Nursery World - No easy life

As a childminder I had to smile at Marilyn Mills' comments about our earnings (Letters, 9 October). I wish I earned 18 an hour, and so do all the other childminders I have spoken to. Yes, we can have up to six children under eight, but only three of these can be under school age and therefore full-time daycare. The only time a childminder could make the amount mentioned would be in school holidays, if they were lucky. I would also like to point out that if we have vacancies we don't get paid. Sometimes I work for just 2.50 an hour - would Ms Mills work for this amount?

I wish I earned 18 an hour, and so do all the other childminders I have spoken to. Yes, we can have up to six children under eight, but only three of these can be under school age and therefore full-time daycare. The only time a childminder could make the amount mentioned would be in school holidays, if they were lucky. I would also like to point out that if we have vacancies we don't get paid. Sometimes I work for just 2.50 an hour - would Ms Mills work for this amount?

We get neither sick pay nor pension schemes and we have to negotiate holiday pay and time off with parents. We pay our own insurance, have wear and tear on our homes, and supply all our own equipment, toys and materials.

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