Advice on charges -multiple siblings

[buckeejit]

I am a CM & been caring for 3 siblings for the last year+

Started off charging too little & gave notice of new contract a few weeks ago starting from Dec & warned there was a price increase in it.

I have twin 3yo & primary school sibling 3 days a week but the days vary due to shifts, e.g. have just found out last night what 3 days each week I'm needed in Dec.

I was charging £30 & £27 (sibling discount) then £15 for school child. This has gone up to £35 each per day for the little ones, (no sibling discount but still not charging any retainer for the 2 other days I need to keep free to be available for them, where I'm missing out on potential income. £35 is or,al daily rate in my area)

During school hols I've added in that school child's fee will go up to a full day rate also. They now want to stop me providing holiday cover for school child.

I'm trying to work out a fair charge for this as I won't be able to fill that place as it needs to be open for her during term time. If it was one child I would charge 50% retainer fee but feel bad as they have 3 children & it's expensive but also feel bad for myself losing out when I still have to be available for the other siblings!

Any childminders or parents been in this situation & can suggest what they think would be fair for everyone?

Thank you!

I do offer a sibling discount when both attend together, but I wouldn't be able to keep 2 days a week free for a change of shift patterns. This must cost you a fair amount in loss of business and earnings.

In terms of the school aged child, do you have any families who just want school holiday cover so could fill this space? I have a couple on my books who only attend in the holidays so there's a demand for it.

I don't offer a sibling discount.

I will do shift patterns for school age children, but for EYFS if they want the days available they have to pay for them. So I'd charge £35 per child per day for 5 days a week.

Thanks for your replies. I don't think there's much demand around here for holiday time only, (generally ime there is more family help for childcare in NI than England & this is often utilised), but I've just looked at the figures & can afford to do at 50% after school rate & think that's fair.

Yes it is annoying that the days change but mum is a nurse and I want to try to support where possible - I know she can't help the shifts. For my part I don't need to have maximum income possible from being a CM but just need a fair amount to help throw at bills so think this will work ok for