AIBU re new childminder

I pay in arrears but that's because I get paid in arrears. But I know my childminder does it differently for each child according to the parents needs and wishes.

My friends who are minders all charge in advance.

But why are you looking for another childminder and why did you not read the contract thoroughly before you signed. Would you purchase a house or car in this way? If not why not take the caution with your child that you do with anything else?

You haven't read the contract before you signed it?

You had a fab childminder for past few weeks and then had to find one to start today. Sorry, but what happened to your last childminder at such short notice? I'm sure she is a bit miffed that you've given such short notice.

Most childminders expect payment in advance (a week or month) as do nurseries and to say she is "devious" or "underhand" well I can't see why you have to say that.

Childminders are self-employed and have to have some time off.

4 weeks paid holiday is the norm for most. That is what I was charging up until I became a term-time only childminder.

I don't charge for 13 weeks of the year but know that some do charge for all those weeks.

Also depends on term-times. I've one parent who is at private school and have more weeks than the terms I work to. So I lose out on income.

I think you should hope you can work with your current childminder in resolving this situation.

I charge a month in advance and a monthddeposit. She's not being underhand ... you agreed to all her terms when you signed the contract.

Another one agreeing that paying in advance is standard. And really, it's up to you to read the contract through properly. I don't think it's necessarily devious or underhand. Because it's normal practice she probably assumed you would be used to advance payments.

I don't do paid holidays though, if I'm off there's no payment due if the parents are off then they still pay.

yes standard to pay in advance

some cms do charge for hols, some don't, you often find this reflected in hourly rates

and yes it's usual to read a contract before you sign

rather than being devious or underhand she was being kind and helpful by pointing out the payment terms so that you are not embarrassed on Monday don't you think?

However, you are having second thoughts about the CM so I would agree, find someone else, this kind of thing can really sour a business relationship

Ditto, I charge in advance & charge a deposit equivalent to 2 weeks fees refunded at the end of the contract. This is pretty standard these days. The holidays thing varies more but is not unusual. Many CM's feel uncomfortable talking about/asking for money so maybe that's why she didn't mention it rather than any underhand intentions

I charge weekly in arrears, and I know that I am very rare. Other childminders think I am mad, but it generally works for me as I trust the parents (having said this, I am currently owed £200 by a mum... )

It is totally normal for childminders to charge in advance, and we were advised on my training course that we should do this.

Totally normal for childminders to charge in advance. I don't charge for holiday but many do, did you not read the contract before signing to agree to her terms?

You should read a contract before signing it.
I don't think she is being underhanded, probably just forgot to ask you for the money while you were there, and then remembered so texted.
Paying in advance is a sign of good faith.
Not sure about the four weeks paid holiday, that doesn't sound reasonable, is she going to align them with yours ??

Lots of people pay in advance, because unfortunately sometime parents don't pay.

The first sniff of a problem with my parents and they'll be paying upfront.
You pay upfront for a lot of other things, why not childcare?

normal to pay in advance (usually 1 month in advance so a week is nothing!) The holiday thing is also totally normal (but a massive PITA and why many people opt for nursery not a CM)

I pay my CM a month in advance every month. It's not a problem. I don't pay her for holidays though as she is term time only. I have never paid a CM for holidays. What has that got to do with late pickups etc btw?