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Original poster

Is this a lot of holiday?

30 replies

PseudoBadger · 02/11/2012 08:38

First off, let me state that DS and I love our childminder. However I keep getting questions from my parents and friends about the amount of holiday that she takes.

She takes 24 paid days a year (and every year charges for 5 paid sick days just in case). The holidays are the week between Christmas and New Year, week at Easter, may half term, 2 weeks in summer, and October half term. And obviously Bank holidays.

Is this a lot? I pay full rate for any holiday that we take and any of ds's sick days.

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HSMM · 02/11/2012 11:06

The holiday is standard for many CMs, but charging sick days 'just in case'? In case of what? In case she needs more spending money?

Italiana · 02/11/2012 10:35

She charges for 5 days sickness 'just in case'...I am confused...
does she plan her sickeness? does she not have 'emergency cover' just in case she is sick?
if she is not sick does she refund you her 5 'healthy days'?

I know that we have 57,000 c/ms with 57,000 variations but this one beats me!

ZuleikaD · 02/11/2012 10:25

I take 10 days holiday at half rate, and certainly don't charge for sickdays, but as others have said, if you sign the contract then that's what you're in for.

Blondeshavemorefun · 02/11/2012 08:49

in a word

yes Grin

you pay her for almost 5 working weeks you cant use her Shock

yes a lot

obv cm can charge what they like and if the parents agree to her terms then they sign the contract

but

from what i read on here, many cm dont get paid for their holidays or they get half rate, def not paid in full

IDontDoIroning · 02/11/2012 08:48

She's self employed so can charge for what she likes. You.have the choice to accept her terms or walk.
What's her hourly /daily charge ? It may be that she has a lower hourly rate than others who factor in holiday and sick by having a higher rate.
Do you live in an area with plenty of good child care or are they like hens teeth?

Nevertheless it does seem like a lot esp the sick days. Her choice of holiday dates won't make her very attractive to parents of school aged children.
Ask yourself the following questions-
Are you happy with her overall ?
How difficult do you find it to cover her holidays?

If its too much of a pain or if you feel like you are paying over the odds for what you are getting then give notice and find someone else.