Parent already getting shifty on my fees.

[Mum2Luke]

I am starting with a school age child (8 yrs) next week and have told her my fees but she seems to think she won't be paying on her days off, I charge £45 per week which covers me for taking and picking up from school, breakfast if needed and snacks. In the holidays I charge £26 per day whether the child is there or not as I would not be able to fill the space. I don't think I am charging enough really but there are many childminders in my area and we are in competition with each other for children.

I will be starting at 7.30 till 6 and am 'on call' if he needs to be bought back from school for any reason as mum works in Stockport and does not drive.

I am sticking to my guns on this, I have told her I am going to have to be professional
while he is with me and am updating policies for her to sign. This is my wage at the end of the day for my business.

Had a feeling you meant they DO come but didn't want to pay because they were choosing not to for some days! You are soooo cheap in the hols!!!

bloodsuckingLOONEY Thu 14-Oct-10 11:40:27
Had a feeling you meant they DO come but didn't want to pay because they were choosing not to for some days! You are soooo cheap in the hols!!!

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I live in Greater Manchester, many of the jobs are low-paid so I feel I have to keep the fees reasonable although I don't know why as most get Tax Credits towards childcare and am sure this parent does as she wouldn't be paying to her other child in nursery all day when I could have had her mind you, not sure if I'd want both of them at the same time! IYSWIM!

I have drawn up my contract for her and I expect her to abide by it. I have out 2 weeks' notice on either side (max 4 weeks) in case of any dispute over payment. I am not going to be walked over!

Ok, in light of your recent post, she should be paying you that and more and definitely not expect to not have to pay when she decides not to send him.

People never cease to amaze me. What cheek!

I know, what cheek, unfortunately its the norm with alot of parents around here, they expect childcare but 'forget' we need paying!

My friend has been minding this lad since 6th September, she is at college so she is not actually paying anything, a company called Care2Learn is paying it, so why is she pi**ing the childminder about? She is totally arsed off with her. She shouldn't have to ask for her money, its embarrasing for one thing, I am being very strict on the parents now, no payment - NO minding, we are not a charity.

It is embarrassing for both parties to have to get to a situation where payment needs to be asked for. That's appalling. Can you say you'll only take direct debit (pre-tax salary sacrifice vouchers are all DD as well, aren't they?)

I have said she can pay it straight to my bank a/c but am glad i've not given her the number because, reading through this week's local paper, I see her name in the Court section! She has been done for shoplifting and am wondering if its a good idea that I mind this child.

I know its not the child's fault but if he starts stealing from us and my son and I can't prove it, I haven't a leg to stand on. I will give her one month to see if she pays on time without me asking and that nothing goes missing from the house (such as Wii games).

Its very sad that in this day and age people will 'steal to order' and I will not tolerate stealing.

Shoplifting could it have been some horrible mistake??? Once I walked out of M&S and was nearly home when I noticed ds playing with a toy that we had not purchased!! He was 13 months. I went straight back and paid for it (as he had chewed the packaging) and they didn't call police or anything but could it have been something like that?

Sorry that looked a bit . I would have returned the you had DS not damaged the packaging. Or paid for it if that's what they wanted. I think when I reread it sounded like I only rectified the situation because he chewed on it

Yes, it was defo shoplifting . However I am prepared to give her a chance as she has never done me wrong personally and its not the kid's fault either.

I am charging £45 per week as it seems like a reasonable cost and £125.00 full- time during hols which will include a breakfast, lunch and snacks. Its also covers trips to park/outings to play centre once a month and any other extras.

Well, must go and start the snacks ..a childminder's work is never done!