What shall I do?

[jaz]

A parent has just rung and left a message saying that she does not want cover in the holidays for her LO anymore, but still wants him to come to me in September.

I used to have him all the time, his hours changed and due to a misunderstanding on her part, I did not care for him over half term even though I was expecting him. I did get half fee for the week though.

The problem is I'm fed up of being taken for granted and feel that the situation could get in the way of our friendship. (I became registered to look after her LO)


Also the phone has been very quiet of late, no enquiries at all :( , so I really dont want to alienate her, lose the LO and her friendship.

So what I'm asking is do you think I should get her to pay a retainer, or just leave it?


Any advice greatfully received.

Thanks

J

[Sarsar3NCH]

Is he pre-school or school age?

If he is a preschooler, I would charge a retainer, if he is classed as 5+ then I would not. But we all make our own rules for our own businesses.


Sarah

[chubbymummy]

i agree

the best thing to do is to go with your instincts
but don't be out of pocket

[Annie_T]

oh thats not good, i would say fill the space when he not with you in holidays, but that can prove hard and complicated.

and i can understand what your saying bout friendship side too its always hard.

wish i could help

[miffy]

What does it say in your contract about hours during school holidays?

If you are contracted to have the child then mum should give whatever period of notice you agreed before the contract hours are changed.

Just mentioning that because easter hols are very soon

Good luck hope you get it sorted

Miffy xx

[John]

I understand what you mean, about hoilday pay, me i charge a retainer fee for all children if the child is 1 and above as you only mind what ofsted alows and anyone over 8s you have to think how many can i have to make the children save and room to play.

Colleges are the worse in paying they havn't got a policy how to pay childminders no payment scheme and over the last 3 mouths there as been three differnt child-care fees people dealing with child care fees in the college. Childminders are not getting payed on time some are getting payed for students hoildays some not, like my self i've been payed by the college for all the college holidays until a new person took over. Now she says i won't be payed for the holidays? But it says in my contrac i will be payed. So i'll be having words with this woman that does not know her job and it's not the college that tells the children minder how they get payed but it's the childminder.

Sorry for going of the subject, but as anyone else had this problem and can a college tell a childminder the hours and pay that you should be paying.

It's not the parent thats causing the problems but the college i thought thay were here to help young mums to train and help with child care?


John.

[angeldelight]

Hope you take everyones advice and get this sorted

I would do as Miffy suggests

Angel xx

[wendywu]

She would be the same a teacher and i chage 1/2 fee in the holidays for them, and any one else who does not use me during holidays. But that is normal round here.

If we have do all this paperwork and training in our own time to be thought of more as a profession then parents have to understand this fact as well. This is a business and much more flexible than many in the public sector.:thumbsup:

[avril]

Me too I have a 1yr old who is term time only but I charge a half fee retainer for hols BUT I understand as she is a friend it's hard.

Avril x

[jaz]

Thank you all for your comments and advice, I still am unsure of what to do. I think I have made a decision and then change my mind again.

Never mind theres always the weekend to have a proper sit down and think about it.

J
x