fees for 2nd/3rd child

[sandra]

Hi

I am in the process of becoming a registered childminder in Northern Ireland where it is quite different to the English system, I worked in a day nursery in England but have decided to go back to child minding as there is a great demand in my area.

Anyway I am looking after 3 children from one family and have been advised to charge £2.80 per child. I am worried this will be too expensive. I have one child after school for 3 hours and the other 2 all day 9-5. Can anyone advise me on discounts for 2nd or 3rd children?

[Pauline]

Hi Sandra,

I've heard that the system is different in N. Ireland, you will be able to offer advice to us about that no doubt!!

If it were me I would charge the full daily rate for the youngest child - then when the middle child starts school you don't have to re do all the charges it just stays at full fee.

The middle child I would charge around 3/4 of the fee - some might do half fee

For the school age one I'd work out the normal before and after school charge and perhaps take a little bit off.

That way the parent sees they are getting some discount and should feel that you are trying to help them.

Three children will be hard work and while you want to help with a discount you don't want to be working for too much less.

The parent will be able to claim Working Tax Credit towards costs I assume? Is it the same in N. Ireland?

Hope that helps - what would everyone else do?

[sandra]

Thanks for reply.

Working tax credit system is the same here.

I was thinking of charging £2 for middle child. Would minders normally charge after school hourly fees for holiday care?

Sandra

[Pauline]

Hi Sandra,

Usually for full time care during school holidays it just goes to the normal daily or hourly rate that you would charge for younger full time children.

[banana]

I just wondered, do all minders give discount for additional children. I only ask as i do not offer this.

it may sound harsh but as far as i see it I am still providing food, drink and a high standard of care to all children, aswell as toddler groups and local outings. surely then, it makes sense to charge the same fee for all children.??

[Pauline]

All the minders I know would, but that doesn't make it right - you do exactly what you want Lana, it's your own business that you are running.

Most do a reduced rate because otherwise many parents wouldn't be able to afford it but if you can get it then do.

[banana]

in regard to this i think that of it were 2 full time children then i can see the point and would probably offer a discount on the second child because im gauranteed for my spaces to be filled with 2 full timers, but if they were part time, say 3 half days a week, it would be more difficult to find other parents who wanted half days on the same days and would stop me getting any full timers.

its not an issue for me at the moment, maybe i should have a think about it though. I wouldnt want to lose work in the future i suppose by not agreeing to a discount.

[heldraincloud]

Hi all

im in a similar situation, ive been asked to look after 3 kids from the same family 2 days a week
5 year old (7.30 - 9 and 3.15 - 3.45)
2 1/2 yr old (7.30 - 3.45)
1 yr old (7.30 - 3.45) then all 3 children during holidays

How would you work the pay?

Thank you xx

[Pauline]

It sounds a similar arrangement to what Sandra is looking at so I'd do it the way I suggested to her.

At the end of the day though it's down to what the parents can afford and how desperate you are for work.

I always think if you are happy with the money you will get then that's all that matters, whatever others would charge, but if you would feel bitter and used then you should up the price.