mumx3
14-07-2010, 12:13 PM
Hi All,
I have recently given notice on an U5 toddler following 5 months of looking after him and it having an all round negative impact on other children and me and my family.
I gave notice and parents were really not happy. I explained how sorry I was but that I had to put my own kids first. There main gripe is that they paid a retainer @ 50% for 3 months before the child took up the place.
During the 3 months of the retainer being paid I offered childcare up to the value of the retainer and over the time did weekly coffee mornings and had the child from 1 hour up to 5 hours in any one day. So though they paid a retainer they did get a really good settling in period....and of course I was holding the place and turning other people away.
At the time the parents had the choice to book the place and pay the retainer, or to wait until nearer the time to book the place. I also CLEARLY explained verbally and in writing that all the retainer did was secure a trial period (4 weeks) and that at any point during the trial period either of us (them or me) could end it, and that the reatiner is non-refundable.
The child then went onto full contract 5 months ago. And I have given the arrangement a real good go. I was conscious that the retainer had been paid and so persevered for 5 months even though soon after the child started I could feel it wasnt really ideal for the other kids I look after or my family.
So after the past 8 months (settling in for 3 months and 5 months of full contract) I have decided to give notice.
The first thing parents did was ask for the retainer back. Truth is...I dont have it. I used it to pay my wages as I couldnt fill the place I was holding for them....surely this is exactly what a retainer is for!
Please someone advise. I am so depressed about this whole situation and have ended up with a migraine and throwing up through the stress of it.
Am I out of order for ending the contract and not refunding retainer?
I have recently given notice on an U5 toddler following 5 months of looking after him and it having an all round negative impact on other children and me and my family.
I gave notice and parents were really not happy. I explained how sorry I was but that I had to put my own kids first. There main gripe is that they paid a retainer @ 50% for 3 months before the child took up the place.
During the 3 months of the retainer being paid I offered childcare up to the value of the retainer and over the time did weekly coffee mornings and had the child from 1 hour up to 5 hours in any one day. So though they paid a retainer they did get a really good settling in period....and of course I was holding the place and turning other people away.
At the time the parents had the choice to book the place and pay the retainer, or to wait until nearer the time to book the place. I also CLEARLY explained verbally and in writing that all the retainer did was secure a trial period (4 weeks) and that at any point during the trial period either of us (them or me) could end it, and that the reatiner is non-refundable.
The child then went onto full contract 5 months ago. And I have given the arrangement a real good go. I was conscious that the retainer had been paid and so persevered for 5 months even though soon after the child started I could feel it wasnt really ideal for the other kids I look after or my family.
So after the past 8 months (settling in for 3 months and 5 months of full contract) I have decided to give notice.
The first thing parents did was ask for the retainer back. Truth is...I dont have it. I used it to pay my wages as I couldnt fill the place I was holding for them....surely this is exactly what a retainer is for!
Please someone advise. I am so depressed about this whole situation and have ended up with a migraine and throwing up through the stress of it.
Am I out of order for ending the contract and not refunding retainer?