How many children do you care for?

[dottylotty]

Hello I currently work Tuesday to Friday & do before & after school care. I have 4 in the morning (including my 2 girls 2 & 4 years) then after school 6 children. My 2 & 2 x4 years, a 7 year old & 8 year old. When I speak to people they think I am mad!! But find it ok they all get on and are 2 sets of siblings. I have been in asked if I would have a 3 year old who would go to nursery in the morning. The days are Tues-Fri & seem a nice family. Not sure if it would be too much especially in the holidays or what my current family's would think. So was wondering how many children do you look after?

Many thanks

[Glitter]

I usually only have two under two's during the week. But in school holidays I have had six or seven children in one day.

I do find it easier with more children as they have more people to play with, but you do have to be very organised.

[Kiddleywinks]

I have 9 children on my books, aged 1, 3, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7, & 8

The most I have at any one time is 5, and that wipes me out by the weekend lol
It would depend on the age and disposition of A.N. Other child if I would stretch myself to having more as the ones I do have gel together really well so there's not normally too many tears or tantrums (well...not from them at least )

[tess1981]

At the moment moment I have 1,2,2,3,6,6 had a wee 3 month old today with 3 yo sister looking space in may and another 6 month old looking space may. Full timers get preference as part time parents are using for a break from kids or giving granny a break but they know if I get full time children I might not be able to accommodate them

[samb]

Mine are all part timers with very different hours. I have - 1,1,2,2,2,4,(5 my ds), 6,6,7, (8 my dd) in total. Mu busiest day I have 2x2 year olds full day, 1 year old 8-3, 7 year old before and after school and 6 year old after school- although one of the 2 year olds is leaving in May. My quietest day I have the 2 year old all day that will be leaving , 1 2 yr old for the morning only and 1 1 year old 8-3. Plus obviously my 2 who are at school.

[cathtee]

I work mon-thurs and have 2,2,3,4,4,6,6,8,9,13. Sometimes in the school holidays I have an extra 12 year old too I rather have lots of children together than 1 or 2

[AliceK]

I have 1,2,2,4,6,8,9, and an occasional 7yr. Some days I have all of them and others I might only have 3 or 4 of them. It's easier the more you have usually as they play together and amuse one another. I find it harder if I only have 1 child for any length of time.

xxx

[Chatterbox Childcare]

My DH and I have 24 children on our books and the most we have at one time is 15 due to car space restrictions.

if you think you can manage it then go for it

[jackie 7]

If you have an assistant 5 would be ok. I have a variation for 1 day a week until may. After talking to 2 ofsted ladies about it I won't be doing it again. Too many complaints about it.

[dottylotty]

Do I have to have an assistant for that number of children? I thought it would be ok. Its 6 under 8 & 1 aged 8. Ages 2, 3, 4, 4, 5, 7, 8?

[cathtee]

As long as you only have 6 under 8 then you are fine, the 8 year old goes as an over 8, I have 6 under 8 and a 9 year old after school and have no assistant as long as you can cope with pushchairs or car space for the school run then you should be fine

[amirose]

I have 13 children on my books,
Early years children are: 6 months, 10 months, 2 x 2 year olds, 2 x 3 year olds and a 4 year old
After schoolers are: 4yrs, 2 x 6yrs, 7yrs & 2 x 10 yrs
The most I have at any one time is 8 and I find it ok, I prefer the days where the weather lets us get out of the house - to the park, for walks etc as it can get chaotic cooped up indoors. The most I have stay for tea for is 6 but I make use of my slow cooker often so don't find that too bad.

[danemi1]

My DH and I have 24 children on our books and the most we have at one time is 15 due to car space restrictions.

if you think you can manage it then go for it

Wow that's a lot of children...do they have access to all areas of your home or just one massive room?

[LauraS]

Similar to Cathtee, I have 1,1,2,4,4,7,9,9,13 and sometimes another 10yo in the holidays. Although during school hours only 1,1,2.

[nikki thomson]

Just the one, he's now 2, part time......perfect. I'm not taking on any more, I'll keep him until they no longer need me, probably till he starts senior school. Life is sweet. Xx

[primula]

Only have 13mths, an almost 3 and a school pick up 3 days a week and I thought I was busy!!!

[vickylou]

I have 2,2,4,5,8,9,9,9,10,14 they all come different days. Wednesday is the busiest when I have 9. In the holidays I only have the 2 & 4 year old!! I find having more children easier, I just make sure I'm organised before setting out on school run. Have everything set up ready to go for arriving home. It's much easier when there's no babies as they.are time consuming, with feeding, changing etc.

[Zoomie]

I have 1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,7 plus my own 6,12,15.

I also have ad hoc 5,8 but don't think I'll manage to fit them in anymore.