Would you charge anything for what's happened?

**tigwig** · 08-03-2013, 02:19 PM

I had a parent come to see me last weekend. She had previously seen me before and wanted variable days each week which I said I couldnt do. This time though she had had another meeting at work and they were supposed to be agreeing to her doing a set day. Her union rep advised her this would be the case so she signed a contract and was supposed to be starting on Thurs (yesterday) doing 1 day a week. As it was less than a week away I didnt take a deposit but it stated on the contract that the full months fees for March would be payable on her start day which mum agreed.
On Tues I had a text from her saying she was having to quit her job as work had refused to back down after all and were insisting she did set hours (far longer than I open) but different days so she could no longer take the place. I dont think she 'gets' that what she signed is actually a legally binding document and that she should technically pay me the fees due. I dont want to cause her anymore upset but at the same time I sat and printed out everything for her child's profile on Sat after contracts were signed and it took me over an hour not to mention all the paper, cost of folder, wallets etc and ink. Shall I just let it go or do you think I should ask for something like a days fees to cover my time and expenses? Or am I just being petty?!

**Kiddleywinks** · 08-03-2013, 02:34 PM

Firstly, no, you're not being petty. A contract is a contract, so I would follow through, however, I take a deposit of 4 weeks though, refundable at the end of the contract, and unrefundable should care not start at all for this very reason.

Can you afford/do you want to just cut your losses, learn from it, and make changes to the way you do things in future?

**chriss** · 08-03-2013, 02:37 PM

Tou never know, she may come back to you in future, or recommend to someone, so for a few quid you have to think if its worth it. Can understand your frustration though

**caz3007** · 08-03-2013, 02:41 PM

If you had a settling period, I suppose it would come under that in a way. I would probably let it go and hope that she sorts something out and comes back to you.

**RuthJ** · 08-03-2013, 04:29 PM

I know hindsight is a wonderful thing, but I would have taken a deposit in this case because she hadn't actually confirmed her days with work.

I'm not sure where you stand now, but she may need you soon anyway if she gets a new job. Personally I would leave it now and take it as a lesson learnt for future.

Very frustrating though!

**FussyElmo** · 08-03-2013, 04:34 PM

What can you charge her the contract hadnt actually started.

And like another pp said if she does get her set day or another job she probably come back to you - she wont if you try and charge her something

**mazza58** · 08-03-2013, 05:34 PM

It is hard when you have done all this hard work ready for a mindee to start and then it does not happen, but unfortunately its not the parents fault and she would probably struggle to find the money, as the others have said maybe she will be able to sort it out and find another job and need you anyway. So I would not charge as really the child did not come on the day that the contract was due to start.

**margaret** · 08-03-2013, 06:44 PM

I would think about introducing an administration charge / settling in sessions of approx 6hrs and charge £40.00 ,payable in advance,nurseries do this, and then if parent changes mind because of work etc ,you dont feel out of pocket.If you dont charge for settling in fees do a one of admin fee of say 20.00 so that you are in pocket and dont feel resentful .I havent had any problems charging this.Have also started filling in contracts in parents home rather than mine ,this gives me a good insight into what childs behaviour is like in own home .One of mums *****mind for suggested this - going of tract now but worth thinking about

**shelly2012** · 08-03-2013, 06:56 PM

I hate when that happens. All that hard work and not to mention the money

. Would defo think about a deposit and learn by our mistakes x

**tigwig** · 08-03-2013, 07:47 PM

Well normally I ALWAYS take a deposit, of 2 weeks fees usually, in advance but the visit was arranged at short notice and TBH I dont even think they had any money on them or were expecting to pay anything. She didnt have a bag with her or anything. Because the start date was so soon I just thought its fine, pay me when you come, especially as it was only a 1 day place. I do put that the contracts start on the day they sign though and not the start date, its what I've always done.
I think I will leave it and hope she does find another job somewhere else, hopefully a full time one

Thanks guys

**MessybutHappy** · 09-03-2013, 08:05 AM

It's a shame that it's turned out this way for you and her, I hope she does find another position and you will have a use for all that paperwork!

I like the idea of signing contracts at the childs home, I tried to engineer a home visit with my latest mindee, but couldn't find the time, this would give me the excuse I need!