does anybody have an assistant?

[vicky]

i am thinking of getting an assistant to help me for 2 hrs a day but i have no family or friends to ask as they either work or live too far away. Any ideas how i can go about this and how much do you have to pay them??
please help
Regards Vicky

[babbs]

Hi

I don't really know much about having assistants but I'm sure they have to be paid the minimum wage and I think you have to do all their tax and insurance.

Barbara

[vicky]

Thanks Barbara,
if i employ them they will earn more than me then!!!! hhmmmmm i'll have to have a think about it then
thanks again
regards
Vicky

[Pauline]

I know of childminders who have had help by using childcare college students who need a childcare placement for their studies. Not sure how you go about it and I'm sure they would need to be CRB check etc. but it might be worth looking into.

Re assistants - I've just found this - it might help you:

Childminding assistants who have been checked may, in some circumstances, be left in sole charge of minded children. This must be following discussion with an OFSTED inspector and supported by a written agreement between registered childminders and parents.

In circumstances where childminders intent to use an assistant this will be shown as a condition of registration on the certificate.

Unchecked voluntary help may only be used in an emergency. Registered childminders should keep a record of any unchecked voluntary help used in an emergency and the information must be shared with the parents.
Assistants and Minimum Wage

If you employ an assistant the minimum wage will apply.

[linda]

Hi i have an assistant she has been passed by ofsted and can be left in sole charge of the children as long as i dont leave her with more than 3 under 5s so i have to take 3 with me.
When you have an assistant it works out really well if you have a sleeping child they do not have to be disturbed.
I pay my assistant really well so she knows she is appreciated
my assistant pays her own national insurance .

[susi513]

If you take on an assistant as an employee you are responsible for their tax and NI. You will also have to pay sick pay, maternity pay etc. You have to pay at least the minimum wage (£5.52). If you have an employee you have to follow the new rules about putting up no smoking signs.

If you work with someone else who also registers as a childminder then you are both self employed and each is responsible for their own tax & NI.

[june]

Carolyn started as my assistant, but as I got busier and busier she started minding too. It has worked out so well as we live next door to each other. We help each other most days, the children always have a playmate too. Ofsted have us registered in our own right as well as being Co- minders. It s brill to have some one so near when you are having one of them days (Im sure you all know what I mean?) We even share one family they are really pleased with how it all has worked out.
June & Carolyn