CM Club - OVer 8's & Contracts

[Saz73]

If you are childminding over 8's do you have to sign contracts? I do have signed contracts, but a protential new client has told me different.

Your client is trying it on. If you take them on without signing a contract there is plenty of room for misunderstanding about what should be paid & when etc. Also, if they haven't signed agreement to your charges you'd have difficulty pursuing non-payment.

I do provide care for odd days/short notice without contracts - but they pay up front and there is no guarantee of my availability. I do contracts for all regular care.

I suggest you say something like- if they want the assurance that you are reserving a time slot for their child(ren) they have to sign a contract regardless of the child's age. This will minimise any misunderstandings and ensure everyone is in agreement about what you are agreeing (you can probably word that better!)

Offer a 2-4 week trial period so they can easily back out sooner rather than later if its not working (and so can you; eg if the children don't get on with any younger mindies). But still sign a contract before the trial period - put in the contract the dates of the trial period and the date the contract starts.

i would i have six children all over 8 and i need information about them
this is to cover your own back

ofsted were here yesterday and i showed her my contracts and she asked how many i had over 8 and i was able to show her there contracts

i would deff get things signed

Actually, re-reading your question your client is correct - you don't HAVE to sign contracts. But I think it would be foolish not to, Just My Opinion.

I do contracts for over 8's too.

Slightly off this thread do you know how many over 8s you are able to have in addition to under 8s? I know its probably written somewhere, but thought I might get a wuick answer on here TIA

dont think it is written down

i think its how big your space is (as over 8's are bigger)

somebody else might know better

You can have as many over 8's as you like PROVIDING the care of your under 8's is not affected

realistically you are limited by your insurance. it's normally 12 (I think - but I could be wrong about that...mine is different)

Thanks will only have 2 maybe 3 and not every day so should be ok. BTW I would do contracts for over 8s just so you had something written down to fall back on if things went pete tong. If the potential doesnt like it then you dont want to be messing with them anyway!!!!

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