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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not pay childminder for Xmas day

278 replies

emmagreen481 · 17/12/2018 13:51

My DS’s childminder wants me to pay her for Xmas day & Boxing Day when she’s not even open?? Is this normal

OP posts:
PatchworkElmer · 17/12/2018 14:35

Another one saying you need to check the contract. I have to pay our nursery for the whole of Christmas week, when they are actually shut 🙄

blackteasplease · 17/12/2018 14:37

Depends on whether the charge is literally per day or if it's an annualised charge. If the latter you would pay the same each month regardless of bank hols.

Original poster
emmagreen481 · 17/12/2018 14:37

Never had a bank holiday with her so far, and I don’t have a contract

OP posts:
icannotremember · 17/12/2018 14:37

Bank holidays or cm illness or holidays she takes and gives me 2 weeks+ notice of, we pay half fee for. It seems reasonable.

themoomoo · 17/12/2018 14:38

why don't you have a contract?

Original poster
emmagreen481 · 17/12/2018 14:39

She’s a relative

OP posts:
OverTheHedgeSammy · 17/12/2018 14:41

Why don't you have a contract? She's breaking OFSTED rules!

My CM had a clause about paying bank holidays. I asked for it to be changed, as she only had my DC's on Mondays, and the bank holidays were predominantly on Mondays and I didn't think it fair that I be lumbered with all of them. I worked out a pro-rata figure for the bank holidays, divided it out and we added it to every bill.

Girlwiththearabstrap · 17/12/2018 14:41

When I used a childminder I paid the same every month, but it was an annualised charge including her 4 weeks holiday. I don't know whether it was paid or unpaid. Is that maybe what's happened here? With nursery it's the same I think? Although as it's a business closure maybe we do pay for 51 weeks spread across the year.

themoomoo · 17/12/2018 14:42

She’s a relative
sorry, I'm failing to see the relevance of this so I'll just ask again, why don't you have a contract?

italiancortado · 17/12/2018 14:42

Oooft. Not a leg to stand on. Either of you.

I would get a contract sorted ASAP. Obviously it's too late for the Christmas situation, but going forward you both need to know where you stand.

Whynotnowbaby · 17/12/2018 14:42

Is she registered? If not you shouldn’t be paying for more than two hours of childcare per day anyway.

OneBiscuitAtATime · 17/12/2018 14:43

My CM is a relative and I still have a contract. We pay half fees for all holidays.

Mia1415 · 17/12/2018 14:43

You need to get a contract sorted if you don't have one! It protects both parties. How long have you used her for?

themoomoo · 17/12/2018 14:43

It's not actually breaking OFSTED rules not to have a contract but it is very very silly., She could set any terms she wanted; ditch your child with no notice; decide she only works a 3 hour day etc. etc.

RaspberryBeret34 · 17/12/2018 14:45

Both the childminders I've used work in the same way - if they aren't available for a day (illness, holiday etc) then I don't pay. If my DC can't attend for a day (illness, holiday etc) then I do pay. Christmas day, bank hols etc would fall under them not being available so I wouldn't pay.

Bobbybobbins · 17/12/2018 14:45

Agree you need a contract. Maybe offer to pay half as a compromise this time then sort contract for January?

SittingAround1 · 17/12/2018 14:46

You need to set up clear terms with her.
We don't pay bank holidays but do pay holiday days (set amount each year).
It's worked out on an average over the year so she gets the same every month regardless of bank holidays, summer holidays etc.
The contract needs to state the exact hours she is expected to work.
We pay extra if we need to add an hour here or there, for instance if we're running late.

Girlsworld92 · 17/12/2018 14:47

I'm a CM. I charge all bank holidays. It's common place round here to charge for bank hols. Some CMs charge for their hols too but I don't do that.

Ljlsmum · 17/12/2018 14:50

I think it's pretty standard that you pay bank holidays to be honest. I know it does vary from contract to contract but when you're being paid £4-6 per hour you have to have some kind of perk and if that means you pay at least some bank holidays then I think that's pretty decent.

Chwaraeteg · 17/12/2018 14:52

Get used to it, most childminders are piss-takers. They want all the benefits of being self employed plus the benefits of being an employee. I've yet to meet one that doesn't charge holiday pay.

ChocolateChipMuffin2016 · 17/12/2018 14:52

My CM charges half rate for bank holidays so yes I pay for Christmas Day and Boxing Day, it’s in the contract and was explained quite clearly to me when we signed up with her.

Bugsymalonemumof2 · 17/12/2018 14:52

Chwaraeteg - why shouldn't they? Disgraceful post tbh

themoomoo · 17/12/2018 14:53

Get used to it, most childminders are piss-takers. They want all the benefits of being self employed plus the benefits of being an employee. I've yet to meet one that doesn't charge holiday pay
gosh, aint you just a charmer.
FWIW I don't charge holiday pay except BH's ( might make an exception if you were a client though)

HoustonBess · 17/12/2018 14:55

We got stung by this, our contract says we pay for BH. DD only goes on a Monday so we get a bad deal of it. However the childminder's really good so we take it on the chin.
I think BH should be pro rata'd out among all the parents, really.

Gazelda · 17/12/2018 14:56

Does your relative provide paid childcare for other children?