CM Club: Is this acceptable notice

[KatyMac]

A letter to be given to the parents this evening

Dear ,

I am sorry but due to circumstances beyond my control I need to terminate X?s childminding contract.

The last day X can attend is Friday 8th February; I have extended the contractual 4 weeks notice to 5 weeks to allow for the week X is not attending. If you were to find alternative childcare in the mean time I would be able to refund some payment (as per the table below).

Date of finish Amount due or refunded
Friday 4th January £374.00 refund
Friday 11th January £287.00 refund
Friday 18th January £201.00 refund
Friday 25th January £114.00 refund
Friday 8th February £59.52 due

Currently to complete the contract £59.52 is due, however you have paid until 6pm on Wednesday 6th February.

I regret any inconvenience this will cause you and hope you find alternative arrangements easily, YYY from ZZZ maybe able to help (tel:11111111111).

Or does it look to much like I am tying to get rid of him?

It seems a bit rude to say that I won't charge the notice if they find someone else quickly - but I can't think of another way to put it

Help?

you are trying to get rid of him!?

i would just say i am giving you 5 weeks notice instead of the contracted 4 however if your find suitable new childcare in that time i will amend as neccesary and refund/charge that correct amount.

You think?

they are very money minded, & I think how much they get back will be relevent

But maybe it's a bit obvious

ah well maybe it is better giving them the money facts then..so if you leav on x date you get x back, yes prob better if theyre that way inclnd and esp as i now re read and see they have paid to almost the last day....whats the problem then? not settling?

Started in Jun

Never really settled

Now upsetting other children with mega screaming for no reason, parents not supportive, questioning money, how many nappies I use, discussing stuff with the staff (money stuff)

But when I say X is unsettled/upset I get told 'Oh he's like that'

He obv spent the whole holiday being held & I cannot do that - he had 5 other children (incl 4yo's) in tears on Wednesday plus I had to sit him on my knee while I went to the loo cos of the upset he causes when i put him down

I said I wasn't coming on but mate.....thought I'd help out. I did the very same when gave notice to mine recently. Gave 8 weeks notice but offered them to leave when they wanted (as long as week notice) and wouldn't charge. I meant it in a way so they wouldn't have to pay another childminder a retainer or anything so was trying to make it easier for them. They didn't seem to mind and it turns out they may leave a week earlier now. I'd happily go with what you put

This is a section from the letter:

The last date that I will be able to provide care for X and Y will be xxx 2008. If, however, you choose to cease our arrangement earlier there will be no charge so long as I have a minimum of 1 week?s notice.

HTH

I think it sounds fine. Why do some people insist on holding the child, another cm i know had screaming all morning the first day beack because the child had literally been held the entire holiday because there was 3 adults and 1 child then they bring the child to the cm and theres only 1 of her and 2-3 children and its impossible.

perfectly reaonable Katy, put it as yo said, now i can see they WOULD be only interested in the cash element!..hope it goes well

I may not even give it

But god it felt good writing it

An After schoolie says I'm lovely on mon & Tues but a bit of a cow the rest of the week - that really says it all doesn't it

LOL..TBH if you can manage without the money it sounds like the best idea.

Can't really afford it but it's beyond that now

Well i did it
& I lied about why

& I'm still shaking & feeling sick

what did you say? and what did they say or did you email them?...dont worry chick, you must know youve made the right descision

I said I had staffing problems - which I do my staff won't look after him any more

Was a bit upset I think - I feel so mean - but for my sanity, H&SAW, & X's safety I think it best

I found out today that a member of staff was dreading coming to work & was ready to give notice & that 2 others had discussed refusing to have him without another adult present

poor little mite

Oh poor thing, and poor you! Have they said how much notice they'd like to give? Hopefully your staff will hang in there now they know the end is in sight!

Well I have given the parents 5 weeks (as they are on holiday for 1 week)

But fingers crossed - actually I don't think it's funny or flipant at all & i am still very upset about it

I am sure you are, it must be so difficult in your position

I feel the letter's fine.

Your staff are important, without them your business would not be what it is. Sure, without children it would not be what it is either, but (generally speaking) finding more children is easier, then finding more staff. For the sake of the business, you had to give notice.

I have calmed down a bit

I still feel bad - but I am coming to terms with it - I hate stuff like this

katy mac - you did the right thing it was making everyone unhappy - hope you feel better now

I am getting there

I am expecting fall-out either tomorrow or Monday (I was expecting it tonight - but no phone call)- I don't think I'll get a call on a Sunday (well i won't answer it, anyway)

I spoke to 3 out of 5 staff and they are so relieved & grateful