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Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

Flip

Original poster

Just checking - do you charge for the settling in sessions with parent present..?

15 replies

Quasimojo · 23/03/2011 16:08

Hiya

Im new to minding and start a settling in phase next week with 2 children, that mum will be coming to initially. Do you charge normal rates for this time? Do you charge at all? I forgot to mention it to her so not sure if I could now say, 'Ooops, forgot to mention I will charge for the settling in time'. Tho equally, didnt actually say I wouldnt!

What do you do? Thanks!

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

flowers123 · 23/03/2011 16:19

I would make a charges (maybe half the rate if the mum is staying). Mention it as soon as they arrive to avoid an embarrasing situation. I am sure she will exect to may you.

flowers123 · 23/03/2011 16:20

sorry that was suppose to say expect

babybaabaa · 23/03/2011 16:43

No I don't charge. I only charge if I have sole care.

Booh · 23/03/2011 16:49

I don't charge for the first 6-8 hours of settling in

HSMM · 23/03/2011 17:39

I charge for settling in, but not parent visits. I let parents visit with or without their child as often as they like, but i don't count it as settling until the child comes alone, as I don't think they settle at all with a parent there. I don't chase parents away when the child comes, but I do encourage them not to stay (often suggest mums book a hair appt or something, to stop them worrying). Does that make sense?
Once the child comes alone they are using up a space which someone else could pay for.

stomp · 23/03/2011 19:28

I give 2 x 2 hr free 'visits' before the childcare begins, parents are welcome to stay if they want but usually don't. From then on they pay.

Tanith · 23/03/2011 19:33

I don't charge for settling in. I give 3 settling in sessions; more if the child needs it. I just feel I'd rather have a happy child and parents than risk them doing too few sessions because they're being charged for it.

MikeCrapBag · 23/03/2011 20:03

I don't charge for settling in either

Riddo · 24/03/2011 08:49

I charge if the parent leaves the child but not for any time when the parent is present.

dmo · 24/03/2011 10:01

my policy says i give 2 x 2hr settling in sessions for free but if a parents feels their child would benifit from more settling in sessions before the start date this can be arrange at my current hourly rate

pollywollyhadadollycalledmolly · 24/03/2011 11:53

I usually have 2 x 2 hour settling in sessions. First with parent present, but taking a back seat, and second with child on their own which is also free.

I have never had a child need more than that to settle in, but if i did i would then charge.

Snooch · 24/03/2011 13:16

I offer 3 hourly settling in sessions, with or without mum present free of charge. I feel it benefits me as much as anybody. If the child needs any more than that I charge my normal rate.

looneytune · 24/03/2011 13:27

I offer 3 lots of 2 hour settling in sessions for free (with or without parent)and any extra hours on top of that are at my usual rate. If a parent felt they wanted to continue being with them after these 6 hours, they'd have to pay me as I feel 6 hours of joining us for these sessions (if they choose) should be enough and I don't want to continue just giving away my time for nothing :)

Snooch · 24/03/2011 14:41

Crumbs Looneytune, 6 hours is very generous!

LCarbury · 25/03/2011 22:10

Well I am a parent (as in not a CM) and I would expect to pay for your time, even if I am there it's not like you're not working and can stay in bed / go to the beach / anything of your choice, is it?

Flip