michellemac

Can anyone give me an idea of how much childcare costs in Perth? We are budgeting whether it would be worth me working part-time or not.

Ideally I'd be looking for a childminder in Fremantle area (do they have childminders like they do in the UK where someone looks after your children in their home?). Or if not, then costs of Nurseries.

Michelle

leechy100

Cant help you Michelle but was wondering myself about childminders, if they are same as in uk, was considering becoming a childminder when we arrive and are settled, so would also be interested in any replies. We too are heading to WA but probably north perth suburbs. Move there and I will look after your children Nicky

kris maynard

Can you look after mine too!!!

kris xx

leechy100

Of course I can, the more the merrier

kris maynard

C u there then!!!

kris xx

leechy100

Well thats my job sorted, just have to get a visa now

kris maynard

Oh bugger suppose i better find a job then!!

Oh and actually get to Perth!!

leigh&ivan

Hi Michelle

I've been doing some searching & can't find anything that suggests they have 'childminders' in Oz as they do in the UK.
The only options appear to be nannies or child care centres.
Don't know if these sites are any help to you.

http://www.careforkids.com.au/
http://www.motherhen.com.au/

Regarding costs, I read this in a news article,

'The maximum government childcare benefit is $2.81 per hour and applies to those with family incomes under $32,485. This scales down to a base rate of 47c per hour when family income exceeds $92,919. Against this, across Australia it costs a parent on average $40 to $100 a day to place youngsters in child care.'

Hopefully somebody already in Oz, paying for child care will be able to confirm how accurate this is.

Leigh

northernbird

Hi Michelle
I am led to believe they have something here in Perth called Family Daycare which is similar to childminding.
I send my 3 year old to a daycare in Kingsley 1 day per week (for my sanity and hers!) and I pay $52 per week for that. I was paying 24 quid per day in England so its not all that expensive.
Good luck.
Carole

Amazulu

We send our 3yo son to nursery 2 days a week. We use an ABC centre in Maida Vale. I think it costs $52/day, I'm not sure if we get any help with costs from the government (probably not), I'll find out when I do my tax return.

My wife has been really disappointed by the standard of child care here in Perth. Most of the places she looked at where run down, dirty, young girls supervising & high child/staff ratios. The system is not as tightly regulated as in the UK. The only place she found that has been any way decent has been the ABC chain. Apparently they don't pay their staff well but the standard of care seems to be very high. The place that my son goes to is spotlessly clean & the staff are a bit older & my wife is very happy with them. My son loves going there as well.

northernbird

My place is also an ABC centre. I agree with Amazulu I looked at loads and they were crap compared to England but the place I go to in Kingsley is run by an English lady and I have nothing but praise for it.

Amazulu

ABC seem to be the only decent places available. They seem to be taking over the market. Maybe the non-ABC places should lift their game & raise their standards. My wife is very happy with ABC.

Wave the Sails

My 2 year old son goes to KidzBiz Beaumaris (Ocean Reef) and I cannot fault it. It's clean, the food is all freshly made each day on site, and the staff are friendly and helpful. Their Manager is fabulous. I cannot praise them highly enough. The places I looked at UK (Dorset) were far inferior both in terms of size and cleanliness. Oh and most importantly KidzBiz is an early learning centre so it's not all about just 'caring' for them, they have very structured leaning and we get a report every 6 months. It's about $57 for a full day.

nightnurse2

Your children might be a bit young yet but thought I'd let you and others know that I send my kids to an after school club (based in their school) and it costs $15 per child per session. They are picked up when school closes (3pm) and can stay until 6.30pm. Hope this helps!

Tracey

nightnurse2

Forgot to mention that I've seen private advertisers for child minding in our local shops. Not sure if the have to be registered though, but assume so.

Tracey