Normal notice period

[bluebunnyblue]

I'm in the process of engaging a childminder for my daughters and was surprised to see a 12 week notice period on the contract. Is this a common length for childminders? Our only childcare experience so far is a nursery who require 1 month notice, so 12 weeks seems like a lot!?

As you are engaging an individual business to provide a bespoke service, there isn’t really a standard or "normal" period. That said, it’s more usual to find CMs use a 4 week notice period, and nurseries and preschools use either 4 weeks or a school term (which can amount to several months.)

You mention "daughters" (plural). Perhaps your CM wants a longer period for this reason. Two children leaving simultaneously would have a huge impact on her income, so it makes sense to give herself plenty of time to find replacements.

As it’s an individual contract, you should discuss this with your CM and see if s/he will negotiate a shorter period. Remember that notice periods are there to provide some protection for both parties.

Some do a term, many do 4 weeks, some do 2 weeks. There are also other options. Your CM May have found that termly works best. You can ask for less, but they don't have to offer it.

I used to say 6 weeks-but none of those 6 weeks could be holidays (so I had at least a half term to replace).

Thanks for the replies. Yes I had considered that two children are a reasonably big proportion of income for a childminder and their leaving could have a much bigger impact than at a nursery. The girls will not be full time - 4.5yo will be 3 days before and after school and 2.5yo will be 2 full days. I don't mind a longer notice period than nursery, but didn't want to sign up to something if was much longer than usual. Sounds like it's at the top end of normal, though.

I have an 8week notice period which some parents raise eyebrows at prior to signing contact, but I just had two full time siblings leave (moving house) and I’m so glad I had that cushion. It isn’t easy to fill two spaces within four weeks.