Nursery World - Satisfaction won't pay the rent

Annette Dawson (Letters, 27 September) is so right - you only have to ask childminders to find out what a rewarding job it is. The research consistently shows childcare workers as among the most satisfied with their work. But equally, you only have to ask them to find out what they think of the pay. The most recent research, which Peter Moss was referring to in the feature 'Strength in numbers' (23 August), shows that childminders earn an average of 103 for a 34-hour week. The high levels of job satisfaction cannot, in most cases, compensate for such low wages for people who have such a responsible job.

But equally, you only have to ask them to find out what they think of the pay. The most recent research, which Peter Moss was referring to in the feature 'Strength in numbers' (23 August), shows that childminders earn an average of 103 for a 34-hour week. The high levels of job satisfaction cannot, in most cases, compensate for such low wages for people who have such a responsible job.

National statistics also show that, on average, childminders have few educational qualifications. That's not patronising; that's the way it is. Of course, some childminders have degrees, and others use it as a route into education. But however much training a childminder has, unlike in most other jobs, that cannot be translated into higher pay. Childminders say that putting up their fees just prices them out of what parents can afford.

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