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Paid childcare

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

Original poster

OMG! Can this be right?

30 replies

QueenEagle · 09/02/2008 23:08

I require a minder for holidays only (half terms, summer, easter and xmas holidays). Due to my shift pattern I would need between 2 and 5 days per week. I also require occasional Saturdays throughout term time as well as the hols.

I completely understand a retainer for the whole week where I would use only 2 or 3 of the 5 days. But.....

Is it the norm for a minder to charge a retainer for term time weeks even though a child is not looked after by them during these times?

I cannot understand this - even if she charged me only half fee, that would mean I would be expected to pay out £400 - £500 per months for childcare I would not even use!!!

Can anyone clarify this for me? I have e-mailed her back and I expect she will get back to me (she sounds very good on paper, but I thought I would ask the wise world of mumsnet (from whcih I have been absent for a long time!!!!)

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vInTaGeVioLeT · 09/02/2008 23:22

maybe you should try some more minders -
i know some who have different kids term-time and school hols so no retainer would be required in this case

smeeinit · 09/02/2008 23:19

it is normal practice queeneagle, i would charge half fees to keep the place open. although that said i proberly wouldnt take a holiday only child as it would be taking up a full time space.

KatyMac · 09/02/2008 23:19

I am a childminder
I have 3 under 5 spaces
why would I choose to sell one space for 1/4 of the money I could sell it for?

I probably wouldn't take you on I'm afraid unless you could find me another child to 'space share' (like a teachers child - but there could be a comflict for teacher training days - are they holiday or term-time)

Sorry to be such a mean cow - but I tell it how it is (for me)

5yo is different

Original poster
QueenEagle · 09/02/2008 23:15

Hmmmm....my boys are 5 and 3.

I cannot understand that once a child goes to full time school they would still charge for them.

The 3 y.o. hmm maybe at a push I guess. What would I expect to be charged do ya reckon?

I currently have a minder who charges me only for holidays. I am considering moving becaue my 3 year old really does not like her and his behaviour has gone downhill lately. In case you were wondering, it is my minder who has the problem, not my son.

OP posts:
KatyMac · 09/02/2008 23:10

For under 5's yes

For over 5's not normally in my area though i have heard of it in London