The whole point of a retainer is for this situation
You have a space available now, parent doesn't want to start till January, retainer covers your lack of income during this time and ensures the place is held for parent
If the parent decided not to start the contract, then you wouldn't refund the retainer.
How long have you been waiting for a mindee?
Is it financially viable for you to wait for someone else?
I charge a 4 week deposit (held until the last 4 weeks of contract) and this is due when we sign a contract - I've found that that has sorted out vague/undecided parents from the serious ones.
Serious clients now, that will pay a deposit and a retainer, are worth more (to me) than several enquiries of 'possibles' between now and January
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