Retainer for school pickup (starting in September)

[alwaysworried]

Hi

I've spoken to a couple of childminders about doing pick up for my DD when he starts in Reception in September.

She mentioned a retainer over the school holidays, but I wasn't clear if that would only come in to force when she starts school, ie. not this summer.

If I sign up with a CM now for start in September do I need to pay her anything (apart from maybe a deposit) now to keep the place free?

Thanks for any advice. I'm currently paying for a full time nursery so I don't really want an added weekly expense!

Bump

Some might ask for retainer fee to keep the space, some might be happy with just a deposit to show you are serious about taking the place. Personally I would probably ask for deposit and take it off the bill once the contract starts.

yes you probably do as she will be reserving that space for your dd which means between then and now she will/can not take someone else on meaning your place is secure.

you should expect to pay 1/2 of what your normal weekly fee is for each week until your dd starts..you may want to wait to find a place as its only feb, but then again, you WILL need to get somewhere and make sure its somewhere you are happy/comfortable with/that your dd will like.

the only time i(as a cm) would not charge a retainer and instead a deposit is if the child is over 8(they do not fall into our ratio's)..if she doesnt charge a retainer she will be losing out until sept.

Agree with Rose unless the space isn't available until Sept anyway, then I'd just charge a deposit.

Thanks
so basically I expecting to be paying £45 a week to keep the place (it's £18 a day after school).

I know she has spaces at the moment, but at the same time there aren't many people who do after school pickups, and I don't want to get to September and find no one's left.

speak to her, she may not charge 1/2 fee retainer,, she MAY charge full fee?..everyones different, but half fee is enough i think!..you could even ask if your Lo could go once a week/fortnight for a couple of hours to settle in nearer the time?