feeling guilty :/ (probably pointless post)

[Elkie Mawdsley]

I'm feeling rather guilty as I am going to have to let a very nice parent down.

It's all my own fault really - as I have two schools fairly close to me - one walking distance of 10 -the other driving of about 8 mins, so when I startes advertising I said I wasn't yet committed to either school.

This week, I had two sets of school parents visit, one for each school. They were both scheduled for tuesday initially, but one parent rearranged to Friday.

Tuesday meeting went well - before and after school care mon - fri for a 4 year old.

Anyway, by Friday, I hadn't heard from tuesdays parent, so decided to go ahead with the next meeting - which was only for 3 days collection, but better than nothing.

During the meeting I received a message from tuesdays parents wanting to sign me up - but I obviously didn't read it until the mum had gone. In fact- by time I read it - fridays mum had also messaged to say the same.

I obviously need to take the higher paying one as i'm new to this, and I have had another enquiry for that school now also - so makesthw decision much easier.

Have spent the morning trying to find another minder near me who does do that school so I can be helpful during let down but no luck.

Pointless post really, jyst needed to share my guilt :/

[Kiddleywinks]

Is it possible the school could keep hold of the 2nd child till you get there?

I collect 3 from a different school to the other 2 and the 3 wait in the office till I get there (school agreed to do this)

[sarah707]

some schools end at different times - I can just about do our 2 (it's a bit of a rush but I can do it) ... x

[Elkie Mawdsley]

Anyone know a nice way to decline offering a place?

[jadavi]

You could just be honest and say an earlier inquiry signed the contract for another school so hers was too late.

[wee_elf]

Yep I agree and just be honest, you are sorry but another parent got in there first x

[Elkie Mawdsley]

Thank you both. Feel awful for letting her down, but wouldn't feel comfortable doing both schools - wpuld always be panicking I'd be late.

[k1rstie]

Hi. Do you have any children of your own at school, which school would be easiest for them?

If you had children under school age, I personally would only take on mindees if they fitted in with the school my own child would go to.

It's not always about the one who will pay the most.....

[Elkie Mawdsley]

Hi K1rstie. I do have a son - but he is only 7 months old, so school seems a long way off yet. The school I have received a contract for is closer and means I would not need to use the car etc.