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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 · 20/01/2004 10:39

Twinkie, No, you shouldn't have to pay a full day rate as your child, if in a school place, ie, reception, is not counted as an under 5, as long as they attend a minimum of 5 sessions a week.

A childminder can count them as an over 5, so it will not affect her numbers. This was looked at last year as many childminders were reluctant to take on 4 year olds as they were losing potential income as the 4 year old was taking up a full time place.

A childminder should charge you for before school, and from pick up at lunchtime. Good luck with finding a job.

Twinkie · 20/01/2004 10:47

So if she at pore-school 5 days a week for 2 hours a day will this mean she is counted as over 5 or is it just from reception.

God this will make a huge difference whatever job I do - thanks so much for that info.

Twinkie · 20/01/2004 10:47

Sorry pre-school - although could send her to pore-school I suppose!!

alibubbles · 20/01/2004 11:38

No, the child must be in school, on the school roll. We used to call them 'other 4's' when I was a governor at a primary school.

It is because schools do their intakes differently, some take them all in at the same time, the Sept after their 4th birthday, some who do a two term entry, and will also have some half days for the first term before they would normally start, especially if they are the younger ones, so they would get at least an extra term in reception, albeit, half days.

Confused now, well you should be!!

The main thing is, if she is going to school, (not the nursery attached, as that is still pre school age) you have an other 4 and she is on the school roll.

Twinkie · 20/01/2004 11:39

Thanks - that makes the world of difference to me being able to work locally or part time.

Original poster
KatieMac · 21/01/2004 20:10

Alibubbles (here comes a newbie childminding question) you said that a four year old child doing 5 sessions at nursery counted as five - I thought that a 4yo had to attend 10 sessions to count as a 5yo - Or have I completely misunderstood the whole thingie?

OP posts:
Original poster
KatieMac · 21/01/2004 20:11

Sorry ment school not nursery

OP posts:
alibubbles · 22/01/2004 09:41

I have my network co ordinator coming this morning, I'll check it with her, but I was led to belive it meant 4 year olds in school.

The thing is it doesn't mean a just four year old, it is one that is due to start school, probably the term before their 5th Birthday

Original poster
KatieMac · 23/01/2004 16:55

Alibubbles - what did she say (I'm assuming your right BTW!!)

OP posts:
alibubbles · 23/01/2004 17:35

Katiemac, she didn't come because her daughter was poorly after having her tonsils out, but I will find out.

Carla · 23/01/2004 17:54

Apologies for complete ignorance on this - but my sister, who's a primary and (in her words 'for what it's worth' Montessori teacher went through all the govenrnment thing to become a registered childminder just to find the only reason she was doing it was so her charges could claim back some money from the government. Needless to say she didn't persue it. But a lot of people are put off, simply because of that and not because she's not registered.

Carla · 23/01/2004 17:57

But I wonder how that works - haven't had time to read the whole thread - when I thought you couldn't claim anything till your child's three?

alibubbles · 23/01/2004 18:05

Sorry Carla, but I don't follow what you are saying. Are you saying it is not worth while for the childminder to register as an accredited childminder to receive nursery funding for 4 year olds?

If I am an accredited childminder, a parent will be able to claim the NEG from the child's 3rd birthday and use to to pay for 5 sessions of nursery or pre school or play group or a childminder who is accredited. The sessions can be split between two providers as well.

The parents of the children I look after would be happy to do this as I am not local to the area they live in, so would be happy for me to provide early years education in a home environment. I would be inspected every six weeks and have an Ofsted as well as an Early Years provider Ofsted too. I will have to produce planning in accordance with the foundation stage and early learning goals, keep accurate records of progress etc.

If I have misunderstood you, please forgive me!

Rarrie · 24/01/2004 18:29

Wondering if it is okay to say hello and join in! I'm currently on mat leave but am hoping to give up and start childminding in the Summer, when I complete the obligatory 12 weeks that I have to return for. I'm based in Swindon (is that anywhere near to the person in Gloucs???) I'm about to start the childminding course next month and am looking forward to it!

Original poster
KatieMac · 24/01/2004 19:05

Good luck Rarrie - I was the bane of my ICP tutors life!! And I completely spolit her Equal opps talk

OP posts:
Beccarollover · 22/06/2004 00:08

Hi everyone

Just found this thread on a search - how are you all doing?

Im about to give up my 3 day a week job in IT and train as a childminder, would be great to chat to others

Original poster
KatieMac · 22/06/2004 01:30

Well...I'm doing fine, lots of children termtime but I'm desparate for 'holiday only' children (as my main children are teachers children)......but only 2 miles down the road there are childminders with no children.

I don't regret giving up my job to do this...and really enjoy being with the children. (and I used to work in IT as well!!! )

Good luck with your training
I'll try to keep in touch with how you are doing-when I have a spare moment

OP posts:
Beccarollover · 22/06/2004 01:31

Do you fancy swapping emails to chat as I progress through the registration progress? Im sure Ill have many questions!

Original poster
KatieMac · 22/06/2004 01:38

I'd love to.....but I don't know how
Help!!

OP posts:
Beccarollover · 22/06/2004 01:43

I dont mind writing mine on here.

Its [email protected] send me one to there then I will get your address

Original poster
KatieMac · 22/06/2004 01:56

Sent you an email
K

OP posts:
Beccarollover · 22/06/2004 02:33

No email yet - I will check again in the morning

Night

cuppy · 01/07/2004 20:37

Hi all ,hope you dont mind me asking you a question.

Im a nanny but have just had my own dd and so was thinking childminding would be the next logical step in my career. I just have one concern , when do you guys get to go on holiday? YOU are these cildrens primary carers so how is that arranged? I couldnt cope with out my jollies.

twiglett · 01/07/2004 20:40

message withdrawn

katie37 · 01/07/2004 20:56

I only work for teachers who are also friends so I have their holidays. DH teaches at same school.

Why not advertise for teachers, they like the arrangement as they don't have to pay a retainer or nursery fees for when they don't need it.

There was talk of parents having to pay for bank holidays for nursery on another thread so you should also make that clear with contract.

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