deposit for new mindee

[Two Princesses]

I am in the process of signing up a new mindee and am just wondering what the more experienced here would do with regards to fees and deposits please?
The little girl will start in April doing 2 mornings a week, then May she will do 1 full day and 1 morning, June she will do 2 full days and 1 morning and she will (eventually) start full time (5 days) in July.
I had intended to charge a months fee to hold a place which would be offset against the first months fees and then payment in advance but as she will only be part time to start with I'm unsure. How would you handle it?
Thanks in advance

I feel I will be asking a LOT more questions on here now!! It's the fountain of knowledge

[rosebud]

I would take the whole of Aprils fees as a deposit now. (4 weeks x 2 days fee) This is a non-refundable deposit which they don't get back if they change their minds but is also their first months fees so they aren't paying for something they aren't getting. It effectively protects you against them cancelling when you've held the place for them. From then on they pay in advance. Hope that makes sense - its getting late.

[Two Princesses]

Thank you

[EmmaReed84]

I would take the full time fee as a deposit and hold it against their final bill... effectively their last month would be free and covers the 4 weeks notice period

[Tealady]

I would take the full time fee as a deposit and hold it against their final bill... effectively their last month would be free and covers the 4 weeks notice period

Me too.

[Two Princesses]

Thank you That's what I thought too but wanted to check other peoples views