I have a parent coming later to discuss the possibility of their child starting with me. Their child goes to a different school to the one i do pick ups so she is looking at putting them in the after school club and i will have a couple go at 4 before going out to collect them at 4:30. I am not sure what time she needs me till but to go out to get one child just for an hour say 3 days a week seems not worth my while but i cant afford to turn work down. I have had a talk with other childminders one said charge petrol on top another said boost up my hourly rate. Just wondered what others would do ? I charge £3.50 an hour.

Have a minimum charge of 2 hours...I have a minimum of 3 hours.

xx

Sorry I've not had experience of this but I think you should have a minimum weekly charge for a minimum amount of hours if you see what I mean?

For instance, you could say that your minimum hours to work a week is 10 hours each contract so even though the child may be at yours 3 hours you would charge a minimum of 10 hours? Does that make sense?

This is just a thought, I never did this and regretted it immensely but I know a few others on here do it this way.

Give it a lot of thought though as you don't want to lose the work I guess.

xxx

What Tatjana said. Have just taken on an after-schooler who I am collecting from after-school club at 4.30pm. I am charging for 2 hours even though he may only be with me for 45 mins.

Thanks so much for your ideas it has made me feel more confident to stand up and make it more worth my while instead of being the softy i usually am.