What would you charge in this situation?

**MrsShell** · 13-05-2011, 08:17 AM

Morning everyone

I am having a bit of difficulty trying to work out what to charge and wondered if you could give any advice.

I have a 3 yr old mindee due to start pre-school in September. She currently attends 3 days a week 8.30 - 2.30.

Mum is trying to change her hours at work so she can drop lo at pre-school and I will pick up at midday and have until 3.30. She also needs cover for holidays which will be 9.30 - 3.30.

Now my thoughts are that If I was dropping off and picking up I would charge for hours lo is at pre-school. However, as I'm not dropping off I didn't think I could charge. Then my thought is if lo only has contracted hours of 12 - 3.30 then she wouldnt be guaranteed a place in the holidays, so should I charge a retainer for the hours the lo is at pre-school to cover this?

I hope this makes sense because I am getting a bit confused!

Michelle x

**SusanEMcc** · 13-05-2011, 09:05 AM

Hi michelle

I'm a newbie but I think I would work out an average weekly cost eg. Calculate cost during holidays and normal weekly cost. Multiply by number of weeks and divide by 52. If this is not going to pay you I would look for another mindee - you still need to get a wage. Hope this helps x

**Goatgirl** · 13-05-2011, 12:08 PM

Hi

,
I think it might be time to introduce a minimum number of hours per day for your under 5's spaces... Mine's 5

Or, as you say, the space will be needed for the holiday weeks, so its a year round contract. You'd be justified to charge a percentage retainer for the hours not used in term time IMO.

good luck

**MrsShell** · 13-05-2011, 07:58 PM

Thanks for your advice ladies.

It's given me an idea of other options to consider.

Michelle x

**karen1033** · 20-05-2011, 10:49 PM

Originally Posted by SusanEMcc

If this is not going to pay you I would look for another mindee - you still need to get a wage. Hope this helps x

Not always as easy as that!! esp if you are in competition with other CMs & pre-schools in the area.

I can only charge for hours attended whether in term time or holidays...however, if parent wants a place held then they have to pay a retainer but I have yet to find one that does. If I do not have the required space on certain days they miraculously find grandparents or friends to look after the kids!!!