Sorry another retainer question!

[mummykench]

I really must try and start more interesting threads !

I met a lady and her son today, and I think I'm probably going to say yes to taking the son. She wants before and after nursery (which is 9-11.30am) for October - December, then before and after full-time school come January. I may well not take anyone else, as I'm just starting.

I know I can charge a retainer while he's at nursery, but not while he's full-time school, but can I charge a retainer for the time leading up to October, in order to keep the place secure for him? I was intending to start childminding in September, so I wouldn't charge her for any remaining time in August, just September. I was thinking half full-time rate which would be £75 a week.

I'm already starting to feel guilty about charging this as she's a single mum, but I know I need to be firm and stick to what I've decided. And I'd want payment in advance, by 1st September. Is this too mean?!

She's hopefully aware she'll need to pay as I included it in the handbook she took home, so hopefully it won't come as a shock.

Jacqui x

MK I have just charged a family half rate (which was 350.00 a month for May, June and July to hold the place, the vacancey was available from 1st of May and as my places are quite sought after, they had the choice to pay the retainer or I could fill it with another child straight away, I offered it to them on these turns cos when they phoned from Germany, something told me thay would be a good family where as the family that would be able to statrt straioght away I had a bad feling about. They paid for the three months and started last week full time.

Its not the first time I have done it the 18 month I have paid for two months before she started to secure the space.

If you're starting in september then you can charge from then. Some parents don't like the idea of a retainer and will look for someone who won't charge it or say they don't want the place then phone you back a week or so before they want to start!

Emphasise that by paying a retainer they are reserving the place for their child and can use their reserved hours at any time from September (upon paying the balance as they must pay full fees for time booked). Some find this handy for sorting things out before they go back to work - hair appointment,medical appointments, shopping for new work clothes, meetings/training ...