Does anyone charge a retainer when kid at school?

[sammykins]

Just wondered as a full timer since I've had from 5 months old, is going to school and needs me in the holidays, I have him til 7pm most days,

Just thought as not charging while at school only before and after, whether I should charge a retainer for those hours to keep his place secure during the day in holidays??

any comments will be appreciated.... X

[funemnx]

I don't charge if they're in full time school but I do if it's playschool and they only attend a morning or afternoon session

[Suebb1]

No in all the 26 years of childminding I have never charged for a child once at school. I do however charge a slightly higher rate for hours before and after school x

[ziggy]

I also charge a higher rate for schoolies but dont charge for school hours

[md0u0131]

No, I only charge a retainer if it's going to effect me getting a child in their place when they are not here.

[Tatjana]

Just wondered as a full timer since I've had from 5 months old, is going to school and needs me in the holidays, I have him til 7pm most days,

Just thought as not charging while at school only before and after, whether I should charge a retainer for those hours to keep his place secure during the day in holidays??

any comments will be appreciated.... X

But the space will not be used by anyone, so there is no space to retain.

[sammykins]

Thankyou for ur replies, I've considered charging more for before and after school.

I suppose What I mean is that It would affect me by not being able to have a little one during the day as I couldn't then offer the new one care during hols too. but I see what you mean too by there not actually being a space, It's good to have a different perspective on things. Fingers crossed I get a term time school hours little one

[Pipsqueak]

Thankyou for ur replies, I've considered charging more for before and after school.

I suppose What I mean is that It would affect me by not being able to have a little one during the day as I couldn't then offer the new one care during hols too. but I see what you mean too by there not actually being a space, It's good to have a different perspective on things. Fingers crossed I get a term time school hours little one

if the LO is a new starter and is still on 4yrs old then you need to ask Ofsted for the rising 5 clause to be put on your cert (actually anyone know if this clause will still be needed come Sept)

that will mean a 4 yr old in full time education can be classed in your 5-8yr ratios freeing up your under 5 space

[sammykins]

I have the rising 5 clause, it doesn't matter the age of the child or what cat they are in, it's the overall numbers I can have due to space in the car, I have 3 boys myself. Just want to make use of my spaces

[Demonjill]

Just wondered as a full timer since I've had from 5 months old, is going to school and needs me in the holidays, I have him til 7pm most days,

Just thought as not charging while at school only before and after, whether I should charge a retainer for those hours to keep his place secure during the day in holidays??

any comments will be appreciated.... X

This is a toughie and I'm not really following the replies!!!

If in term time you are only charging say 8-9am and 3-5pm then in the school hols these would be the only hours this child would be entitled to....

Unless they pay a retainer for the other hours in this example 9am - 3pm during term time so that they could use 8am - 5pm in the hols...


Does this make sense?

I have a situation like this.. I don't charge the retainer as such but I did guarantee to hold the space 9-3 but charged at an enhanced hourly rate.

[sammykins]

Yes that's exactly what I mean! Spot on! Ok looks like I shall charge a higher fee then. I just wasn't sure what others did to keep those holiday hours safe for them. Thanks