How much does a childminder cost in London?

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

Am considering my next move beyond sahm.

I have a good idea of the costs of private nursery (shudder!) but have no idea about childminders fees. Any advice appreciated from all you lovely, wise Mumsnetters.

I'd probably be looking at 2 or 3 days a week in the first instance.

I paid £25 a day in Ealing last February. (from about 8am to 5.30pm) It was only on an emergency basis because I was ill. I supplied food and milk and nappies. We got her name from the local council website and they put the sort of prices they generally charged. We felt bad it was so little so paid her £30 a day.

I'm not saying it doesn't happen uwila, just would worry me a lot. if she's not declaring the income, then surely she may not want to declare her correct numbers (so remain undetected) to the LA/Ofsted and therefore wouldn't be insured or covered if anything happened to the children in her care. I'm not condemning her/you, just voicing concern, that's all

YEah, I see your point. But I was happy with the way she looked after DD. So I just decided that it was her job to run her business according to the rule, and if she chose to break then, it wasn't my job to get involved.

She was very good in terms of the care she gave to children. And, she was really flexible when I showed up late... a nursery nerver would have put up with me.

But, we have a nanny now. So, it's a different situation all together. Well, I must go now... may try to sign on when I get home later... but no promises!

As many of you knoew I am a childminder of 18 years standing. I am paid direct to the bank every month and accept nursery vouchers. I do know that many of my colleagues only accept cash as they have had too many bounced, late, or forgotten, cheques, not got my cheque book, will pay you tomorrow scenarios .At least they know that they are getting paid, in full and on time with cash - nothing to do with not declaring it!

thanks alibubbles, hadn't thought of that!

We pay ours £5 an hour. We used to pay less but she was doing such a good job I suggested she charged us more - only fair really. She's fantastic and has been very important to us as first time parents and is very much loved by dd.

we pay £140 per week (which now includes all food - and he does eat a lot!), and we are in East London. We pay cash every week, to save her going to a cash machine, the other parents pay her by cheque every month.

Hiya Just as a point of note, *"Ofsted now recommend that childminders ask for cash and a month in advance"!It can save a load of agg and has nothing to do with not declaring.

• ICP course

Good forum this

Paid between £5 and £7 per hour in SE London.

As a registered childminder in streatham i charge £5.00 hour, which most people think is expensive. I'm allowed to have three children but only ever have 1 full time and one part-time as i believe that having to many I can not give them the atention that they need. I also do not understand how parents complain about paying someone to look after thier darlings for £5.00 but are quite happy to pay someone to clean their house upto £8.00. Tell me know what you think.

Mafalda, you and I have written almost the same thing!

Have a look in tha Topics section at Childcare, and then at the "childminders, advice needed "bit.

Also join KatieMac and KangaMummy's petition to get a childminding section (sorry - I mean if you want to, of course )