Childminder's holiday policy

[chicaguapa]

Just started dropping off/ picking up 2 friend's children and am waiting for my registration. Wondered what the standard policy is regarding holidays. As they are friends and I'm not making a living out of it, it's more of a favour with a financial incentive, I am loathe to charge them when I go on holiday and they have to take time off work. But am I being too soft? And should they pay me when they go away and I don't have to pick up their child?

Hi, my mum's a CM, she doesn't charge when she's on holiday, but usually charges half if children's parents take holiday at different times to her.

right first of all this is a business you will be a reg childminder, if you are just going to cm for friends children thats fine but i would set a standerd policy for every child as your friends will prob claim tax credits for the childcare they pay

my policy is that i have four weeks a year off (in school hols) parents of full time children pay half fees when i am on hol and full fees when they are on hols or their child is off sick.

before and after school children do not pay in the school hols but pay full fees on bank hols/inset days and sick days

hoilday only children do not pay when i am closed for my hols but pay full fees bank hols and sick days

i would work out a policy best suited to yourself while you wait for your reg then give a copy to your parents to start when cert arrives

If you join the NCMA when your registration is through they will send you a pack with a booklet advising you how to fill in a contract and several suggestions on what to do about holidays. (I do half for my holidays half for the parents'). Really it's up to you and the parents to find something you both agree to when you form your contract.

i don't charge during holiday's but i did add 25p to daily hour rate so i'm not losing out and the parents don't feel they are paying when either of us is on holiday.