!

DD starts school in September - half days to begin with and then full days after the October half term - I will try and get a job locally so I can either drop off or pick up (fed up with this City stuff at the mo!!), if that does not work out though will I have to pay childminder full day rates for dropping DD off and having her for a couple of hours after school?? - it would just make coming into the city even more of a futile exercise cause everything else I will earn and more will be paid out (not that she doesn't deserve to be paid huge amounts though )