NLprereg
26-07-2010, 03:30 PM
Hi
I'm a pre-reg childminder and just lost out on my first childminding enquiry as I was too expensive. I wondered if I'd made a huge mistake and error of judgement and would be interested in feedback....here's what happened -
My full day rate 8am - 6pm is £40 per day (£4ph)
The enquiry was for a 3 year old child before and after nursery including breakfast, snack and evening meal. I proposed £30 per day which is £7.50 per hour (4 hours a day) however it retains the place for school holiday care etc. I wouldn't fill the place with another child.
What I was thinking is that I won't charge the full £40 (that other childminders told me they would) if I don't have the child all day and will meet parents half way, for the cost of the nursery hours time, knocking £10 off.
I know before and after School clubs in the area are cheaper than this however the care I'm offering is on a 3 to 1 ratio plus I'm providing 2 decent meals a day and not just snacks.
I was thinking that if this child was over 5 and it wouldn't affect my earning possibilities then I could have been a bit more flexible on price however a 3 year old takes one of my vital full time slots so I had to make it worth my while. Also there is a younger sibling but they had already arranged care elsewhere for her so I didn't have an opportunity to do a sibling reduced rate.
Have I got this completely wrong or should I stick to my charges and hope I get another enquiry soon?
I'd be grateful for any feedback, both positive and negative. Any advice is welcome.
Many Thanks.
I'm a pre-reg childminder and just lost out on my first childminding enquiry as I was too expensive. I wondered if I'd made a huge mistake and error of judgement and would be interested in feedback....here's what happened -
My full day rate 8am - 6pm is £40 per day (£4ph)
The enquiry was for a 3 year old child before and after nursery including breakfast, snack and evening meal. I proposed £30 per day which is £7.50 per hour (4 hours a day) however it retains the place for school holiday care etc. I wouldn't fill the place with another child.
What I was thinking is that I won't charge the full £40 (that other childminders told me they would) if I don't have the child all day and will meet parents half way, for the cost of the nursery hours time, knocking £10 off.
I know before and after School clubs in the area are cheaper than this however the care I'm offering is on a 3 to 1 ratio plus I'm providing 2 decent meals a day and not just snacks.
I was thinking that if this child was over 5 and it wouldn't affect my earning possibilities then I could have been a bit more flexible on price however a 3 year old takes one of my vital full time slots so I had to make it worth my while. Also there is a younger sibling but they had already arranged care elsewhere for her so I didn't have an opportunity to do a sibling reduced rate.
Have I got this completely wrong or should I stick to my charges and hope I get another enquiry soon?
I'd be grateful for any feedback, both positive and negative. Any advice is welcome.
Many Thanks.