CM Club - Should I give notice so I can take on a new client?

[Booh]

Bit of an odd and long one here!

But I look after two children for one family, and mum is having a third baby in the summer and I know that she will not want me to care for them when she finishes work, and she is going to have a nanny when she goes back to work next year! So they will be saying goodbye to me after almost three years!

I have found someone to replace them, but not sure about what to do, as the new baby may need to start before the mum wants me to finish and I would have to give notice, thing is we are really good friends, and live very close and I don't want to upset her, and have no idea what I should do......

HELP, any idea>

You need to speak to current mum and find out for certain what is happening. When is she going on mat leave, when does she want to end contract? Then you will know when spaces will be available and can start planning for it. If business is slow in your area and think it will be difficult to fill spaces you have to think of yourself and give notice if need be. Talk to mum/friend you may be able to reach a compromise.

Is it worth asking Ofsted for a short-term variation? If the new family only want you (because they were recommended, there's a local shortage of CMs, or you already know each other perhaps?) - you could put together a convincing argument.

I don't think Ofsted would give a variation for the new family as there is no existing care to continue. But it doesn't hurt to ask! I've been refused variation for new mindies but have been given permission when all children are existing or ex-mindies.

I've been in your shoes booh, I told prospective parents that space wasnt available til the September. Then the pregnant mum announced she had far more holiday entitlement that she'd thought & would be leaving at the end of July! I was lucky I didn't lose the client, she liked me and had made arrangements to start in September. So I couldn't charge anybody for August. Grrr!!!

I would tell current mum you've got someone waiting for her place, can she check her holiday entitlement etc and confirm in writing asap when she wants to finish. What does she normally do if you are closed/holiday? Are there any relatives who could help out for a week or so if necessary to finish earlier? Has the new baby been left with anyone before/what arrangements will they have for when you are closed? Is the mum going back to old job (has she taken the max possible leave or can she extend it) or going to a new job (can the start date be delayed?)

Hello

I will not get a variation as I already mind four under the age of five,

Think you are right and I need to talk to mum / friend but she normally has no idea what is going on! She is going back to work next Easter, and will have a nanny, she offered me the job but I turned it down as I would be made to nanny for her three and my two!