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Original poster

Can this mum put me under pressure to find a child to replace her child ???

36 replies

Summerfruit · 24/01/2009 14:26

I'm a childminder and 2 weeks ago, a mum gave her notice..we have agreed on 6 weeks notice, but she didnt want to do the six weeks notice (we didnt get on at all). The thing is, she tried to reduce the notice and pay me maybe 3 weeks out of 6 and I said no as I had her child full time and it's quite difficult to find a full time child.. So what I agreed to is to do my best to find a child to replace her child so it will reduce the money she has to give me.. Since then, she asks me if I have found anybody else to replace her child...I'm scared, she's not going to pay the 4 weeks she owns me...can she do that ?? She always said that she didnt want to pay double childcare but does she has the right to put me under pressure as she 's doing now ??? I dont want to get another child and not getting on with the parents...is it wrong ???

OP posts:
Blondeshavemorefun · 24/01/2009 15:08

just say to the mum that you have advertised for a new child, but you havent found anyone yet, therefore as you (sillyly said) you would reduce, you cant

you cant as no new mindee, therefore she needs to pay you the rest of the notice

Original poster
Summerfruit · 24/01/2009 15:05

Kylesmybaby : you completely get the situation, I felt intimidated so that's why I told her that..I'm still new at childminding so I was a bit naive...

I want to get another child, but I want to be sure that the child will be happy with me and that I get on with the parents..that's what I have meant..I'm interviewing few people next week but I dont want to feel under pressure to take on somebody new on an impulse IYKWIM

OP posts:
kylesmybaby · 24/01/2009 14:56

maybe the reason she keep calling is because you said to her you will try and replace the child.

however, whether you do or not she still needs to pay you notice. she would be on your back of it was the other way round.

do you mean that you dont want to get another chld and not get on with the parents by not rushing into anything or you dont want another child at all.

Original poster
Summerfruit · 24/01/2009 14:53

Ok thank you so much, I feel a bit better, it's sad we have reached this point.

OP posts:
Blondeshavemorefun · 24/01/2009 14:52

yes small claims work, friend took ex employers to one as they wouldnt pay her notice

if you have a contract which states notice then you are in every right to get payment

she owes you 6 weeks money

Original poster
Summerfruit · 24/01/2009 14:48

And the small claim court really works ?

OP posts:
Original poster
Summerfruit · 24/01/2009 14:47

I didnt do anything wrong, I have given her the maximum of flexibility in the time (working from 7.15 to 6.45 for her), never have the same days off..etc..Her son is 4 and was not really happy with me as he was bored ( I was looking after 1 baby and 1 toddler while I had him so it was tought for him but I did y best). I'm just scared she is going to leave me in the lurch.

OP posts:
Blondeshavemorefun · 24/01/2009 14:45

if she doesnt pay you get a nice letter from the cab giving her x days to pay or you will take her to a small claims court

Original poster
Summerfruit · 24/01/2009 14:44

Yes I have a contract but she texts me every couple of day to ask me if I have found another child to replace her child..Normally she pays in arrears but she decided to pay weekly because she sayd she cant afford to give the full amount of money but I'm scared she 's not going to give me the 4 weeks she owns me because she said she didnt want to pay the new nursery and me. If she doenst pay me I'm going to be in big troubles financially.

OP posts:
PheasantPlucker · 24/01/2009 14:41

Surely if this is in the contract she has no option but to pay you, unless there is anything you did to compromise the contract (you know, gross misconduct, or something) ? And it shouldn't matter whether you get someone else or not, it is not anything to do with her?

Blondeshavemorefun · 24/01/2009 14:36

why would you reduce the notice

if she doesnt want to use you for the 6 weeks, she still needs to pay you 6 weeks notice - regardless if you get on

do you have a contract?

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