I just agreed to mind two afterschoolies one day a week for a period of time while mum goes on training. I was contacted yesterday by somebody from SureStart Centre. They mentioned that council will pay me but did not mention how I'm supposed to claim. I assume I do the usual paperwork ... contracts, child's record forms and permissions. Should I put a special note in the contract or something? I don't know ... she's coming later today to sign the contract and I'm having the children today as well ... I don't want to make any mistakes ...
Any advice appreciated.

i do the usual contracts and paperwork with parents here hon and then there is usually a separate three party contract the council, you and parents sign where council say they will pay you.

Get onto them fast and make sure payment paperwork is in place. I usually get paid half in advance/half arrears (mid-month payment) so I get invoices and timesheets in on 1st day of month then if I work extra I add that charge onto the next month.

Make sure it is confirmed who is actually paying you so that they don't back out. Get some form of written confirmation to cover your self.