how flexible are childminders?

[imajenarry]

i'm returning to work in january and trying to keep childcare costs down i'm trying to figure out how my mum can have my little un one day a week.the problem is her workdays differ week to week so i need to ask my future childminder if she can have my little un mondays and tuesdays then tuesdays and fridays on alternating months. i know i just need to ask her but i feel like i've messed her around a bit already so just wanted some advice first.she was talking about making up a contract once we start so didn't know if they like set days.please help.

[Tiny E. A]

I suppose it would depend on the individual. Does she childmind other kids? If so, and they go to the same school/ nursery as rour child I can't see that it would make much difference to her. Just ask her, tell her the exact problem and as long as you're open from the start I'm sure she won't feel mucked around!

[Pea Pod]

my childminder will only do the same days each week as that allows her to take on other children for the days she can,i asked if she would do three days every week(different days each week)but she can,t as this stops her earning more
by taking on someone else.the contract you have will be for a certain amount of hours/days.my contract ensures my childminder is paid whether my son is there or not,ie if i was to go on holiday for two weeks she would still be fully paid,however if she goes on holiday i dont pay her for that period.even if i have my son on bank holidays etc she still gets paid.

[Titchdean]

I am a childminder and i'm sorry to say that most of us need to have set days as we are only registered for a set amount of places and we need to know who we have each day as otherwise it makes it impossible to take anymore on..... But if your childminder is not that busy then i'm sure you would be able to come to an arrangement, we like to help you out as much as possible as we know from experience how difficult it can be for mums to find childcare to suit there needs. So sit down with her and talk it through.