payment for an hour?

**Bev** · 01-04-2008, 07:00 PM

i have agreed to take on a child after pre school but its only for 1 hour on a wed and 1 hour ona thursday, normally i wouldnt take on these hours but i am very quiet just now so have decided to.

Not sure what to charge her? Should i just charge her for the hour each day or can i up my fee a little as it covers a space for another? if you see what i mean? Dont want to put her off by charging too much but also dont want to lose a space just for an hour a day.

**crazybones** · 01-04-2008, 07:03 PM

I charge a minimum of 3 hours a day to make it worth my while. Any afterschoolers etc even if they are only with me for an hour they pay for 3. Do you have to collect from pre-school?

**Bev** · 01-04-2008, 07:05 PM

yeah i will have to collect from pre school, 3-4pm.

**Pudding Girl** · 01-04-2008, 07:05 PM

I have session prices for after/before schoolers, rather than hourly, this could be a good thing for you? ( not that I have any yet, don't want any either!!)

**Pudding Girl** · 01-04-2008, 07:06 PM

Will you be the person on call while at preschool? if the preschool is shut in holidays etc? if so I would be charging a half fee for the time he is at preschool too, as they would be taking up a space if you were called upon?

**crazybones** · 01-04-2008, 07:08 PM

Originally Posted by Bev

yeah i will have to collect from pre school, 3-4pm.

I charge from when I leave the house, which would make it more than one hour. Even if you are going to the school anyway I have found in my experience that, even though I would normally be going for my own boys that some days they may have gone to an after school club or party and I am only going there to pick up mindees, therefore using more time if you see what I mean.

**Bev** · 01-04-2008, 07:16 PM

ok...... so...... do you think its reasonable for me to charge for 2 hours a day? mum finishes work at 4, so it will be about 3-415pm. Or 1 1/2 hours a day?

**crazybones** · 01-04-2008, 07:17 PM

I would say 2 hours or a set minimum fee. Hope this helps.

**Bev** · 01-04-2008, 07:18 PM

yeah, and thanks everyone for fast replies.

**manjay** · 01-04-2008, 07:19 PM

My minimum is 2 hours a day and I find it works really well for me.

amanda xx

**berkschick** · 01-04-2008, 07:21 PM

I think 2 hours a day is more than reasonable.

Good luck!

**Bev** · 01-04-2008, 07:23 PM

i just hope she doesnt think im ripping her off!! Im so quiet just now that even a pound an hour will do me!!!

hmmmm maybe not!

**crazybones** · 01-04-2008, 07:33 PM

I have made the mistake of grabbing what I can in the past. Believe me I know what you mean about £1 an hour being better than nothing at the moment, but it wont always be that way and you will resent it in the long run. I am sure she would probably be quoted similar from other cm's. Best of luck whatever you decide.

**DCS** · 01-04-2008, 11:51 PM

hiya,

Personaly, I wouldn't do it. Prehaps do it on a temp basis, incase full/part timers come your way?

Cecile
x

**miffy** · 02-04-2008, 06:06 AM

I'd charge at least 2 hours a day otherwise it's just not worth your while

miffy xx

**wendywu** · 02-04-2008, 06:27 AM

I charge an hour to collect or drop off to school. But for after school it is a minimum of £10.00.

**emler** · 02-04-2008, 07:12 AM

I charge 2 hours minimum

Emler x

**LittleMissSparkles** · 02-04-2008, 07:23 AM

I charge a minimum of 8 hours a week or not worth my while for all the extras other than looking after the child ie the paperwork side involved ! xxx

**Bev** · 02-04-2008, 11:12 AM

Ive decided to charge a minimum of 2 hours for before and after school. If i charge more i run the risk of her going else where with better offers and up this neck of the woods childminding fees are far too cheap (in my opinion anyway) so i have to be similar to everyone else. Plus that 2 hourly fee is a lot for me!! Thats how bad it is at the moment for me!

Thanks again!