Putting up fees

[mum2two]

Have any of you done this?

Just wondered, as there's a couple of cm's by me who are now trying to get more full timers, and have said they'll now charge £4 p/h for new ones.

I charge £3.50 including all meals & snacks, and have done since I started last Jan. (This was the same rate as all the others, none charged more than this back then)

Not sure when, (or if ) I should put my fees up. I've got a few that have been with me since Sept 2007, 2 started with me last week, and a baby starting with me in Sept 2008, so can't see how to put fees up, as they've all been with me dif amounts of time.... (or not yet even started). I haven't got any spaces, til my lo starts school Sept 2009... so not going to be able to charge new amounts to new parents before then anyway... (unless something I really don't want to happen does!!!)

Does anyone know how nursery's do it? How often do they put there fee's up, cos I bet they do...! I just don't see why we shouldn't go along with inflation - everything else does!

Kelly x

[chubbymummy]

i'm putting fees up in april:-

2-80 now 2-90 in april

lunch 75p now 1-00 in april

tea 1-25 now 1-50 in april

i reviewed my policies in january and informed parents then of the increase

[miffy]

It's up to you when you put your fees up but if you set your fees in Sept 07 then personally I wouldn't put them up again until Sept 2008

Miffy xx

[Sarsar3NCH]

You can tie it in with contract reviews

Sarah

[Tatia]

I have thought about putting my fees up but the trouble is that aroud here there are too many childminders with a lot of vacancies. I am well established and nearly full but if I don't stay competitive, I'll definitely lose work down the road.

Would like a raise though! :)

[Clever Clogs]

Not at that position yet as only just starting but I think I would prob wait until the year since I last reviewed it or when contract is up for review?

Tracey

[Trouble]

i need to review mine

:panic:

[Twinkles]

I'm not very good at putting my fees up - i only do it every two to three years. I have a friend who puts hers up by 25p every time the contract needs renewing ie yearly.

[angeldelight]

Good luck whatever you decide to do

Angel xx

[deeb66]

I put the fees up on the anniversary of the contract.

it does sometimes mean that all the children are on different rates but they all equal out in the end.

[Rubybubbles]

Recently when I started new children I put my fee up was £3.50 so when new ones started in October they went onto £.60 per hour,

Maybe you could do this for baby when starts in Sept?

Or as everyone else says I would do it with contract review, or I have given out a letter in the Jan, for rise in APril (tax year pay rise ect! I use haha)

[RedDragon]

Have just put mine up (old ones were on £2.50 p.h. and have just sent letters out saying it is going up to £3 p.h.). Newer ones are already on £3 p.h. I softened the blow a little by only putting 1 child's fees up if they have 2 children with me.

I explained that I am just finishing my Diploma in Home based childcare and that after being on the Diploma/course I have realised I was charging the least in our village!

I have also been on 3 other courses this year and have booked 4 more to go on - so it's not as if the parents are not getting value for money (a highly qualified Childminder) :D :D :D :D :D :D

I've also updated all my policies (now have 51 of the little blighters in a folder and on a web page) and I have started a monthly newsletter. I feel by doing all this extra work I am entitled to ask for a few pennies an hour more. :jump for joy: :jump for joy:

[ChocolateChip]

Well said Claire!

I only started in Feb, so not doing mine yet, but I will see how this first year works out, thought I'd just do a yearly rise in April as I don't think I could keep up with having people on different rates!

:)