Retainer for term time only children?

[whatishappening1976]

Just wondering who charges a retainer for children that are term time only?

I offer a holiday service but one parent does not use it, should I be charging a retainer? And is it too short notice to let them know that I want a retainer paying for the summer holidays?

All advice welcome, thanks :)

did you not discuss this when you started? I charge 1/4 price because I can either do holiday care for older children (which I can charge less for and make up a full wage if you get what I mean) or I just enjoy the time off with my own kids.

I always charge though as they may not come back then I have lost a load of money

When this child started the parent told me that she would need some holiday care, so I said that I wouldn't charge a retainer as was busy in the holidays and thought that I would have having them 50% of the time.

It's now been over a year since the contract started and I have never had them in the holidays, so am thinking of now putting that clause in?

understandable. speak to the parents and review your contract x

Thanks, don't know why I am questioning myself really, just wanted to check I am not being unreasonable x

I don't charge a retainer, but then I want to work term time only and don't want to have to be available if they should choose to use me.

I have never charged a retainer. I have kids who do term time only, one who does both and another who when needed does hols only.

I don't charge a retainer, but having had a shock experience with a family who moved house without warning over the summer and didn't return for the new term, I now ask for money for September before the end of July if parents want a place held for the new term. I explain that I need to do this to avoid having to charge a retainer.

minderjinx that's awful!!!! Some things you have to do to avoid the unexpected happening. ie late payment etc.