Hourly fee or Session fee?

[Charlieboy1965]

Hi
Started my council pre-reg course this week and so much to think about

Was thinking of charging an hourly fee but a lot of people have said they will charge session fees - what's the advantages/disadvantages for both???

Thanks in advance

[kellyskidz!]

Hi and welcome!
I charge both, a £4per hour or £30 per day if they want more than 5 hours care
The after schoolies use the £4 per hour rate whereas full timers obviously get charged £30 for a full day, I wouldn't feel right charging a full days fee for a few hours after school, but I know others around here do and parents seem happy to pay that so its totally up to you
I would keep it as simple as possible though, no half hour fees or bits and bobbing because its easier to work out invoices when you have set rates
The above rates are based on my local average though, so check yours

[scottishlass]

I just stick to an hourly fee - dont want to work a much longer day for same money x

[muffins]

I charge by the hr (£4) which excludes food, but for before/ after sch I charge for the session which works out a higher rate but includes travel and food, 8-9am (£5) and 3-6pm (£15)

[Charlieboy1965]

Thank you
You've all been a big help

[ash-p]

I charge by the hr (£4) which excludes food, but for before/ after sch I charge for the session which works out a higher rate but includes travel and food, 8-9am (£5) and 3-6pm (£15)

Excludes food? So do you charge for food separately? x

[adedwards68]

I charge £5 if its 40 hours + and include meals, although so far I only provide breakfast and lunch as they are gone before tea. If its less than 40 hours then its £5.50 meals not included

Sent from my iPhone using Childminding Forum

[shortstuff]

I also charge by the hour and charge food on top. All parents are made aware at the first meeting and choose whether to provide food or add it to their invoice x

Hth x

[samb]

The advantage of charging hourly is that the parent can have the exact hours they want and you work for exactly what you are paid for. Like someone else said I wouldn't want to work a full long day for less money when parents don't even need it but just want their money's worth. However if they go over or come earlier than this you may then have to broach the subject with parents about sticking to contracted hours or late fees etc which can be awkward.

I charge a sessional rate for school children only and this is because I feel it needs to be more than my hourly rate to make it worthwhile going on school runs and the extra food they inevitably want to eat.