Another one confused by fees!

[Kalila]

Hello all,

Please could you give me your advice about charging during school holidays.

I really am a bit confused how to charge when I haven't got the children - by the way at the moment I've got 2 children - drop off/pick up from school.

I've recently agreed to have them full-time in the week.
They had a previous childminder but can no longer look after them.
Anyway, I presumed that during the school holidays you charged a small fee so that it reserves there place (retainer!?)
But when I asked the parent if her previous childminder charged her during the school holidays she didn't. She wouldn't want to pay if the children are not being childminded.
The way I looked at it was that you charged say 50% of the fee during these times. I do realise childminders are all different but this is what I wanted to do.
I'm now thinking about the long summer holidays & not getting anything!
Could someone please in detail tell me how you charge when you haven't got the children in all ages??

Thank you ever so much, x

[Blaze]

I PM'd you.

[berkschick]

What ages are the children?

If they were under 5 I would definately charge a retainer and most minders I know would do too.

[sarah707]

I don't charge unless I work - no parent round here would pay me under those circumstances. I would just advertise the holiday place

But it is your business and you make the rules.

[miffy]

I'm sure Blaze will sort you out

Good luck

miffy xx

[Kalila]

They are 7 & 8 so alot older.
She obviously hasn't paid for this before so is not willing to pay for it now!

[nannan]

depending on the parents circumstances as what I charge during the times I dont have the children, as my mum is a single mum and a student I charge a retainer that is suitable to her situation, as an example (£250 for the six weeks holidays) I dont have her children during the main school holidays as yet so would only charge a small fee. when she is at uni I will be having the children some of the time so the fee will be more next year. hope that helps

[breezy]

I don't charge unless I work - no parent round here would pay me under those circumstances. I would just advertise the holiday place

But it is your business and you make the rules.

I'm the same, I enjoy the quieter family time

[berkschick]

Technically the 8 year old is not taking up a place so you arent holding a place for him.

I have a 7 year old before school, term time only and I dont charge a retainer during the hols.

[tulip0803]

I would not have charged for school age children. It may be possible to find some holiday only children to fill those places. I had one term-timer and managed to find one holiday timer to fill the place. .

[Kalila]

Thanks for all your help.

Thanks for you help Blaze, had a good chat with you last night - it seems alot clearer now but may ring you again !!

xx

[Blaze]

No problem...glad to help! Feel free to call again if you need me!