50% retainer when DD is at nursery

[loveisagirlnameddaisy]

Sorry if this has been covered endlessly, I don't usually visit this section of MN.

My DD is starting nursery in Sept and her CM has just given me a change of hours form. She will be picking up DD from nursery 2 days a week at 11.45am and taking care of her until 5pm. She is charging her normal rate for those hours but also charging 50% from 9am to 11.45am.

I've limited experience of CMs as she's been my only one. Is this standard practice?

IME most CM would charge full fees while the child is at nursery as they can't fill their space for these limited hours and so are effectively taking up a space with the CM.

Most if not all CMs around here would charge full fees during a part-day nursery session.

When I used a CM I had to pay full fees when DS was at nursery.

You're getting a good deal, I also pay full fees - your DD is effectively occupying that morning slot.

Full fees here too - completely standard.

I charge full if I pick up and drop off, in school hols and if school closes for any reason they would need me to have the child, I wouldn't be on call for sickness though.

Same here. Full fees whilst they're at nursery . In my case it's on;ly 3 hours out of an 11 hour day and I drop off / pick up.
But in the circs. in the OP I'd still charge full.
You've got a good deal.

It's a remarkably good deal. Full fees, or a token reduction (as consumables aren't being consumed) is the norm.

I would charge full fees.

Thats very good. My CM will charge full fees and rightly so because its not like she can mind anyone else in those hours

I charge full fees with a small reduction for cost of meals (ie 50p / snack & £1.25 per lunch missed).

You won't be paying for 15 hours nursery so yo are still i pocket by only paying a retainer of 50%, you are jolly lucky to have a generous childminder.

What about school holidays, inset days, closed nursery days, snow days, who ill look after your daughter then?

I agree with everyone else that this sounds more than fair. She will not be able to fill the place for a couple of hours and will have the hassle of a nursery pick up.

I pay my CM full fee for the 3hrs that my DS is at nursery. (She doesn't charge a pick up/drop off charge). Personally doesn't bother me as I am no worse of as obviously nursery is free, also means she is available for INSET days etc if needed.

Thanks everyone. A friend who also uses the same CM concurred with all your comments so I now feel v lucky!

We don't work full time, both part time self employed, so we're fortunate to be able to cover childcare on the other days.

I feel devastated. I do not charge anything while toddler does her 3 hours at nursery daily and I am left hanging around.
My working hours have been cut a third and I am there mainly for drops and pick ups, of her sister too.

I am seriously thinking of quitting.
I find very hard asking for money, and they have not offered it (well, yes, more hours babysitting for them, which is not the schedule I am looking for).

I need your opinion.

C x

carmineB, it looks to me like you need to renegotiate your position with your current charges' parents and look to get other children on your books.

I would start by checking with other local CMs whether they charge when a 3 year old is at nursery (bet they do!) and adjust your costs accordingly.

Hi Christina, i am a Nanny not CM. My mistake. I opened a thread for similar situation but in a nanny context.