ad hoc childminding/emergency childminding advice please

[MUM2BLESS]

Done this is the past. Been let down by cancellations too.

What do you include if someone wants ad hoc or emergency childminding. ie cancellation charge, is your rates higher if yes a lot higher than your regualar parents?

What infor do you give out.

Thanks much appreciated!!!

I always get payment in advance preferably when it is booked or if its on the day I do ask for a cheque or transfer.
I do charge my higher rate but to be fair it depends if they are a regular customer and have an emergency in which case i probably wouldn't. My higher rate is for anyone who comes for under 10 hours a week so it is fair.
I get permission forms signed but don't do a contract as i'm still covered with insurance if I have the permission forms,emergency treatment forms etc.
If its for the council then I just send a bill in by email and usually have to wait a few weeks for payment but I've always been paid no problem.

Registration fee

Higher fees

Payment is upon booking and due to high demand there is a cancellation fee.

More than 24hrs 25% of fee
Less than 24hrs 50% of fee
Less than 4hrs notice 100% of fee

I only take bookings for occasional or ad hoc care with full payment at point of booking (cash if the requirement is immediate, and non-refundable in all cases). I think it's easy to be soft about this, especially if people come with tales of woe about their usual childcare arrangements going pear-shaped. Then you kick yourself when they let you down or mess you abour. Sadly I think it's because they think it's not a long term arrangement so they don't need to bother with the courtesies or being considerate. But I've also had some lovely families where a one-off booking has later become a regular contract.

I've been messed about before, not finding out children weren't coming until I rang up after the agreed start time. so now its £20 registration fee. Place isn't reserved until fees paid. (if its over a few weeks I do a short-term contract with weekly or monthly payment in advance, 2 week notice period, if its less than a month then payment in full up front). Same fees as contract care, no refunds unless I get another booking.

Hi thanks for your lovely replies, much appreciated.

Sorry did not reply earlier had a really busy weekend.

Very interesting. I will put something together for ad hoc childminding or emergency childminding, especially for people who have not used my services before.

One thing for sure that as a childminder I am learning very quickly. You get wiser with each moment, I am sure you will agree.