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Original poster

Childminder fees

31 replies

CutiePatooties · 09/09/2023 18:07

Hello,

I’m a bit confused by whether this is acceptable/the norm, but my childminder is charging me for a day next month when she has chosen to close for the day. I have to find alternative childcare or DH will have to take a day unpaid, so I don’t think it’s fair that she’s charging me for this. Plus, I still pay if I don’t bring my baby in (like on bank hols) which is in the contract and understandable, but surely it works the same way with her and if she’s telling me she’s closed for a day next month (randomly and with no reason given) surely she can’t then expect payment?

I’ve also asked her if the amount she’s charging me is inclusive of all staff development days (as we’re term time only) and by her calculations it looks like she’s charging me for these days, but she hasn’t responded to my message and I sent it a week ago.

Not sure what to do about her really, but I’m quite miffed about it all. She was brilliant when we first started but it’s like she now knows my baby is settled and we’re unlikely to pull her out and find somewhere else, so she just doesn’t seem to care!

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KateyCuckoo · 09/09/2023 21:44

And just to confirm, she doesn't have to give a reason for a day off, childminders are allowed a private life.

Original poster
CutiePatooties · 09/09/2023 18:51

Ah, okay. The contract is an electronic one that for some reason I can’t seem to access any more and I can’t remember all the details. Think I’ll have to just suck it up and stop moaning about it!

OP posts:
Bookish88 · 09/09/2023 18:49

As others have said, you need to check your contract. When we were looking for a nursery/childminder for DS, every one we spoke to charged for their own "holidays". Though in fairness, they also said they'd confirm which days they'd be closed at the start of the year to make it as easy as possible to plan around them. Ultimately we decided on a nursery instead, where they would be open year-round, except Bank Holidays (which we still had to pay for).

Bibbitybobbitty · 09/09/2023 18:43

Check your contact, these things should have been highlighted on there & if not then she can't apply them without notice (whatever is in contract) . If they are there, you signed it then yes you need to pay.
Childminders ae self employed & will all have different terms on their contract. I work term time but don't charge for holidays & will work inset days if prearranged. Other will charge for all public holidays & 4 weeks holidays but not work them , some also charge retainer fees during school holidays if they work year round. But your contract should have this all set out .

Gabby10 · 09/09/2023 18:38

I'd check the contract. My DD goes to a nursery rather than a childminder but yes I have to pay for days they aren't open and as she only goes mon and Friday that means I pay for every bank holiday as they're closed! I also pay if she doesn't go so I had a week off work recently so she didn't need to go but I still had to pay. Rather annoying but it's an amazing nursery and DD loves it so I just rant to myself about it 🤣 x

Blondierama · 09/09/2023 18:34

You need to check your contract. Some childminders do charge and, without seeing what your contract states, no one can really answer your questions