Hello everyone!

I have an ickle prob and wondered if you could help me.

Started as a minder on the 29th and a neighbour is due to start using me on the 13th april for only a few hours a week, 6 hours! BUT I have had two enquiries today and cant accommodate one but another has come along which is too good to turn down....its for 4 days a week! No money exchanged etc but contract signed....settling in for 4 weeks though!!!!

Can I get out of minding neighbours daughter? OMG I feel like im in such an awkward position! xxx

can you only have 1 child~??? can your neighbour not use you on the other day or is it a fixed day she needs

I have 5 children on my books and i will be over numbers on the only say she can use me :( I started Monday but have been really lucky....

Have you done a contact with your neighbour ?

Either way, do a termination letter stating due to circumstances ..., and if you did do contract make sure YOU adhere to all the t&c 100%

You may want to ask Ofsted for a variation, but if you have only been going a few days ?, I personally wouldn't.

Whoops - think you need to speak to your neighbour as soon as you can.

Good luck, I hope it goes OK

Miffy xx

Its so frustrating, its £120 per week difference which is a lot of money to me! I am waiting to hear from the other mum to get more info and then will put it al in writing to my neighbour and then go and have a chat with her. Its for 6 hours a week - when she first came to me, she said it would be for two days a week but since then it changed!!!! I had the 4 weeks settling in and either party can end contract during that time with no notice so I know contractually I will be fine. Im not a very assertive person and I feel so sick over it all....

Should know tomorrow and make my decision! A 4-day mindee would be better for me!!

Thanks everyone....what a first week!!!!! From thinking I wouldnt get any work to having too much lol! xx

It is difficult - you have to do what's best for you and there's no contest - 4 days against 6 hours.

Just tricky because it involves a neighbour!

Miffy xx

Nat, what does your neighbour need? will I be able to help her? if you think I can pass on my details, x

a variation might get approved, I have only been registered since jan and asked for a variation to have my first mindee (a baby when i have my own 14 week old) and it was approved, there's no harm in asking, mine did take 4 weeks to go through though and you will probably have to have a visit before they'll approve it.

I'm in a similar situation. My friend asked me last year to have her DD 3 days a week. She pestered me so much whilst I was going through the registration process, she couldn't wait for me to be registered. When I finally registered she would only sign for 1.5 days a week. I said fine (I didn't have anyone else in the pipeline) but if I were inundated with work I couldn't possibly turn down more days for 1.5 days a week.
Since then I've now signed contracts for a 4 day a week baby starting June, and a 3 day a week baby starting in August. So from the beginning of August I won't be able to look after my friend's DD.
I haven't yet told my friend and I'm dreading it.
Good luck telling your neighbour!

Nat, what does your neighbour need? will I be able to help her? if you think I can pass on my details, x

Hi ya! I will def pass your details on hun.... I will see what happens with this other one as I havent heard anything. I will let you know what happens though xx

Thanks everyone! Will def ask for a variation....will ring them on Tuesday :) Thanks!!!

Francine, thanks....I havent heard anything re the 4 day a weeker yet so it may not even happen...watch this space! Good luck with telling your friend!!! You will be fine xx

hope it works out but if you decide to go with the 4-day/week child then watch the 4 week settling in - be careful you're not being used for 4 weeks free care hon. How are you working the 4 weeks. I'd take a months deposit upfront for the full fees (as they will be when baby starts proper). Then I'd offer no more than 4 hours free of charge, the rest is chargeable as normal but without notice for the settling in period.

If she then doesn't start you keep the deposit.