Childminder questions... quick advice please...

[chickenmama]

Hi, I have a lady coming today to sign contracts...

She asked if she can take them away to sign and bring back - I'm using NCMA ones - is this ok to do or should they not be taken away?

Also, when discussing holiday fees I said no charge for their holidays (not sure why I said it, I have full fee written in my pack) but I was thinking that might not have been a good idea... my fee is quite low anyway... should I charge for their holidays? maybe half fee? and can I turn round and ask her to pay for holidays when I already said no fee???

Thanks for help

I don't see why she can't take them away, I have let them in the past. Also, for holidays here: nothing for mine and full fee for theirs. Same with sickness...

As she hasn't signed the contracts you could just fix it on the contract and mention that you were confused re: holiday at the time. Standard practice blah blah blah

As long as she's sure to bring it all back, can't see any reason not.

I would also, change your mind quick smart on the holidays! Could you say that you actually meant no charge for YOUR holidays and full charge for hers?

I do my own contracts and I always give the parents the chance to take them home to read through in their own time. Also, both parents don't always visit together and you should have it signed by both.

Only problem is the cost to you if they lose it.

You can say to parent you made a mistake and you've realised you can't afford not to charge for the place when they are not using it, but you will certainly waive the charge if you are able to use the place for another child while their child is absent?

Some childminders charge 1/2 fees for all holidays. Some charge full fees for child holiday and £no charge for cm holiday. Some have specified holiday weeks each year which are a reduced rate or £no charge and the parent pays full fees if they choose to take any extra days/weeks at other times.

The NCMA recommend you negotiate a paid holiday. When I started childminding I didn't and consequently ended up not taking any holidays except xmas for about 3 years. I now charge 1/2 fees at xmas & easter and take a summer holiday at no charge. And its only this year we're finally going on our FIRST family holiday of more than 4 days (my youngest child is 10).