Retention Fee

[Bid29]

Hi All,
I am a childminder and am looking for advice from other childminders out there. I have been minding one child for almost 2.5 years. Have had no problems until recently. Last week, the child came on Mon as normal and then I got a text msg Mon evening saying she wouldn't be coming for rest of the week. I tried calling the parents, but my call wasn't answered or returned. He came as normal yesterday and again the same thing..a text msg saying she wouldn't be coming for rest of week. I finally got speaking with the mother who reassured me that everything was ok and that I did nothing wrong. She decided to take a few days off work. Last week I was only paid for the 1 day. When I mentioned being paid for the full wk as normal I was cut off and it was left at that! Does anyone have any advice for me as to what I can do? I know now that I can charge a retention fee. How would I go about doing this? Thanks again.

what does your contract say?

Hi If it was me and she had signed an agreement to have full care then, I would refuse to have the child back, alternatively hand your notice in with a letter detailing that she should have paid the whole week whether he was there or not, and she messing you around.

I agree that putting it in a letter would probably be best if she cuts you off when you try and discuss it. You should definitely warn her it's coming though, if she cuts you off again you could say something like "Ok, I'll refer to our contract and confirm in writing which parts I think are relevant here" or something.

If she has a contract for a full week's care, she can't just change her mind about it and leave you in the lurch. She might think she's doing you a favour by reducing your workload, but she hasn't reduced your cost of living! The bills still need to be paid!

Yeah I agree. The bills are still coming in fast and furious. I will have to root out the contract and do up a letter. She doesnt seem to want to listen to me, but maybe if its in writing she will have no choice. Thanks everyone!

Always get payment in advance, it saves any hassles if parents try this on.

Definitely put it in writing. She is totally in the wrong. Assuming of course that you do have a contract.

Yeah I have a contract since the kid started with me. Thanks again everyone, will start composing my letter now!

i have a couple of children who just pay when they come (after giving plenty of notice), but most pay their contracted hours in advance. Depends on your contract with this child.