Payment question: help needed before Tues a.m.

**bubbly** · 11-08-2008, 07:41 PM

I had to send the 4 year old mindee home early today due to her impossible and unruly behaviour. Dad collected approx 3 hours early.

Am I right in thinking I can still charge for these 3 hours? After all, it wasn't through any fault of my own that I had to send her home. She was screaming, crying and puking up all over my house because I wouldn't give in to her every whim. I just couldn't take any more

. I really felt as if I shouldn't have to put up with it.

I've charged for the hours on my invoices but I need to be prepared in case I get queried on it tomorrow. Any advice?

Thanks

**brillminder** · 11-08-2008, 07:51 PM

if she was sick she cannot be with you

**bubbly** · 11-08-2008, 08:04 PM

Originally Posted by brillminder

if she was sick she cannot be with you

She wasn't poorly, although I suppose I could argue that because she was puking she was therefore 'sick', it was an attenton-seeking thing. This is her usual behaviour (she has 'issues') but it got so bad today I just couldn't take any more. She does the puking thing at home too when she doesn't get her own way.

**miss muffit** · 11-08-2008, 08:25 PM

I think i would bill them and see if they question it

I dont think they will

but if they do, just say that you cannot be responsable for a child who is chucking up, it is not fair for her or anyone

hope this helps

let us know how it goes

**miffy** · 11-08-2008, 09:19 PM

I nearly asked you if you were still having problems with this child - now I know!

I think you are within your rights to charge for the contracted hours even though you asked parents to collect early - it isn't your fault that this child behaved the way she did.

Parents are well aware of her behaviour issues - as you say, she also does this at home.

Good luck tomorrow - hopefully they will just pay up

Miffy xx

**ajs** · 11-08-2008, 09:20 PM

i would charge too after all you sent her home as a punishment because of her bad behaviour not because you wanted the afternoon off
(even if you did)

**bubbly** · 11-08-2008, 09:24 PM

LOL@ajs

If I'd wanted the afternoon off I would've sent her brother home too

. Mind you, it WAS a lot more peaceful without her

Thanks for your replies everyone.

**bubbly** · 12-08-2008, 10:02 AM

I can't believe what this girl's done now. She's only gone and BITTEN my son!!! I'm absolutely fuming

. She'd only been in the house 1 hour 35 mins and already been on the naughty step twice

. I'd definitely have terminated her contract after yesterday's behaviour but I can't 'cos she leaves in 3 weeks to start school and my contract says 4 weeks notice. I just want to sit down and cry.

My invoice wasn't queried at drop-off and payment is due at collection time. Mind you, they always pay late every week. I had a 'discussion' about it with mum and stepdad last week and they apologised saying it wasn't done intentionally. Anyway, we'll see what happens. I'm expecting yet another excuse.

**Wiggly** · 12-08-2008, 10:05 AM

Oh dear Bubbly - deep breaths. This is terrible behaviour you are having to discipline. Big hugs to you and hope you get your payment on time.

Wiggly
x

**Lou** · 12-08-2008, 11:27 AM

I would have to say if her behaviour is that bad that she has bitten your son, in my opinion that would be grounds to terminate the contract without any notice??

Not sure what everyone else thinks?

Im sorry you are dealing with this, hugs for you xx

**Monkey1** · 12-08-2008, 11:53 AM

Originally Posted by Lou

I would have to say if her behaviour is that bad that she has bitten your son, in my opinion that would be grounds to terminate the contract without any notice??

Not sure what everyone else thinks?

Im sorry you are dealing with this, hugs for you xx

If you are using NCMA contracts i would sayyou could terminate with immediate effect. What does your behaviour policy state?

Pipsqueak · 12-08-2008, 12:01 PM

In agreement with Monkey. If childs behaviour is that bad = result in bitten son then I think I would have to terminate the contract with immediate effect. See contract point 25 (NCMA) - love this contract point.
HAve you rung the parents to inform them of her latest episode?

Hun I hope you are ok and I hope you son is too.

**Mollymop** · 12-08-2008, 12:09 PM

I am thinking the same as Pip, Lou and Monkey. Surely the little one playing you up like this all the time and now she has bitten your son is grounds for immediate termination. I would definately terminate, I wouldn't want her near my son.
Good luck and big hugs - it sounds like you are having a terrible time of it. xx

**Ebs71** · 12-08-2008, 01:17 PM

Sorry i cant offer any advice, but just wanted to wish you luck and send you loads of ((((((((hugs))))))). Hope you get the situation sorted out soon xx

**EllieF** · 12-08-2008, 01:39 PM

Sorry I am a bit to late reading this, but I hope you got it sorted, let us know
Ellie

**bubbly** · 12-08-2008, 02:27 PM

Thanks Pip and Monkey for pointing out clause 25 on the NCMA contracts. I do use the NCMA ones and clause 25 states "...if the child's behaviour is, or becomes, such that the safety and wellbeing of the childminder, their children or the children in their care are threatened, the childminder may terminate the contract without notice." My mental wellbeing has been severely tested to the limit

I'm desperately trying to last out the final 3 weeks before she starts school, especially as I mind the girl's 9 month old half-sibling too. I've always been aware my position with the 9 month old may be jeopardised if I'm forced to disrupt the parents working lives. These are the only mindees I've had since I began 8 months ago and despite all my advertising, enquiries aren't happening in my area.

I'm just really confused as to what to do for the best. I never imagined minding would be a walk in the park but I didn't expect this either.

**Ripeberry** · 12-08-2008, 06:28 PM

Terminate the contract asap! For goodness sake she sounds like a really scary child!
The parents can't seem to controll her behaviour, you say she only has 3 weeks left with you.
I would put up with the loss of money for the safety of my child.
Maybe you don't get any enquiries because maybe people locally know you mind this girl and don't want her to mix with their children.
Boy is she going to get a shock when she goes to school!

**Minstrel** · 13-08-2008, 09:15 AM

Hope you took a photo of the bite mark on your son.
And an incident report.
If you do terminate immediately then you would need evidence and this would be a good way to stop them trying to deny it happened.

**littletreasures** · 13-08-2008, 05:06 PM

Didn't want to just read and run.

I am sorry to hear of the trouble you are having with this girl.

I know it must be hard as you want to keep the baby, I hope the next few weeks aren't too hard to manage. If it happens again though, I would terminate immediately. It's not fair on your son to have to put up with her behaviour.

Good luck

**kindredspirits** · 13-08-2008, 09:17 PM

i'd terminate immediatly - but try and do it in a 'nice' way. i.e. i really didn't want to have to do this but she's left me with no choice as my son is scared of her etc etc etc... if her behaviour probs are that bad i'm sure the parents won't take away the baby as well. probably relieved she is still in one piece, i would have wanted to belt her!!

(i am joking!!!)