Childminder compassionate leave/pay

[GhostWorld]

My childminder's dad is poorly, he's in hospital at the moment and is quite elderly. I don't want to be unkind and obviously if she needs to take time off we understand completely but it does mean one of us taking annual leave, usually if she's not available to work we don't pay but obviously its unusual circumstances, should I offer half pay or something?

If you can, it seems like a nice gesture to me.

Can you afford it? I certainly couldn't have as I'd have had to take unpaid leave myself to cover or else use up precious holiday.

If it was a day or two I might pay but not any longer. I would start looking for an alternative if this is going to be an ongoing issue. You need to be practical.

Thanks everyone. Affording it is a weird question because we already budgeted for that to be spent iyswim, both me and DP are salaried so we don't 'lose money' in the typical sense by taking a day/days off but yes precious holiday.. I feel sure that she would assume that we wouldn't pay, so far has been very fair and transparent with money, it just feels a bit different to her being ill or having a car break down or something!

Childminders don't charge for their own illness or their own child's illness. They go into the profession fully aware of this. This is sad but it's a similar situation so you won't need to pay. If she's usually a good and reliable Childminder try to be understanding and as flexible as you can if she suddenly needs time off.

@Playplayaway

Childminders don't charge for their own illness or their own child's illness. They go into the profession fully aware of this. This is sad but it's a similar situation so you won't need to pay. If she's usually a good and reliable Childminder try to be understanding and as flexible as you can if she suddenly needs time off.

Some childminders do charge so it's always worth checking contracts

@Playplayaway

Childminders don't charge for their own illness or their own child's illness. They go into the profession fully aware of this. This is sad but it's a similar situation so you won't need to pay. If she's usually a good and reliable Childminder try to be understanding and as flexible as you can if she suddenly needs time off.

Whilst this is true, as a childminder, I’ve had parents who have treated me really kindly in these kind of circumstances And have paid me for all/part of the time off I have needed. It’s not expected but I’m always really grateful when parents help me out like this, especially after the last two years with all the enforced closures we’ve had, it’s been a tough time to be a cm and I do remember their kindness when they ask for favours and try to help them out if I can (Eg not charging if they need me to work late etc).

If you Can afford to sure if will be appreciated

Are we talking days or weeks

@Viviennemary

If it was a day or two I might pay but not any longer. I would start looking for an alternative if this is going to be an ongoing issue. You need to be practical.

Wow ....you reap what you sew so when you have an accident, illness or bereavement fir example that person will be there for you....ive done weekends had children overnight and driven to them at 2am to sit while husband rushed in with hear attack. But if someone is a hole they get nothing and pay for every minute they are late.

Personally if a parent needs extra hours in an emergency I don't charge ( illness etc not just a meeting) it's the human thing to do. If you like her and can I would or suggest maybe that she repays it over a few months or in extra hours.

I am a childminder and lost my Dad in 2020 with Covid and I had it too. Parents were amazing, understanding and kind but I wouldn't have expected payment when I am not available to work. I am in the fortunate position that it didn't impact too badly on me financially but for some it could be disastrous. I understand it makes thing hard for the parents too but if you can afford something like half fees as a compass gesture that is very kind indeed.