late to collect, so I didn't wait!

[happydazed]

I'm a cm and one of my parents is always late to collect. I have fined her, complained, explained impact on me, my family, other kids. It makes no difference, she apologises but is then at least 10 mins often 40 mins late.

I was going out tonight so waited 10 mins, didn't show so I left and took her child with me. I texted address and said to meet me there, the place is hard to find and she got lost, she wasn't pleased said why can't you just fine me.

I know I can fine her but it's not effective, and I don't want the extra money I want to leave work on time! A friend has said she would be furious if she went to her children's nursery and they weren't there even if she was late. I ended up delaying her an hour tonight when she was only 10 mins late, however I still feel it's fair enough really, am I wrong.

I would up the fines significantly-perhaps £15 per 15 mins, and say that if a parent's half an hour late you'll call their emergency contact, and if no joy, social services.

UP the fines significantly, and invoice in arrears, so she sees how much it adds up, in addition to leaving after 10 minutes.

She can find you in B&Q, or Tesco, etc, for her handover.

I wouldn't just leave them on the doorstep, I would tell her in advance that she would have to arrive later.

I went round to her house this weekend for a chat about it, explained new policy, and gave her a copy of it, she was very
nice and apologetic. let's hope she's on time next week!

it is very petty I agree but it needs resolving and I am very reluctant to give notice, i couldn't do it to my ds he would be heartbroken if I stopped minding this child.

I have done nvq and childminder course, and various other training but I have never covered anything on this kind of issue, it might have been helpful!

Life goes on and children make new friends

One day he will have to leave as either going to school or mum changes childcare etc

Keeping a child on just coz your child loves then isn't a good enough reason if parent keeps taking the piss and is late

I agree your fines need to be steeper. Maybe £2 a minute?

Reasonable fines have been shown to just increase parent lateness, as parents feel they are paying for a service.