How much can I expect to pay a childminder?
Childminders are self-employed so, to some extent, can set their own fees. There is no set rate. However, as a guide, the current typical cost for a full-time place for a child under 2 with a childminder is £156.00 per week. Childminder costs are often slightly lower than nursery fees: this reflects the difference in overhead costs. For guidance on hourly rates and specific details on holiday pay etc, contact the National Childminding Association (NCMA) on 0800 169 4486. How many children can a childminder look after? Ratios for how many children a childminder can look after are set out in the Early Years Foundation Stage and are as follows: • Six children under the age of eight; • of these six, no more than three may be under five years of age; • of these three, no more than one child may be under the age of one (however, exceptions can be made for multiple births or for continuity of care – caring for the siblings of existing children). Children who are four, but who are attending sc
