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Original poster

late to collect, so I didn't wait!

57 replies

happydazed · 11/02/2014 23:35

I'm a cm and one of my parents is always late to collect. I have fined her, complained, explained impact on me, my family, other kids. It makes no difference, she apologises but is then at least 10 mins often 40 mins late.

I was going out tonight so waited 10 mins, didn't show so I left and took her child with me. I texted address and said to meet me there, the place is hard to find and she got lost, she wasn't pleased said why can't you just fine me.

I know I can fine her but it's not effective, and I don't want the extra money I want to leave work on time! A friend has said she would be furious if she went to her children's nursery and they weren't there even if she was late. I ended up delaying her an hour tonight when she was only 10 mins late, however I still feel it's fair enough really, am I wrong.

OP posts:
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splasheeny · 17/02/2014 00:49

I agree your fines need to be steeper. Maybe £2 a minute?

Reasonable fines have been shown to just increase parent lateness, as parents feel they are paying for a service.

Paintyfingers · 16/02/2014 22:45

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Blondeshavemorefun · 16/02/2014 20:52

Life goes on and children make new friends

One day he will have to leave as either going to school or mum changes childcare etc

Keeping a child on just coz your child loves then isn't a good enough reason if parent keeps taking the piss and is late

Original poster
happydazed · 16/02/2014 14:25

I wouldn't just leave them on the doorstep, I would tell her in advance that she would have to arrive later.

I went round to her house this weekend for a chat about it, explained new policy, and gave her a copy of it, she was very
nice and apologetic. let's hope she's on time next week!

it is very petty I agree but it needs resolving and I am very reluctant to give notice, i couldn't do it to my ds he would be heartbroken if I stopped minding this child.

I have done nvq and childminder course, and various other training but I have never covered anything on this kind of issue, it might have been helpful!

OP posts:
Quinteszilla · 14/02/2014 12:32

UP the fines significantly, and invoice in arrears, so she sees how much it adds up, in addition to leaving after 10 minutes.

She can find you in B&Q, or Tesco, etc, for her handover.

AntoinetteCosway · 14/02/2014 12:29

I would up the fines significantly-perhaps £15 per 15 mins, and say that if a parent's half an hour late you'll call their emergency contact, and if no joy, social services.

Paintyfingers · 14/02/2014 12:04

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LauraBridges · 14/02/2014 12:00

Up the fines. Some of we mothers earn over £200 an hour. I don't see why the poor childminder should be put out. We always were back in time for our nanny whatever it took as she has her own life to lead.

Mrscupcake23 · 14/02/2014 11:25

I agree lingdilong. I feel sorry for the child it's not her fault.

LingDiLong · 14/02/2014 11:04

No, no, no. NOT a good idea, really, really not a good idea. You will be in breach of your contract with her if you do that. Plus, think how upsetting it will be for the poor child to be stood on the doorstep confused about why she can't just go in? This will destroy your relationship with the parent altogether if you get into this kind of game playing. You might as well just give notice as the end result will be the same.

I really hope you haven't done this.

Mrscupcake23 · 14/02/2014 10:38

Surely you wouldn't leave a mother and child outside for ten minutes ?

Think this is all getting a bit petty now think you should just give her notice.

ForgettableTampon · 13/02/2014 19:22

Good point, anew

Apologies to OP Flowers

anewyear · 13/02/2014 18:58

ForgetableTampon - please dont forget, not all have a qualification, especially those that have been minding a long long time! you were not 'required' too 10, 15 , 20 odd years ago.
I myself, only gained my level 3 April 2013, despite my working in Childcare for many years.

PeterParkerSays · 13/02/2014 12:12

happydazed, that is a fab idea. What did she say?

Will you be able to work it so this doesn't impact on other mindees / she doesn't sneak the child in with other mindees arriving at the same time?

tiggytape · 13/02/2014 12:09

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Original poster
happydazed · 13/02/2014 11:51

she was late again yesterday! New plan is to knock it off next day, so if she's 10 mins late to collect I'm not letting her in till 10 past 8 in the morning,will make her late for work but I can't think what else to do, this child is my ds best friend and really don't want to give notice. She's always on time for drop off!

OP posts:
Blondeshavemorefun · 13/02/2014 11:41

If a parent is late then do they ring and tell you or you just have to wait for them to turn up

I like the calling contacts - as then they will collect and have a go at parent parent will understand hopefully what they are doing is wrong

Calling ss seems a bit ott

Maybe 3rd strike and out?

WhoWasThatMaskedWoman · 12/02/2014 19:07

Oh I like the idea of calling back up contacts. That's sneaky.

caroldecker · 12/02/2014 19:00

Generally fining parents increases late pick-ups as many can afford it and stop feeling guilty (as you are earning, so no problem), calling secondary contacts is better as exerts social pressure on the Mum, rather than economic.

Paintyfingers · 12/02/2014 18:37

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WhoWasThatMaskedWoman · 12/02/2014 17:56

DCs' after school club charges a quid a minute late fee. I agree that you can get trapped into a "what the hell, I'm paying for it" mind set, but expressing it per minute does focus the mind a bit more perhaps?

handcream · 12/02/2014 17:49

I am really surprised at the number of issues around pick ups. And also late payers. Who do these people entitled people think they are! I agree 5 is neither here or there. Our old CM had an issue with a family who would just turn up when they like. Child booked in for afternoon and then granny would turn up give a tenner or what ever she had in her purse and pick up just as tea was being served.

You sound lovely to have around children but sadly people will take advantage of you. Why not have a formal conversation with her. Say it has happened say 3 times in the last 2 weeks and it cannot go on. If it continues sadly you will have to give notice. I suspect she will become all snotty and then try and do exactly the same to her next CM (if she can find one!) CM's do talk.....

Mojang · 12/02/2014 17:48

Yes, we've found that Billberry, a "what"s your problem, I paid for it" attitude.

I also think that if op makes a habit of telling parents she's taking their child tiher dc's swimming lesson etc they'll see that as an excuse to be the full hour or more late and collect when you get home.

Paintyfingers · 12/02/2014 17:45

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Bilberry · 12/02/2014 17:39

I remember this as an example on a management course; a nursery started fining parents who were late but found this actually increase the incidence of late pickups as parents simply saw the fine as a payment for an additional service! Depending on your ease at finding clients, it might be more effective to say 'three strikes and you are out'?