Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

Original poster

Childminders, a question please

34 replies

EnglishGirlApproximately · 06/11/2012 10:44

I'm visiting childminders this week ready for my return to work and one if them has emailed to ask if I get tax credits. I replied that I've never claimed them before but as I'm going part time I may be eligible and that I planned to phone about it this week. The CM replied that she would let me know her fees when I knew as she charges different amounts. Her reason being that its not fair on families who don't get help to charge the same as families who do.

I'm intepreting this to mean that if I claim tax credits I will be charged more for childcare. Is this standard practice? It seems a bit odd to me to have two sets if fees and surely defeats the object of tax credits?
Thanks.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
HSMM · 07/11/2012 14:28

If anyone asks if you are getting tax credits, just tell them it's none of their business!

YourHandInMyHand · 07/11/2012 14:15

Bonkerz Shock Did she not see that if you said "on paper" that you charged that amount, you would have to put it through your books as that amount? Hmm Makes you wonder about the chid minder that agreed doesn't it!

A few times I was contacted by TCs and asked for details of how much parents had paid me. Don't think some parents realised it can be checked up on!

Bonkerz · 07/11/2012 13:50

I once had a parent ask me at first meeting if I would say I charged 30% more just on paper so she could get more help. I refused she went to someone else!

YourHandInMyHand · 07/11/2012 13:38

Shock She really is charging low income families more! Angry

I've never come across a parent that gets all of their childcare paid (most I ever cam across was 70%) so she is actually charging the parents on lower incomes MORE than those on as high income. PositiveOutlook does your friend not realise she IS paying more than she would with an ethical child minder?

I think this is appalling! How can she think this is ok? Confused

ZuleikaD · 07/11/2012 13:25

I'd be inclined to have a word with Ofsted. I think it's highly unprofessional, thoroughly offensive and possibly illegal.

Flisspaps · 07/11/2012 13:25

I know they don't get involved with fees and things, but it might be worth forwarding the email to your Early Years team at the council as I'm still pretty sure this is discriminatory and they should be interested in it from that angle.

Appalling practice on her part.

Original poster
EnglishGirlApproximately · 07/11/2012 12:50

Well, I emailed this morning to ask her to clarify and she said "I have two sets of prices as I don't believe its fair on parents who don't get help to have to pay as much as those who do"

I told her that I wouldn't be going to see her. I don't know if we'll get help yet, we've asked for a review. I'm really uncomfortable with the idea if her making decisions based on her perception of how much money someone has. She would have no idea if people were being honest, what other outgoings they have etc. It really feels like she's judging people on benefits. Very odd way to do business.

OP posts:
minderjinx · 07/11/2012 11:59

Like Borntobeamum, my first thought was also "is she registered?". If you say you are claiming tax credits and she makes excuses not to offer a place, I would suspect not...or if she minds more children than she should, she will not want an official paper trail.

PositiveOutlook · 07/11/2012 11:33

I know a cm and parent who do this. Their excuse is that the cm can charge more as the tax credits are paying and the parent doesn't mind as she isn't picking up the tab. I bet it's very common where friends or family are looking after the children.

Borntobeamum · 07/11/2012 10:29

Could it be that she's not registered?
If that's the case, she cannot supply you with a registration number which you'd then have to pass on to make a claim.
I know this happens occasionally.

Flisspaps · 06/11/2012 23:47

How, missymoo? It makes no difference to the CM's tax.

missymoo2411 · 06/11/2012 23:21

It could be something to do with not paying tax

YourHandInMyHand · 06/11/2012 21:34

Exactly ZuleikaD it's wrong whichever side of it you fall on. Do let us know when you've met her OP.

Flisspaps · 06/11/2012 21:25

I'd ask to see her Equal Opps policy.

Mine says "I will make sure that I actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practices for all children. I will make sure that I treat all children with equal concern and respect. I recognise and welcome all legislation and guidance which promotes equality". This is a fairly standard sort of thing to write in this policy.

If you have read the email correctly, then I would suggest that operating a two tier system which means she charges families who receive Tax Credits help for childcare payments is discriminatory - the point of TC as you say, is to enable you to meet the cost of childcare. If she is charging you more than others because of your financial circumstances than that is discriminatory too.

Might be worth mentioning that to her.

Original poster
EnglishGirlApproximately · 06/11/2012 19:53

I'm going to see her because in all other respects she sounds great so I'm hoping her email was really badly worded and I've completely misunderstood! Its on the way to another one so not out of my way. I'll report back.

OP posts:
Tanith · 06/11/2012 19:25

Seriously, though, it really does sound an outrageous thing to do!

Tanith · 06/11/2012 19:24

It could catch on!

Shop at Waitrose? Double fee!

Holiday abroad? Right, that's an extra 20%!

Sliding scales of charges according to profession and address...

Grin Grin

ZuleikaD · 06/11/2012 19:19

The thing is, I find it offensive either way. I can't imagine looking at a set of prospective parents and thinking 'you look well-off, I'll charge you more.'

Alliwantisaroomsomewhere · 06/11/2012 19:18

I would also not bother going to see her!

Tanith · 06/11/2012 19:14

I haven't heard of this before, either. Seems a strange thing to do!

Do let us know what she means if you find out!

procrastinor · 06/11/2012 19:00

Wow. I first thought that she was going to offer a lower amount to those who receive tax credits as it meant that they would be on a tighter income. And I though that sounded pretty nice. I wouldn't mind paying more compared to someone else who needed tax credits. Are you sure that's not want she meant?

lisa1968 · 06/11/2012 18:54

Sounds odd to me! I know some of my parents claim tax credits but it would never occur to me to charge more!Very unfair!!

Italiana · 06/11/2012 18:41

I doubt it is a question of misunderstanding?

Original poster
EnglishGirlApproximately · 06/11/2012 15:08

zuleika I'm hoping I've misunderstood her.

OP posts:
ZuleikaD · 06/11/2012 15:05

I wouldn't even bother with seeing her again, tbh. I charge the same regardless - it wouldn't occur to me to question people's personal circumstances.