What would you do, need an answer quickly please!!!

[Justanotherday]

I am a CM and had a lovely family come to see me and I really want to take them on. Problem no 1, Mum does not have a job yet as she is self employed and will start applying soon to start in July, so no set start date yet. I always ask parents for a months deposit to hold their place and this goes towards the last month bill they pay at the end of contract. Problem no 2, I have just had an email from parent to say they can't pay the full deposit this far in advance and could they pay half now and the other half one month before starting. My worry is I accept their offer and get half now but then if the Mum does not start a job in July, I could be left with holding a place for them and not earning the money for that time. I need to reply to this email soon and am not sure what to do as I don't want to upset them. I am worried about accepting this, turning away other families and ending up with only half a deposit and no child starting. Please help, thank you.

I?m tempted to think you shouldn?t hold out for this one. If Mum is out of work and only just applying for a job AFTER she made enquiries about having you work for her, it sounds as though she?s a bit haphazard and last minute. Plus, that they can?t afford the deposit upfront means they don?t have anything in the way of a reserve to pay you if Mum doesn?t get the work she?s hoping for.

I?d reply and explain that you can?t book them without the deposit and set dates / times etc but will pencil them in and let them know nearer the time whether you?re booked up.

I agree with Parly.

Don't take them on, until mum has a job and a set start date.

I would e-mail them and say that, while you would love to take them on as you are sure they will understand you cannot hold a place without the full deposit. When they can give to you in full you"ll commit, until then you need to keep your spaces open. You could say that you will tell them if you are approached by another family to give them "first dibs" then (if they can pay the deposit) if you want to be nice. You are not a charity. Don't take half, you will then be in a really awkward position if someone else comes along.