Can I give notice in writing or do I need to renew all contracts?

[greenfields]

Can I just give 4+ weeks notice for changes of payment for holidays, by informing parents in writing?
Currently I charge nothing for my holidays, nothing for bank holiday.
Half fee for parents holiday.

I am learning that I am going to be financially struggling some months like this! And I want to change my terms. How quickly newly(ish) registered chidlminders learn.

Do I need to renew all contracts?

[loocyloo]

i usually give 3 months notice of fee increases ( should be annual increases, but seems to be every other year! ) but 4 weeks should be fine. i then ask all parents to sign to say they have received letter with details of their new fees, and this goes in the childs records.

[greenfields]

Great. I was thinking that the change of fees, well, holiday pay terms really, could take effect in 3mths.

So I'm thinking I could write a fees policy and procedure and this could be signed as proof of reading and accepting the changes..?

Thanks loocyloo!

[loocyloo]

Great. I was thinking that the change of fees, well, holiday pay terms really, could take effect in 3mths.

So I'm thinking I could write a fees policy and procedure and this could be signed as proof of reading and accepting the changes..?

Thanks loocyloo!

i would think so. make sure parents keep a signed copy and that you have a signed copy, both with all details of fee changes, then no one can say they didn't know/agree etc.

i would possibly put a line at the bottom to say that only the fees/payment terms have changed, everything else in the original contract ( put date signed ) stands as before.

good luck x

[TAZ]

I have designed a variation form for my use when there is any change to the contract. This can include anything from a change in the child's address / phone number; Change of days / hours; change in fees / fee structure. This is then signed / dated by the parent and saves having to complete an entirely new contract (which is an expense & more time consuming)
I've copied / pasted the form here but it hasn't included the tables & lines so some imagination is required!


VARIATION FORM
CHANGE TO TERMS OF CONTRACT

Child’s Name Date of Birth

NEW CONTACT DETAILS
No Change  Date of Change
Address Telephone number

NEW CONTRACTED DAYS / HOURS
No Change  Date of Change
DAY FROM TO Additional notes for contracted hours if required
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

NEW CHARGES
No Change  Date of Change
Hourly childminding rate
Daily childminding rate
Weekly childminding rate
Monthly childminding rate
Payment day
Payment in advance / arrears Advance  Arrears 
Daily  Weekly  Monthly 
Rates inclusive of payment for statutory public holidays? Yes  No 


Hours minded outside contracted hours
Occasional unsocial hours
Occasional overnight
Occassional childminding
Statutory public holidays
Meals
Playgroup fees to be paid by
Charges for Absence
Due to child/parent/guardian illness/ Occassional days off
Childminder illness
Childminder paid time off weeks £
Parent / Guardian holiday weeks £


Holidays: Notice required (on both sides) weeks


Childminder Signature Date
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
Parent/Guardian Signature Date