Maternity leave

[JueQ]

I know Happy Feet has just asked a question on maternity leave but I would like to know what people do. I have more than one parent expecting so they will be going on maternity leave in a few months. I have asked other childminders in the area who say they charge a percentage of the hours providing they return to them once maternity leave is finished. Your input appreciated x

[tulip0803]

When one of my parents went on maternity leave I agreed for child to come every other week one day (came 2 days a week) but I had lots of ad-hocs at the time who would pick up empty sessions.

You cannot be expected to keep 1 or even 2 spaces open without any payment. You need to work out what you would be happy with and speak to parent. They may want to keep the child coming full or part-time. If they do drop hours you may be able to get a temporary or ad-hoc contract. Or they may decide that they are not returning to work. My family decided to move and I only had sibling for 2 months before they left the area.

[cupcake22]

I had a parent who went on maternity leave. Eventually she reduced my days from 4 down to 2 days. In the end I advertised the space & filled it. I couldn't manage on 2 days money. The parent wasn't happy but I had said to her if I can fill the other days it will be fine but if I couldn't then I would have to review the situation. I couldn't fill the days so I reviewed it. I said to her that just as she couldn't afford 4 days I cant afford to have her child for just 2 days.

Cupcake22