Care from July or Sept - charge a retainer?

[Thelongfamily]

Hi I have an enquiry about care to be provided from July/August/September time. Usually I ask for the first month in advance together with a month deposit (used for final invoice when they no longer need me). Should I also request a retainer for keeping the space until the summer?

Thankyou!

[LauraS]

If I had that enquiry I wouldn't because I have a space coming available in September which would fit perfectly ;)

If I had the space now I would give the option of paying a deposit closer to the time if the space was still available (parents taking a chance), or a.retainer now.