School age and keeping their place open?

[Goldilocks]

There may have been a thread before so sorry if I've missed it.

So I have just set up as a childminder and have my first family round on Monday. The mum want's before and after school and school holidays but not to start till September. It will be for 1 child starting in reception. Not sure how it works with taking a deposit to hold her place until then? What do other people do?

Any advise would be fab!

[sharonmanc]

I take the first months fee's in advance at signing if contract which will secure the place for September. That way you won't be messed around holding the place until September because if parents truly want the place they will pay the first months fee. The first month fee is non refundable too.

[AliceK]

I too ask for a deposit. I ask for 2 weeks fees to hold the space which I expect to be paid at the time of signing the contract but then I do refund this off the first months care I invoice for care in advance so she would pay for Septs start at the end of August.

xxx

[Koala]

I too ask for a deposit. I ask for 2 weeks fees to hold the space which I expect to be paid at the time of signing the contract but then I do refund this off the first months care I invoice for care in advance so she would pay for Septs start at the end of August.

xxx

i do this too but ask for 4 weeks deposit

[Mia73]

I do exactly same than Sharonmanc! one month in advance to secure a place and no refundable!

[The Juggler]

same here

[jillplum]

I dont charge a retainer or a deposit. I dont usually have aspace available that I need to hold as normally a new child fills the place of one who is leaving. If I wasnt sure about the parent I would ask for a deposit tho.