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Paid childcare

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

Original poster

childminder charging for bank holidays even though she won't work them?

61 replies

redundant · 28/03/2013 20:10

as above really. I'm a bit gobsmacked. Is this common?

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Original poster
redundant · 28/03/2013 20:49

no you misunderstand I think - i'd have no issue paying a retainer to keep a space, but that's not what this is - she is charging me, but will also not work that day (she is closed). It's her choice to close - why should she expect to be paid for a service she isn't willing to provide.

OP posts:
Wishiwasanheiress · 28/03/2013 20:46

I meant dedicated not sole as no doubt more kids but she's keeping a spot for u. Why diff to nursery?

Wishiwasanheiress · 28/03/2013 20:45

Er... Surely u are using their time solely? She can't subcontract for those days? So unsure why she couldn't charge? I don't like nursery charging either but resigned to fact they will. I'd be amazed if a cm didn't/hadn't cottoned on to some of it too...

Original poster
redundant · 28/03/2013 20:42

i'm self employed and if I told my clients i was going to charge them for work that i wasn't going to do, I know what reaction I'd get. Yes it was in the contract, yes i will pay it. Long term though it doesn't do much for client/childminder relations.

OP posts:
Blondeshavemorefun · 28/03/2013 20:29

You agreed to the cm's terms and signed a contract

As cm's are se techinally try won't get paid holidays or sick pay / bug if they have worded it in the contract they they do then up to them

Their terms and you signed it

As nick said some charge - some don't - some have higher hourly rates to compensate

I'm se and won't be paid for tomorrow or Monday

DeafLeopard · 28/03/2013 20:25

pompompom - only if the OP is employed. Self-employed people generally don't get paid for a B/H.

pompompom · 28/03/2013 20:23

Presumably you get paid for the bank holidays you don't work?

nannynick · 28/03/2013 20:20

Every childminder will have different ways of running their business. This topic seems to come up every time there is a bank holiday - some childminders charge, some do not.

Some will have a higher hourly rate than others. One thing about childcare is that parents will sometimes shop around on price, so to get lower hourly rate there may be charges for times when the service is not used or not available. If comparing providers, calculate the total annual cost.

As ever, before signing a contract... read it. Discuss things before you sign.

Original poster
redundant · 28/03/2013 20:15

yep is in the contract, so have to pay it - my fault for not checking it. Doesn't take away the fact i think that's no way to build a working relationship with a client. Nice work if you can get it!

OP posts:
skaen · 28/03/2013 20:11

I think it is in the standard NCMA contract. It is quite annoying but if you signed the contract you're committed to it really.

SauvignonBlanche · 28/03/2013 20:11

What does your contract say?

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