Help needed RE: Outings

**OrlandoBelle** · 01-02-2011, 08:19 PM

Every year I visit the farm with my mindees to see the new lambs being born, hold the baby chicks, etc and I really want to take them again next week. I was just about to write about it in my newsletter and was having a look at my rota to see what the best day would be to go, however every day I have a obstacle which prevents us from going...

For example, Mondays we would have to wait for a child to arrive at 10am. We couldn't go at 10am, as would have to be back for 11:40am to collect a child at 12pm, have lunch and then the 10am child leaves at 2:30pm. I then have school run at 3:30pm.

The same thing applies every day (though hours vary slightly, but still prevent me from going out for longer than an hour with the children). Except for Fridays where I only have one child 9:00am - 3:00pm. Every other day we have 4-5.

I was thinking of putting in my newsletter that we would be going to the farm next friday, and if any other children would like to come with us, please let me know. This would have to be on a first come first served basis so as not to go over my numbers, however I would still need to charge for the childminded hours. If I was to put in my newsletter that a normal hourly rate would apply, however farm entrance will be on me, so to speak (it's free for under 2's anyway)... do you think this would be acceptable or a bit cheeky?

It's not as though they they HAVE to come. I am giving them the choice, but then I am getting the overtime out of it too in a way. Not sure if I should do it or not.

Edited to say: I feel I kind of have to do this as I don't feel I am doing my job properly as i'm not varying our outings. We go to our local park most days, the library once a month, etc. But the farm is something I love doing with the children and it's something out of the ordinary that I know they will enjoy.

**Deb** · 01-02-2011, 08:25 PM

I would go on a work day and have the 10.00 child at 9.00 for that day - would that help?

**miss mopple** · 01-02-2011, 08:27 PM

Could the one that is at nursery skip it for the day? Thats what I do if I have something better planned. Parents are usually happy and as I charge while they are at nursery there is no extra costs involved

**OrlandoBelle** · 01-02-2011, 08:40 PM

I don't have any children at nursery. The friday child is with me on mon and tues also. I have 4-5 children every day apart from Fridays where I only have the one.

**OrlandoBelle** · 01-02-2011, 08:58 PM

Or how about if I didn't charge an hourly fee, but charged £10 per child which would cover my time, farm entrance, fuel, lunch, snacks and refreshments?

To make things a little clearer.. her's my rota... The child that attends at 12pm doesn't go to nursery. She spends the morning with her Mum as she doesn't get to spend much time with her.

Mon
A (own child)
C 08:30 – 08:50
L 08:00 – 18:00
E 09:00 – 15:00
A1 10:00-14:30
A2 12:00 – 18:00

Tues
A (own child)
C 08:30 – 08:50
E 09:00 – 15:00
O 11:00 – 14:30
A2 12:00 – 18:00

Wed
A (own child)
L 08:0O – 18:00
O 09:15 – 14:30
A2 12:00 – 18:00

Thurs
A (own child)
L1 08:00 – 18:00
L2 08:30 – 16:30
A1 10:00 -14:30
A2 12:00 – 18:00

Friday
A (own child)
E 09:00 – 15:00

**berkschick** · 01-02-2011, 09:11 PM

I would ask for the 10am drop off to come at 9am. Would you be back in time for the 12pm child?

**OrlandoBelle** · 01-02-2011, 09:20 PM

That wouldn't give us very long. It's 40 minutes drive each way so wouldn't be there long before we'd have to head back for the 12am one.

See what I mean? Their hours make it impossible to plan anything!

**berkschick** · 01-02-2011, 09:23 PM

Can you do it in half term?

**OrlandoBelle** · 01-02-2011, 09:25 PM

Same hours apply in half term as they're all 3 and under, their hours don't change. x

**berkschick** · 01-02-2011, 09:27 PM

I would maybe ask the parents of the 10am start and 12pm start to start at 9am.

This would cost them less than if they come to you on the Friday for the trip, they are more likely to go for it and you will get some great obs.

**miffy** · 01-02-2011, 10:11 PM

Originally Posted by berkschick

I would maybe ask the parents of the 10am start and 12pm start to start at 9am.

This would cost them less than if they come to you on the Friday for the trip, they are more likely to go for it and you will get some great obs.

I would do that too and either charge them for the entrance fees or the extra hours but not both

Miffy xx