childminder charging for bank holidays even though she won't work them?

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as above really. I'm a bit gobsmacked. Is this common?

Not surprised really, this is standard practice in nurseries.

It wasn't standard practice in the nursery my two went to. They didnt charge when they were closed.

We don't get paid for bank holidays either.

I actually think it's a bit cheeky to charge for a day that you're not prepared to work on.I'm a CM and I have never charged for BH's. I have CM friends that do charge, but won't work-yet if the parents of the children turned up on the doorstep with them on a BH, is the CM within her right to turn them away? If the parent has paid for that day,then maybe they should be able to use it. Many parents have jobs which don't recognise BH's-nurses, police officers for example;hospitals and police stations don't close for BH so they may need childcare.
There are 'minders who charge for BH's but if they work then they charge double-I don't know why;I shouldn't think the care is any better on a BH than on any other day!
We all have our own way of doing things, and nobody is better than anyone else-just different x

Indeed we do all have our own way if doing things.

So why are you criticising other childminders for not doing things exactly as you do? Are you hoping it will generate more business for you?

I'm not criticising at all-I was just trying to put another angle on things.If you asked a plumber (who would probably be self employed) to do some work for you but the week he was going to start had a Bank Holiday Monday so he didn't start till the Tuesday ,then you wouldn't expect him to charge you for the Bank Holiday would you?
And how would it generate more business for me??...unless somewhere on here there is my name, address, and Ofsted number,I can't see how that's possible.
I'm full anyway...

Yes, you are criticising. You have said it is "cheeky" and affirmed that you would never do it. You imply that childminders who charge for bank holidays are doing something wrong.

Unless you have access to someone's contract and details of the service they provide, you have no right to judge them. How do you know they aren't charging more cheaply in another area of their service? Or offering a service you don't?

As has been pointed out many times before, not only does the plumber incorporate bank holidays in his overall rate, he does not work for more than one client simultaneously, as a childminder does.

You're right Tanith. The plumber does not care for your beloved pipes 50 hrs per week for 10 yrs. it's a different arrangement.

I'm not criticising-like I said we all work differently.Unfortunately some people just don't like being questioned about what they do.
It is cheeky to charge unless you are prepared to offer care if parents need it.I take it you are a minder Tanith and you charge for BH but won't work them (is that why you are so defensive?).Fine-thats your choice. But if a parent turned up on your doorstep on a BH and asked you to care for their child as they'd paid for their place,would you do it?

Not UNcommon but I think it can vary from person to person. I see nothing wrong with charging and not working as long as this is clear in the contract and the parent knew what they were signing. I don't like seeing childminders being bashed over and over again on these threads by parents who have signed agreeing to such terms, if you don't like it, don't sign the contract! Haven't read the whole thread but have to agree with Tanith!

Oh and just for the record, I only stopped childminding just over a month ago after 8 years and no, I DIDN'T charge! :)

I charge and it is totally clear in my business offer to potential customers as well as in my contracts that no service is available. It is certainly not cheeky as has been suggested to charge for b/hols if no service is available - no more cheeky than it is to charge for some paid leave - it is simply what my Ts & Cs are - if a parent does not like what I offer, they can seek alternative provision. I make no exception on this particular issue.

What would be cheeky (and actually deceitful) would be to not make everything abundantly clear to potential "customers", giving them absolute choice as to whether accept the business offer or not.

I do worry that many people uncomfortable with this or other contencious issues have not had had a full explanation from the nursery/childminder offering the service.