Do you charge for things like music groups?

[Titchyboomboom]

I look after 1 little girl as well as my own young daughter, and up until a few weeks ago we attended the local sure start children's centre music session weekly. As you all know I am sure, budget cuts have meant that this centre is cutting groups drastically, and as such the music session is gone. The lady who ran it is now going to run a session in the local village, but is charging £4 per child... I was just really looking for some input on whether any of you charge / would charge the parents for sessions like this if the parents want them to go, or whether you think it should be included in the price. I suppose it is only the cost of me minding her for an hour... what do you think? Maybe I pay half they pay half??

No my fees cover everything, the parents pay me to watch their child so any activities I want to do with them are footed by myself.

A few of our day trips during the holidays work out expensive but if I average the cost over how often I look after the child it is buttons.

I think it's unlucky that things have changed - ideally you'd know beforehand and factor it in to your fees so you wouldn't have to charge any extra.

But this way - think you're dammed if you do and dammed if you don't!

Sorry that's not very helpful but I am hoping it's supportive!

You charge £8 an hour ?
As a parent who has used various CMs over many years, I've never been charged for things like this. The hourly rate should be set at a rate that includes activities you want to do. Otherwise, what would you do if one family wanted to pay and the other didn't ?

I think the op charges £4 ph?

I have in my policies that everything except regular classes are included in my rates
. For example when we attended a music class which had to be paid a term in advance, parents paid. Same with a martial arts class for the school children. It did mean that all parents had to want their child to do the class though ...

Sorry, I read it quickly and somehow put in "Half of what I charge an hour". Apologies

As a parent my CM have never charged me for toddler groups or days out - but I do pay for a music group - which as I am fine with

Hmmmm... food for thought, thanks everyone. This is the type which has to be paid a term in advance, but really I suppose I shouldn't charge..wondering if I should just not go as it works out as over £30 a month for both of the girls, which is quite a lot.... a whole day's work a month... decisions, decisions... I know the parents pay for her to be looked after, and if I do charge, what if I take on a child who's parents don't want to pay. I would be in a tricky situation then, verging on having to turn down work! On the other hand, I can't pay for 3 children every week at £12 a pop...
I think I won't charge and then play it by ear...

How about asking if they'll offer a discount for 2nd and subsequent children, or for childminders?

Many clubs/groups do this and it might make it easier to manage the costs.

Have you looked to your local library? A lot of these do a music group that is free to attend.

Yes I would charge for any groups/activities but you should discuss with the parents first to make sure they are happy with the cost and activity. What you charge them is your money and if they are happy to pay your rates then that's between you and them!!

chili - how would that work if one family wanted you to take them to lots of groups that cost extra, and another mindee's family didn't ?