Balancing act that just doesn't add up

First, childminders' fees vary from area to area. I am sure many childminders in my area would love to earn 3 per hour. The rate is about 2 per hour. Childminders are able to care for three children under the age of five and three children between the ages of five and eight - which could perhaps be for an hour before school and two hours after school, and includes our own children. Our places are not always full and it can be months before we get a phone call for childcare.

The fees we charge are not our 'wages' - from this we have to pay for heating, lighting, council tax, water, wear and tear on our home, food for the minded children, updating and replacing toys, craft resources, single and double buggies, travel cots, high chairs, and so on. Then there's the training to be paid for - I am currently studying NVQ Level 3 Early Years Care and Education and the National Childminding Association (NCMA) Level 3 Quality First scheme. I have a Level 3 Certificate in Childminding Practice, hold a current first aid certificate and also have public liability insurance cover. Only then am I left with my 'wage'.