Childminder shutting due to COVID - fees?

[Scottishgirl85]

My childminder has just emailed her COVID19 policy. It says if her setting needs to close (ie if she's self-isolating or ill), then full fees still apply. This isn't in alignment with what I've seen on PACEY website, and also not per our contract which says fees don't apply if she can't work.

I've questioned it by email, but wondered what consensus on here is?? Thanks

This is what PACEY says on COVID19:

Normally, no fee should be charged in the event that the setting is closed due to the childminder’s sickness, as the contracted service is not available. It may be possible for you to suggest an alternative registered carer who is known to the child to help maintain childcare cover for the family.

It's based on their own insurances. Lots of nurseries are still going to have to charge fees as their insurance doesn't cover any losses and the staff still need paying.

All childminder insurance have already said they will not pay out for anything to do with corona virus. My policy states if a child and or parent Is in self isolation child can not attend but full fees apply. If Iam in self isolation no fees apply. Due to enforced shut down by government full fees will apply as I have not chosen to close and I am not ill

Thanks for replies, yes I completely agree to pay full if my children are ill.

I find it strange as I would need to take parental unpaid leave (1 and 5 year old so no chance of getting work done!) yet childminder would be paid in full in the case she is sick. That doesn't seem fair.

She has said she would only be ill if she caught it from a child in her setting, as she has no plans to go out. So essentially would be blaming her illness on us. Even though she has family members in the household who she could catch it from.

She cannot unilaterally decide to amend the contract, so as long as you've questioned and not accepted you're fine.

At the moment the consumer act 2015 still stands and if a service isn't delivered, it can't be charged for and contract law still stands.

Unfortunately self-employed people will be hit. I've decided to cancel all patient until June at the earliest as I work in schools.

Hmm, does her policy also taking in to account a forced government closure and charging fees for that?

A lot of childcare settings are very worried about a forced closure as it’s completely out of our control. I’ve read a thread earlier in the week that said We should have been more prepared for this kind of situation, which I think is a really stupid thing to say.

As a childminder I will only close if I have to either self isolate or am ill or in the event of a forced government closure. I am prepared to take the hit if I’m ill, but have asked for half fees if I’m closed down by government. I don’t know how parents will react, but if parents want childcare when all this is done, they might need to consider paying or there may not be childcare to go back to. The industry is already at breaking point. Childminders are generally leaving in droves. Nurseries are struggling to make ends meet and last weeks budget of scrapping business rates did not cover childcare.

The key in your second post is the word "normally". These are not normal times.

The childminder isn't sick. She's not choosing to close. If she is told to close, she has no choice.

I'd say if your child attends a setting for a full day with the one to one care a young child needs and the amount of coughing sneezing and mouthing tiny ones do if the cm is isolating you should too as it's no different to a child in your house getting it....then if you get paid you should offer to pay something in the spirit of let's survive together rather than I'm alright Jack.

I have heard nothing from my childminder since she told us earlier this week that she couldn’t take children for this week due to a potential case (didn’t amount to anything). I’m waiting to see how long it takes her to contact me but now the schools have closed I’ve made alternative arrangements as I can’t afford to pay her to look after my child for the full day rather than before/after school.

My intention is to offer half fees.

If shes had to shut due to a potential case it will be 14 days isolation.

I spoke to our childminder on Wednesday before the announcement to close was announced. She was saying that childminder friends was charging full fees if they close but she would do it on a case by case basis. I said we are happy to pay half the fees as not her fault and not ours.
Anyway yesterday after the announcement, she messages us to say to keep our sons place open she wants full fees paid. I replied back and said thought we agreed half. Still had a reply.
I think this is out of order almost blackmailing us to pay or she wont keep his space. Not that she would be able to fill it quickly after all this is over anyway. She is cutting her nose of to spite her face i believe.
In her contact (Pacey) no.24. Says. Unforeseen circumstances where childminder service is unavailable then no fees from parent will be paid.

I believes this falls into this category. If she starts and says we need to give her 4 weeks notice, where do I stand?

It's a shame she had shown her true colours but I guess people do when money is concerned.

She cannot unilaterally change her contract. It’s unfortunate for her but that’s the way it is.

I’d question this and not agree to it. We’ve pulled out dc out and gave notice to end the contract.

Yes it will effect small businesses but it will also financially effect my life too if I have to pay for child care when I can’t or won’t get paid from work. I just can’t take that hit it’s a lot of money.

Totally, thank you.