Childminder's Club: I think I'm being mucked about?

[katymac]

I mentioned awhile ago I had been asked to care for a child with cerebal palsy. After a visit and serious planning on my part (extra staff - therapy sessions etc) the family pulled out (as I live too far away)

She has been in hospital and her family unit has changed (?) and about 2 weeks ago I was asked to have her again. I agreed and was visited by the SN Families advisor (last week) and it was all set up for the mum to come and sign contracts.

I heard today that she will not be coming to sign contracts until the w/c 19th Dec

I feel a bit put upon and quite resentful atm (esp as I have 4 children coming to interview me this week)

If they decide again not to use me - I may have had to refuse one of the new children

(just whinging - sorry)

im usually the one looking to you experienced CM's for advice but if i was you i would just accept on a first come first served basis if you really think it could end in nothing. fingers crossed it works out ok for you.

I don't want to let the SN lady down

But I'm a bit stumped

first come, first served

explain to the mother of the child with SN that you have someone who wants the place and unless she can confirm that she definately requires it you cannot hold it for her

remember you are running a business

It all goes thro the Sn lady

I pushed a little today and was told she had given up her Nursery place

But I'm just plain worried

Is there a particular reason why she won't/can't sign until the 19th?

so tell the SN lady that you have 4 children coming to interview you this week and unfortunately it is really a question of the first ones to sign the contract are the only ones you can guarantee a place too

it is NOT your problem they can't get their act in gear

you do not hold places unless there is a retainer fee in place

consider this a kick in the butt-ocks ... sympathy and empathy are all very well but its your bank balance

She doesn't want to take a day off work (I've offered an evening or a Saturday morning)

I'm starting to think I'm just not being treated with any respect or that I'm not very important

Agree with Twiglet, first come first served. If she wants the place so desperatly then she won't mind taking the time off imo.

i think she should sort her priorities out sounds like they wouldnt be the greatest people to work with if there is lack of respect and communication at this early stage?

does not bode well that she shows no willingness to meet you halfway katymac

That's what I think

If I get a better offer - hard luck

good for you gotta think of your business, heres me talking wait til i have to turn someone away ill be on here practically begging someone to tell me how to tell them word for word i bet!

I suppose that I can understand the mum not wanting to take time off work, but if you've offered an evening or weekend, then it makes you wonder if she is going to continue to muck you around. I would have a chat with the SN lady to explain your concerns (ie. everything that everyone else has already said on here!) Good luck.

hi i would contact the parent and tell her that you have other enquiries and hopfully she will sign. if not i would sign the other parents. well...i would like to think so but i would probably wait on sn parent! but i'm not very good with the business side! good luck.

Ok - different point of view

"her family unit has changed"... do you think this means her partner has left and she may be having difficulties managing?

I'm guessing that DCDO - but I'm not sure I can afford to turn away work (esp as she has backed out once already)

I will try to keep the place for her (I do have some flexibility)

Hello Katymac

I don't think that they are messing you around on purpose, it is very hard deling with a SN child and if mum is having other problems she is probably very stressed, give her as much space as you can and fingers crossed that it all works out ok.

I have a SN little boy, and he is great............if not VERY VERY hard work! Oh are social servicies paying you or the parent?

I wouldn't keep a place without a retainer fee but the more experienced childminders i know don't even keep a place they use waiting list and first come first served basis. If you're having bad vibes now then you should go with gut feeling, SN or not. The parent should expalin their position and if communication is this bad at the beginning will it get any better?

I went in to see the SN Lady today and explained that I need a goodwill gesture from the mum to keep the place - I got £50........so I'm happy that's enought for anyone to loose if they are mucking about - so I feel safe

I do feel a bit mean asking for it - but I also feel more secure having it

Good for you and it is a business you are running not just out of the goodness of your heart