I've found there are a lot of parents who want to secure a September childcare place as early as possible for their peace of mind. If it works out, all the better: you want the sort of clients who are sensible and organised. So far, so wonderful.....
OTOH, a lot can change between now and September and, moreover, I'm finding some parents are very selfish and unscrupulous about their search.
In each of the last 2 years, I've signed up children early for September, only to find they pulled out at the last minute. Last summer was the worst, with 3 children signed up and none of them coming here by the 3rd week of September. Not only did I lose £££s, but the worst thing was the thought of the many genuine enquirers I'd turned away cos I'd committed all my places on certain days to parents who weren't at all committed to me, IYWSWIM.
There's evidence in my area of some parents signing contracts with 2 or more CMs, in order to be sure of a place, then giving notice when they've had a settling visit or 2, or even well into Sepember. It's like they feel they have the right to have a CM 'on approval'. Even loss of deposit hasn't deterred them.
I'd say you definitely need a sizeable deposit if you sign anyone early. I can't say how much, other than that it needs to be no more than they can afford, but must be more than they can afford to
lose, IYSWIM. Inevitably, this may put some off, but I fear that's the nature of the business.
Btw, when I take a deposit, I agree to refund it against the
second (not first) month's fees. That means they have to still be with me by the 2nd month. Otherwise, they could turn up on the first day, then give immediate notice under the settling-in terms and I'd have to return the deposit and only get paid for 1 day's work.
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