how do you all manage to take children on parents working rota basis?

[Jessymax]

Had enquiries for parents who works shift so they could give me the days they need either a week in hand or 2 or 3 weeks in hand but if you are full more than half the week isn't this impossible? or is there a specialised contract I coud have in place?

[AliceK]

I used to have 3 children on shifts. Basically you need to have the space available for them full-time even though they are probably only using part-time. Some CM's charge a retainer for the "unused" hours, some, like me charged a minimum rate per week/month. For me it was financial suicide so I stopped all shift workers before Christmas. I couldn't afford to do it again.

xxx

[BallyH]

As AliceK has said you do really need to have the full time space for them. I know cm's who do take on shift worker parents put they state that there must be a minimum number of hours attended in a month and they normally charge a higher hourly rate. For example this cm states she wants 80 hours a month (roughly 2 days attendance a week) and charges a set amount monthly even if the child hasn't attended on those days. If they attend more then the extra hours are charged. Be careful if some weeks grandma is about this week so we don't need you scenario so no charge. Cover yourself.

[moggy]

I like an easy life and steady income so I do not offer shirt-work contracts. I need full income from all my 3 EYFS places.

[k1rstie]

I used to like the occasional time when I had fewer children, or no children so all. I have one child who comes between one afternoon per week and 2 and a half full day over a 6 week cycle. I am able to afford to offer this, although it does grate on me sometimes.

[samb]

I have a shift working family but it's for a 7, nearly 8 year old. I don't do infant school collections only EYFS and junior school so she doesn't affect my numbers. So I just charge for what they use.