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Childcare
CM Club Siblings
Earthymama · 26/06/2007 08:58
For the first time, I am going to have children from the same family to look after. I feel I should offer a reduced rate so what is the usual way of doing this?
If I do cut the fees I thought I would make it clear that parents will have to cover costs of trips out ie travel costs, eg a day ticket for the bus, admission fees and any souvenirs they want to buy. Does this seem fair to you?
I do not want to seem money grabbing but with 3 extra, twins and a younger child, that the sort of outlay that could eat up any money I get. We would only be going to that sort of paid trip about 3 times over the holidays, to a castle, a museum and to the Roman amphitheatre at Caerleon.
Otherwise, it will be the park or walks around here, we are lucky to be in a semi-rural area.
I would appreciate your advice, I want to speak to the parents later today.
(I have had to be formal as my computer disapproves of abbreviation this morning and was putting gobbledygook in my post; I need no encouragement, I can do that without any help!)
KaySamuels · 26/06/2007 10:02
I don't offer reductions for siblings (currently mind two sets), and I ask for contributions now and again for trips (probably 3 times in summer hols), and ask that they bring spending money and pack up. My hourly rates are very low though!
If they aren't expecting a reduction and kids seemed keen on your suggestions then I wouldn't offer one. hth
Earthymama · 26/06/2007 10:23
They asked!! Dad said he would have the day off work if they had to pay full charge!!. I do empathise it's a lot with 3 children, or am I being soppy?
I hadn't advertised, was just pootling along happily, but they've had breakdown in care due to illness and I was recommended so am looking at it as a bonus and planning to have a little holiday from it!!
I charge £3.50 ph, would you think £3 was reasonable?
OFSTEDoutstanding · 26/06/2007 10:26
Yes thats what I do I am £3 per child per hour and same family are charged 2.50 for 2nd child. I always explain that I need entrance fees paying but that we only do a pay for activitiy once a week and then I restrict it to about £5 a child by taking picnics etc.
KaySamuels · 26/06/2007 10:30
Didn't realise there were 3 of them! Yes I would charge full fee for the little one and £3 each twin I think in your shoes (£9.50 p.h.from one family). You will probably (hopefully) find the big ones are good entertainment for the little ones and generally good company. As you say, they are a little bonus, think that's a good way to look at it!
Don't be too soft tho - they would have to pay someone - bet dad wouldn't really be able to take all the time off work he would need!
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