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Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

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Original poster

DD has started preschool, is it normal for CM to still charge whole day?

17 replies

jennimoo · 08/06/2013 14:38

DD goes to CM 2 days a week 8-3pm. She's started preschool now she's 2.5 (but we have to pay of course) and term time CM drops off and picks up. Although I did think I'd be paying for more hours than she's there, due to the pick up/ drop off, but didn't expect to pay for the whole day still.

Is this normal? Should I question it at all?

I will have to revisit when she goes to the 2 settings if I am going to be paying twice over!

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Florin · 08/06/2013 14:46

It is unlikely she will find another child to do the few hours your child is in preschool so she is losing a space. Also consider how long it takes to take your child to nursery and get back home again. I assume she is also on call incase she needs to be picked up early for any reason too?

LucyLastik · 08/06/2013 14:46

Some CMs charge by the place, others by the hour. Check your contract.

hellhasnofurylikeahungrywoman · 08/06/2013 14:46

It was normal when I was a CM as the place is still technically filled. It is unlikely that your CM could find another family who wanted those hours. If playgroup was closed for whatever reason would you still expect your CM to have your DD? If the answer is yes then it is normal to pay.

ItsAllTLAsToMe · 08/06/2013 14:48

Ooh, watching this with interest.

The CMs will argue (correctly) that the child is still taking a place for a child of that age.

The parents will argue that it's ridiculous to charge a full day, and that the CM is (possibly) not full anyway, therefore the CM's argument is not applicable.

I'm not sure whether there is a middle ground, but I'd love there to be one .

littone · 08/06/2013 14:50

Yes normal, the childminder won't be able to fill a two hour slot while she is at pre school. Presumably you also want her to be on call if there is an issue whilst your daughter is at preschool and or during the school hols. Only way to avoid is to give notice to the childminder for the sessions she is at preschool and change your working hours to enable you to be off work for each half day that your child attends pre school, but probably not very practical!

Original poster

jennimoo · 08/06/2013 15:05

Thanks for the info. I'll just rearrange things, especially as ill be on mat leave in a few weeks, to minimise the extra cash.

I find the way CMs charge confusing and hate asking. I'm not sure I actually even have a 'contract' though.

OP posts:

ReetPetit · 08/06/2013 16:33

completely normal and understandable. the cm can't fill the odd hours that your dd is in pre school, your dd is still take up an all day space.

Original poster

jennimoo · 08/06/2013 17:10

I think I'll just move preschool if poss to a non CM day in future.

My lack of understanding / information has cost us quite a few hundred pounds though, unfortunately :(

OP posts:

ReetPetit · 08/06/2013 17:29

you should have a contract - did you not sign one when your dd started with her?

Original poster

jennimoo · 08/06/2013 17:31

I don't think so. I had some paperwork about a year after so perhaps there was something I signed then...

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Wheresmycaffeinedrip · 08/06/2013 17:39

Perhaps it's because in the holidays your dc will be there all day. And obviously another child can't be taken on even even for the two hours she's away as picking your child up because they hurt themselves would put her over the numbers.

My dp was surprised to find out they charged even even children aren't there but it's normal :)

Alliwantisaroomsomewhere · 08/06/2013 19:31

Even if your agreement is not in writing, you still have a contract with your CM. It is advisable to record your agreement in writing, though, because it reduces the risk of confusion and misinterpretation of the terms and conditions of the agreement.

HSMMaCM · 08/06/2013 20:10

It's fairly normal. Does your child need to go to Pre school? They follow the same guidelines as your CM

Original poster

jennimoo · 08/06/2013 20:14

DD has done half a term at preschool so far and her development has come on leap and bounds :) I would want to carry on sending her.

OP posts:

debduck · 08/06/2013 22:17

Have your spoken to your CM? Perhaps you could negotiate? Also, the CM doesnt need an 'arguement'; you are either happy with her arrangements or your arent. :/ Does your CM offer the free early learning vouchers? Why is your LO going to pre-school?

Groovee · 08/06/2013 23:50

I paid my childminder to be "on call" while ds was at nursery. It so happened a couple of times she took him to nursery for it to be closed. It really helped having her as back up. 9 years on she still has my son and is very flexible at my change in days etc. So I think it was worth no quibbling.

Original poster

jennimoo · 09/06/2013 07:20

DD is going to preschool as we thought it would do her good and they take them from 2.5y. Due to terms etc she'll be getting in for 3.5y by the time her funding comes through. And as I said before I was right: the environment really suits her now and has done wonders for her confidence :)

When I'm on mat leave I'm reducing CM hours to just one day anyway, so will just have that not a preschool day, as wont need cover.

Thanks for info though!

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