To Contract or not to Contract?

[OFSTEDoutstanding]

I have been asked by a lady I know at my local toddler group to cover her childcare for her while her cm is on hols. It will only be for about 6 days in total over 2 weeks. I was wondering do I still have to fill in contracts or not as she doesn't intend to leave cm only use me for those 2 weeks. Obviously I will get her to fill in all permission forms and child record form but was wondering if there is any need to do the contract as we know it is for such a short time and I don't have any worries about being paid by her?

Contract. Definately.
You just never know!! Could just type one out as it's only for 6 days cover, but make sure it includes how much, how and when you will be paid.

I wouldn't bother, unless you are giving up the offer of other income in order to accommodate this arrangement.

Anyone else have any thoughts? Has anyone ever done this before for only a couple of weeks what did you do?

Oh yes, definitely - there are short term contracts I think? i agree with everything that Kay said - you do not want to be caught out just in case. You wouldn't have a leg to stand on if she didn't pay you!

You don't need a written contract in order to get paid (though it helps).

If you have one of your standard contracts to hand I would just hand it to her so that she knows what your usual terms and conditions are, but I wouldn't type one up, especially if you are happy that you're going to be paid.

To comply with the standards you only need a written agreement - but that could just be asking her to sign that you will provide cover for x amount of days at x cost, inclusive or non-inclusive of food/nappies etc. Add a bit for her to sign too to say that she has read and understood your policies.
No need for anything else.

Get it in writing then there's no comeback just in case something happens.

Better safe than sorry .

You don't HAVE to have a contract but you should have something in writing - even if you don't need this to help you pursue non-payment its also needed to minimise any misunderstandings - I've heard of problems with parents arriving earlier/later or even on different days. Or arriving without sun-cream or packed lunch etc!

If I haven't worked with the family before i do a contract; just the same as my other contracts except specifies start & finish date or precise dates of arrangement.

Some families who already have contracts but book extra hours or those who regularly book ad-hoc care and always pay promptly - I just do a booking form which they sign agreement to the hours booked, whether meals are being brought by parent or provided by me and the fee to be paid (and when it is to be paid by).

Ok I have been asked to have a little girl for th3e next 2 weds only. Am thinking I wount do full contract but will obviously get forms signed and child record filled out. But just somthing signed by her in writing should be enough for just 2 days right?