Contracts & payments

[hanw4]

Hi, I am relatively new to child minding and need advice on contracts and payments. Not sure if I ask on here or if someone can direct me to where. The family I mind gave me 6 days notice they didn't need me for one of the days so are not paying me, should they still? Also how much notice should they give? Many thanks for any help.

[Mouse]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

Regarding payment, it really depends what it says in your contract and payment policy (if you have one).

Is this a contracted day they're refusing to pay for? What does your policy say about paying for their time off? Do you charge when they are off?

If you can give a few more details about the contract and payment details we will be able to share our thoughts.

[Simona]

Reading from all the posts about payments, notice, contracts seem not to adequately cover cms for parents' idea of what a contract is and their ideas of notice and non payments.

As long as a contract is signed by ALL parties it constitutes a legally binding agreement.
You can buy one off the shelf or devise your own ...or use a plain A4 piece of paper...if it is signed it is enforceable.

Non payment can be addressed by cms taking a 4 weeks' deposit...refundable at end of care...if parents start not paying you the deposit gives you a 4 weeks cushion.
A cms deposit should not be used in the same way as nurseries do who, at times refund it , when the child starts the care.
A deposit needs to be paid when contract is signed and 'held' as guarantee against non payment.