CM club: Can you extend settling in period?

[leeloo1]

Hi all, I have a little one who is not settling well.

I'm using standard NCMA contracts and put in a 3 week settling in period. Can I extend this - and if so would I just do a separate letter explaining this and get the parents to sign it?

Also, parents paid a retainer, if the child just doesn't settle would I need to repay this? (Obviously I'll do all I can to ensure she does settle in!).

Thanks in advance for any help. :)

I have extended settling in periods in the past with agreement from the parents. How often do you hav lo, if it is only part time e.g. 2/3 days a week then it could well take her longer to settle. Also how old she is makes a difference as there can be big attachment problems between 10 months & 14 months. I usually have a 4 week settling in period & if I feel it is showing no sign of working after this might well suggest to parents that they think of other options unless bioth of you are prespared to persevere.

With regards to the retainer, was it a retainer or a deposit as that can make a difference. If a retainer they were paying for you to keep the space open before they used it so no refund. Also with a deposit they have already started using the place so unless they paid for 4 weeks care & you give only three weeks care there would be no refund, However if perhaps they ask for a partial refund I might well consider it for fees not used but wouldn't refund anything over the time used & paid for. Once they get out of the settling in period then your usual notice period would apply.

If you have taken a retainer, you should keep it because you have done what you committed to do - held and provided a place.

However, I am giving up having settling in periods in cases where parents pay a retainer because it doesn't really make sense to me. If I had a space free immediately and a parent was a bit unsure about how their child would cope, I might say give it a trial run and see how it works out, no commitment required. But if I hold a space at say half fees for several months, I think it would be entirely reasonable for the parents to expect me to give it my best shot at settling their child for at least a few weeks (before giving notice if absolutely not working out), and I think it would also be unreasonable for parents to quit without notice without giving it a similar amount of time, and notice to me.

So I don't think I would suggest extending the settling in period... I'd think positive and start the normal contract.

Thanks for the advice, it was a retainer (they did pay a deposit too, but obv I'd refund that) and thats my feeling that I did keep the space open for x months... but... its soooo difficult. DH felt that effectively I was withdrawing the space (which on NCMA contracts says means you should refund retainer) but I feel its more about how she's (not) settling. Oh... I don't know! I did call Morton Michel but they were as much use as a chocolate fireguard. Told me parents wouldn't like it if I kept retainer (well d'uh!) - I wanted to know where I stood legally and all he could advise was to talk to the parents and see if they'd agree to me keeping it?!?

LO is 8 months. So a bit young for separation anxiety, but doesn't like being put down, or if I leave the room. Doesn't sleep v well or eat well.

Parents seem happy enough, but are a bit ratty with me about odd things (my holidays, storage of stained clothes etc), which doesn't make life easy.

I might tak to the mum about extending settling in period... or just grin and bear it like minderjinx suggests...