No notice

[Debbieanne]

Hello everyone,
I have recently (5 weeks ago) taken on a lo 6 hours a day 5 days a week.
Everything with lo was going ok, mum a bit odd always late picking up, an hour one day, never called to say why and more concerned about lo had put her shoes on the wrong feet than asking what sort of a day she had or what she had done.
Then Thursday week before last, mum said they can't afford to bring her any more and that they were aware they would need to give notice, but wasn't sure how long - was it about 2 weeks, I said it was 4 weeks as stated on the contract. off she went, and i had a feeling I wouldn't see them again.I was right the next morning i got a text from mum saying lo wasn't coming today.
Then on the monday got another text from mum, lo not coming for any more session and dad would call round to collect lo's spare clothes and return some borrowed clothes plus an envelope with letter and money owing at 3:45.needless to say he didn't turn up, and I've heard nothing all week.
I ask for weekly payments in advance so they have paid up for childcare received but a months notice is not being observed.
How shall I proceed do you think? I'm not very good when it comes to chasing parents.

[muffins]

Did you not take a deposit? If so just write to them stating you wont be returning it due to monies being owed!

[Debbieanne]

I never ask for a deposit, how does that work?

[The Juggler]

speak to your insurers honey. you will need to write a letter stating that you still have little ones clothes. As per teh conversation they gave notice on xxx date but owe 4 weeks notice to xx date in teh sum of £. however, just check with your insurer on the wording.

hope you get it back.

[Kiddleywinks]

I never ask for a deposit, how does that work?

When a client signs a contract they pay a deposit (usually 4 weeks fees, but you can decide the amount) which you then 'hold' for the duration of the contract and is used towards the last months fees.

It helps to
a. Sort out the serious customers and the not so serious and
b. Stop parents doing a runner and not paying the notice fees

HTH

[Debbieanne]

Thank you for your advice, i will start taking a deposit from now on.