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Original poster

What is the normal arrangement if minder on holiday?

39 replies

CakeandFineWine · 01/07/2007 21:56

Just a quicky

My childminder is going on holiday for a week this month and still charged us for it.
Is this the norm?
Still new to all this!

Haven't got copies of our contract either.....
Thanks

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Original poster
CakeandFineWine · 01/07/2007 22:08

Yeah we are looking our childminder has recommended a few with spaces & keeps saying she'll get us there phone numbers but still hasn't done it,
Think she doesn't want us to go before she was planning on finishing.

OP posts:
Katymac · 01/07/2007 22:05

2 weeks closed is free

Sounds like you will be moving on soon anyway - I'd start looking asap if I were you

maximummummy · 01/07/2007 22:05

well i charge for my 4 weeks holiday @ full pay and the parents can take a further 4 weeks @ half-rate BUT we try and take just 4 weeks @ the same time - this is what the ncma advise so this is what i suggested to parent and i works for us - she gets paid holiday why shouldn't i ? Also if i didn't do this i'd have to put up my hourly rate .

lunavix · 01/07/2007 22:04

Is the 2 weeks you close for paid, or the rest?

Original poster
CakeandFineWine · 01/07/2007 22:04

We won't be with her that long to be honest as shes pregnant.
Am a bit annoyed she didn't tell us this when she took my LO on but guess shes entitled to her privacy, Just a pain moving her on, and finding someone We're all happy with!

OP posts:
Katymac · 01/07/2007 22:02

I close for 2 weeks then any extra I need is added on as & when (emergencies really - remember I have cover 95% of the time)

lunavix · 01/07/2007 22:01

ask for your copy back or to look at hers. If you've signed it and she's put that she charges unforunately there's not a lot you can do!

It may be the norm in your area...

If it's a huge problem, then at the next contract review (every 3-6 months usually) you could ask her if this is changeable. If you really can't afford it you may have to look elsewhere. Or book your holiday for the same times.

lunavix · 01/07/2007 22:00

katy - really? noone around here would pay it. I'm the only person I know who charges anything at all - however I suppose mine works out the same as yours - full rate for 2 weeks = 4 at half!

Original poster
CakeandFineWine · 01/07/2007 21:59

I did sign a contract but can't remember all he ins and outs,
She gave me loads of stuff to take away read, sing and bring back and I think I gave her my copy of contract by mistake, only noticed now theres a problem Typical eh!

OP posts:
cece · 01/07/2007 21:58

Yes you should have a copy and it should say what you agreed together. I don't pay anything.

Katymac · 01/07/2007 21:58

But the NCMA advise that all childminder charge for 4 weeks holiday (I charge for half - well 2 weeks nothing & 2 weeks full fee)

Original poster
CakeandFineWine · 01/07/2007 21:58

Thanks I thought so
Seems steep esp as shes charged me for a full price full time week and my LO only starts full time from the week after next!

OP posts:
lunavix · 01/07/2007 21:57

Have you signed a contract, if so it should state whether or not she charges on it. I know you've said you don't have a copy, but do you remember?

If it's not in the contract or you don't have one/haven't signed one, you could contest it.

You SHOULD have a copy, btw.

lunavix · 01/07/2007 21:56

I personally charge half but I know some charge nothing.

I know noone who charges full.