More recently I have trained and worked as a registered childminder, and that was the biggest eye-opener ever. I did all of the relevant courses - the Introducing Childminding Practice (ICP) to become a registered childminder, then the Developing Childminding Practice (DCP) and the Extending Childminding Practice (ECP), which involves curriculum planning.
To begin with, I charged 2.50 per hour per child, which I thought was reasonable, but when I gained all my certificates I increased my rate to Pounds 3 an hour. That did not go down well, however. Considering that I live in one of England's more affluent counties, you would think that to be a reasonable sum, as I know of some childminders who charge between 6 and 7 an hour per child - and get it.
Parents must think their children aren't worth much if they are prepared to pay only 2.50 an hour, which includes meals, outings, and toys which have to be up to standard and include ones that will bring in ethnic minorities. And recently someone referred to me as being 'just a childminder'.
Nursery nurses' pay is poor too. We are all professionals and should be paid accordingly. Needless to say, I have given up childminding and am now looking for a career change.
Eileen Anderson
Winchester, Hampshire
