Put on the spot during contract signing.
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  1. #1
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    Default Put on the spot during contract signing.

    Can someone please tell me if a morning drop off to school is usually paid up to the time you return home or drop lo off?

    Also do you charge more for just morning care and being available from 7.30am? (Compared to after school care)

    It was probably just a misunderstanding but I feel like I was put on the spot and haven't charged enough. In previous emails I was led to believe I was needed for 2 hours in the am and now I have to get lo to school within an hour of him being dropped off, just as the school gates are literally opening.

    Feeling like my good, somewhat naive, nature has been abused!

    Any help or advice is appreciated xx

  2. #2
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    Default Re: Put on the spot during contract signing.

    Some people (and nurseries) charge a drop off fee or/ and pick up fee, which is usually equal to 2 hours normal fees.

    Hope this helps

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    Default Re: Put on the spot during contract signing.

    What hours are you actually doing then ??

    how much do you usually charge per hour/day etc

    I charge daily rate £30 from 8am - 5pm

    outside these hours before 8 am and after 5 pm = £5 per hour onto of daily rate

    Part time hours i charge £4 per hour

    i charge £6.50 from 8-school drop off

    £10 after school fees from collection - 5pm

    all my prices include meals /snacks ..............and i charge roughly the same as everyone else where i live !

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    Default Re: Put on the spot during contract signing.

    I charge an hour extra to drop off and an extra hour if i pick up.

    So for 1 hour in the morning it would be £9.00.
    we dont stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing

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    Default Re: Put on the spot during contract signing.

    Quote Originally Posted by funfunfun View Post
    What hours are you actually doing then ??

    how much do you usually charge per hour/day etc

    I charge daily rate £30 from 8am - 5pm

    outside these hours before 8 am and after 5 pm = £5 per hour onto of daily rate

    Part time hours i charge £4 per hour

    i charge £6.50 from 8-school drop off

    £10 after school fees from collection - 5pm

    all my prices include meals /snacks ..............and i charge roughly the same as everyone else where i live !
    I usually charge £4 per hour. Drop off to me is at 7.40, school gates open at 8.40 which is when I am being paid til. This doesn't leave me much time to get lo into classroom (plus, i have others I have at that time) let alone get back home. ( school starts at 9am)

    I explained in a earlier communication that I charge for whole hours, not halves and thought it was obvious the rate would be £8. But when she said she wanted to keep it to an hour I said I wasnt prepared to do it for £4 so I said I would do it for £5. But even still with a snack and trying to get out the door with 2 more under 3 I feel I have not charged enough and am feeling a bit put upon. Hate bartering about caring for children, doesn't feel right at all.

    Thank you ladies for your replies.

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    Default Re: Put on the spot during contract signing.

    I just charge a flat rate for mornings too , £7. It is just a little more than the breakfast club charge , and in line with other local minders.

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    Default Re: Put on the spot during contract signing.

    I have a LO who comes at 8am and is always in school by 8.50am, i charge them a full hour (so until 9am) Hope this helps xx

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    Default Re: Put on the spot during contract signing.

    No i wouldn't do it for £5 a day - its different if i was dropping off other children but if i wasn't doing the school run at all then i wouldn't bother leaving the house for that amount of money. As for a snack - no way - he arrives at 7.40 so should have had breakfast at home and seeing as he's only there for an hour will not go hungry in that time.
    Blessed Be!

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    Default Re: Put on the spot during contract signing.

    Im always a little unsure as to charging the time between leaving home and picking up , or dropping off and getting home. Although we're out of the house for the extra time we arent really working. the vast majority of jobs wouldnt pay you to get to and return from work would they? it seems a little unfair..
    By charging a flat rate you are happy to accept then it doesnt become an issue anyway. Sounds like you made a snap decision at £5 which you now realise is unreasonable. Whether or not you raise the issue depends really on whether you are willing to lose the child altogether?

  10. #10
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    Default Re: Put on the spot during contract signing.

    If you've already signed the contracts for that amount parent is unlikely to be impressed (or agree) to paying a higher rate now.

    You could either tell her the truth, you've made a mistake or wait until the contract review and then increase your fees.

    When you're starting out it's easy to make mistakes - you'll be much better prepared next time!

    Miffy xx
    Keep smiling!

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    Default Re: Put on the spot during contract signing.

    I think its easy to make these sort of mistakes

    I have in the past too and realise that I should have charged more for something and could have kicked myself after when its too late

    Prob best to leave it now if you have signed contracts

    Learn from it for next time though

    You will get more experienced at this and laugh about things that you did wrong in a few years time

    You will become more confident and wont be put on the spot so much either

    Good luck

    Angel xx

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    Default Re: Put on the spot during contract signing.

    Hi I too charge a set fee
    mum drops off at 8 to get to pre school for 9.15 and then pick up at 3.15 til 5 to include breakfast and evening meal and i charge £15 per day this is for 3 times a wk and 1 full day. But during holidays they are full days x4

    If you have a settling in period you could maybe say to parent after trying this out you have realised that you are going to have to charge a set fee for the drop off and even if you only put it up a pound or so you might feel happier and they might not even mind?? you could test the water and see what the response is i guess if they feel settled with you they might be happy to change it as oppose to having to find alternative childcare (and would they get it cheaper anyway)??

    good luck

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    Default Re: Put on the spot during contract signing.

    Hi,

    I have set fees for before/after school.

    £5.50 before school. Open from 7.30. Even if they want to drop off at 8.30 to be in school playground for 8.50 its still the same price.

    I get very embarrassed talking about money with parents.

    Note to self....must get more assertive!

    xx

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    Default Re: Put on the spot during contract signing.

    oh my goodness i dont charge enough! I charge per hour and my before schoolers usually arrive at 8am and 8.15am. I charge for 1 hour, so £4. Then afterschool i charge again for the hour (or 2 hours for 1 of the children) so £4 or £8.

    I will have to look into it more when i come of maternity leave as its time for contract reviews anyway. Might change it to a before school club and after school club and then have set hours, like 8-9 and then 3.15-5.15 including tea and drinks and then have a set price. Its up to the parent if they want to use all the time.

    I too HATE talking to parents about money. I got the nerve up to ask one about paying me while i LO was at pre-school (she used to be with me but started preschool last week) She was only paying me £3.60 an hour as it was and wated it for 50% off while she was there, do £1.80. Managed to get her up to £2 but is rubbish tbh as cant fill her space as she is counted in my numbers incase i have to collect her, so money has gone right down!

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    Default Re: Put on the spot during contract signing.

    When you say that the school gates open at 8.40, is that just the playground or can the children go in to their classrooms at that time? I wouldn't leave a child until i knew they we're safely in their classroom with their teacher, and i know that the school i drop off at opens the gates at 8.30 but doesn't let children into their classrooms until 8.55. Could you perhaps say that you are finding that you are still at school at 8.55 (or whatever time) dropping him off so you will need to charge her more for that extra time?

  16. #16
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    Default Re: Put on the spot during contract signing.

    I have a session fee in the morning and from 7.45 to 8.45am it is £5.50. The time I finish is 8.45am as that is what is on the contract
    Debbie

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    Default Re: Put on the spot during contract signing.

    Quote Originally Posted by snufflepuff View Post
    When you say that the school gates open at 8.40, is that just the playground or can the children go in to their classrooms at that time? I wouldn't leave a child until i knew they we're safely in their classroom with their teacher, and i know that the school i drop off at opens the gates at 8.30 but doesn't let children into their classrooms until 8.55. Could you perhaps say that you are finding that you are still at school at 8.55 (or whatever time) dropping him off so you will need to charge her more for that extra time?
    Hiya, that is literally when the school gates open (and usually late too!) The classroom is open and I take lo into the classroom. I wouldn't leave them until I knew a teacher was taking charge for definite. I will document what times I am getting out of the classroom and just see how it goes.

  18. #18
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    Default Re: Put on the spot during contract signing.

    Quote Originally Posted by FinleysMummy View Post
    oh my goodness i dont charge enough! I charge per hour and my before schoolers usually arrive at 8am and 8.15am. I charge for 1 hour, so £4. Then afterschool i charge again for the hour (or 2 hours for 1 of the children) so £4 or £8.

    I will have to look into it more when i come of maternity leave as its time for contract reviews anyway. Might change it to a before school club and after school club and then have set hours, like 8-9 and then 3.15-5.15 including tea and drinks and then have a set price. Its up to the parent if they want to use all the time.

    I too HATE talking to parents about money. I got the nerve up to ask one about paying me while i LO was at pre-school (she used to be with me but started preschool last week) She was only paying me £3.60 an hour as it was and wated it for 50% off while she was there, do £1.80. Managed to get her up to £2 but is rubbish tbh as cant fill her space as she is counted in my numbers incase i have to collect her, so money has gone right down!
    If there still counted in your numbers by Ofsted then surely you have to charge full price. Plus I thought you are still on call in case the child is ill?

  19. #19
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    Default Re: Put on the spot during contract signing.

    Quote Originally Posted by FinleysMummy View Post
    oh my goodness i dont charge enough! I charge per hour and my before schoolers usually arrive at 8am and 8.15am. I charge for 1 hour, so £4. Then afterschool i charge again for the hour (or 2 hours for 1 of the children) so £4 or £8.

    I will have to look into it more when i come of maternity leave as its time for contract reviews anyway. Might change it to a before school club and after school club and then have set hours, like 8-9 and then 3.15-5.15 including tea and drinks and then have a set price. Its up to the parent if they want to use all the time.

    I too HATE talking to parents about money. I got the nerve up to ask one about paying me while i LO was at pre-school (she used to be with me but started preschool last week) She was only paying me £3.60 an hour as it was and wated it for 50% off while she was there, do £1.80. Managed to get her up to £2 but is rubbish tbh as cant fill her space as she is counted in my numbers incase i have to collect her, so money has gone right down!
    I have the same situation with a child i have - collection at 730, drop-off at nursery 9am, collect at 1210 and drop home at 530pm. I charge fulltime rate for him 'cos i have to be available to collect if the child is ill and he still counts as part of my numbers. Mum is happy enough to pay that.

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    Default Re: Put on the spot during contract signing.

    My before school is 8-9am for £2 including breakfast and after school is 3.20-5.30 for £8 including snack. I only do one school which I take my own children too and its right on my door step.

 

 
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