How the heck to work this out???

**MaffAnna** · 16-10-2011, 07:58 PM

Hi Guys,

Need some help please. I have tried to work this out but can't for the life of me get my head round it! I care for 2 children before school Mon to Fri and for 7 hour days in the holidays. So far so good. This started in May and has been really good.

However, Mum has approached me and explained she is struggling financially. She wants to use her day off to care, and pay me for four days. Thing is because of her rota it would be four days out of four weeks. So possibly one day off this week, no day next week and two days the week after. I really like this family and I'm happy to change the hours etc and work in this way.

So, how do I work this out? I was considering just changing the contract to a four day week, but when I've tried to work it out what happens with inset days etc??

I am confused.com! Any help greatly appreciated.

**Caterpillar** · 16-10-2011, 09:28 PM

I'd charge her half pay on the days that they don't come - EXPLICITLY to a maximum of ONE per week.

That way you are able to meet her half way i.e. you're holding a place open for her and reducing her care costs slightly - why should you lose out???

**miffy** · 17-10-2011, 06:57 AM

If you want to do this then simply charge her when she uses you whether it's term time or an inset day but think carefully before you agree to this because as caterpillar said "why should you lose out?".

Also think about other parents - would you be prepared to work this way for all of them? Parents do talk and it could cause upset if you are not charging one but are others iyswim.

Miffy xx

**MaffAnna** · 17-10-2011, 08:49 AM

I do see your point, but I ought to have said she currently pays an averaged out fee so it's the same amount every month.

I don't know what to do!?

**The Juggler** · 17-10-2011, 12:50 PM

Originally Posted by Caterpillar

I'd charge her half pay on the days that they don't come - EXPLICITLY to a maximum of ONE per week.

That way you are able to meet her half way i.e. you're holding a place open for her and reducing her care costs slightly - why should you lose out???

I agree as you can't even fill the space if you don't know what day/how many days per week it will be.