What to charge as a childminder

Before you decide what to charge as a childminder, you first need to do your market research and find out what parents in your area are prepared to pay.

Check also what other childminders in your area or nearby are charging.

Once an hourly rate has been decided (between £3.50 – £6.00 depending on where you live), you will then need to decide upon the hours that you are prepared to work.

You may decide to charge a fully inclusive price or a basic price with extra charges for food etc.

Many childminders choose not to advertise their actual fees – but meet with parents to discuss the service being offered and what the fees include.

Things you may need to consider are:

• Do the fees you charge cover your costs and allow you to make a living

• What are other childminders and providers in your area charging

• Parents are looking for value for money, not always the cheapest price

• When advertising, consider using terms such as “competitive prices” or “fully inclusive prices” rather than simply stating an hourly or weekly rate

Your day may be split into 3 as below:

• Before school (time and a half)

• Normal working hours (hourly rate) normally 9:00-3:00pm

• After school (time and a half)

For Bank holidays: (If a child does not attend, but you are available to work – it is common to charge the normal rate, if however, you are available to work and the child does attend then you may charge time and a half or even double time all day.)

The hours you choose to work may also depend on the needs of your area. For example, if parents take a long time to commute from work, you may decide to work till 6:30pm. If in general they tend to finish work earlier and can return earlier, then you may choose to work till 5:30pm

The same applies to the mornings. If parents generally work further away they will need to leave their children with you earlier, but if they work nearby, then they will leave their child with you later.

Your market research into the needs of the area will give you a better idea of the hours you may need to work.