fees while at playgroup

[mrs c]

I have had a lo from 6months old from 9am until 5.30. He is now over 2 and mum intends putting him in a playgroup and taking him herself. I would be collecting at 11.40. As I would have to leave home at 11.25 to collect, the chances of filling this morning slot are pretty remote so am thinking I should still be charging from 9am.
How would others charge for this?

[EmmaReed84]

If I wasnt taking LO then I would not charge... If this person came to you now and said they wanted care for after playschool, you wouldnt say ok, but I am charging you from 9am because I cant fill the am space. If they want you to be available during half terms etc then I would perhaps charge a half fee or something like that... would discuss with parent the best mutal option.

However if you are taking AND collecting and responsible for LO during the time then yes I would charge

[mrs c]

Ah yes, I do have lo full time when playgroup is not on. Also from September lo starts nursery and I will be taking as well as collecting so to be honest I was reluctant to charge less now as this parent will not be expecting to then pay for lo during the hours of nursery and I can see problems ahead with this.

[EmmaReed84]

I care for a child from 6.45am-5pm and 3 days a week he has 3 hours at playschool (9 hours total) Mum made a comment about changes to the contract (it went from 7am to 6.45am) mum said "yes we need to discuss charges for F during playschool as you wont have him then"

I said I would look in to it. I made a desicion and write this in a letter explaining the reasoning behind my desicion. Basically I will still be charging my normal rate as I will be taking and collecting and also responsible for F during those hours and will have to keep the space free.

When Mum came to collect I explained this to her verbally, then handed her the letter and told her everything we discussed was also in writting.

I think you wil need to think ahead and how you will want to charge and what you will do. Perhaps put £x charge in place and explain that the contract will be reviewed again on X date

[mrs c]

hmm yes, think I will have to go along those lines. As long as I explain what will happen and when and like you, put it in writing so there won't be any confusion further down the line. thanks

[Tippy Toes]

I would still charge her from 9am because I wouldnt be able to fill the space.

Or if your worried about asking mum for full fees maybe charge half fee for the time he is at playschool.

[The Juggler]

i would charge at least half fees from 0800 (which is when I'm open)

[Chimps Childminding]

If I was taking and collecting I would charge full, but I I was only collecting I would still charge at least half as it is unlikely you will be able to fill the morning, especially if you are needed in the holidays!