CM Club: Childminding manual for parents

[KatyMac]

We discussed this a while back. Sort of how to use a childminder or what to expect out of your childminder - iyswim?

So far I have
Holidays ? this year at WC we are closing between 1pm on Christmas Eve and 7:30am on Monday 5th January. We are also closed from 18th August to 22nd August for our summer break. Neither of these breaks are paid for by you. Sometimes we may need to operate on shortened hours e.g. 8 ?til 5 or 9 ?til 3, this would only be in an emergency (hospital appointment, unexpected illness, funeral or death in the family). You, of course, can take holidays at any time, we would appreciate notice but understand it isn?t always possible. If we are available to mind your child and you chose not to bring them here unfortunately you still have to pay to keep the space available for your child.

Illness ? if we feel your child is too poorly to be here, please respect that decision. If our carers catch something from the children we may have to close, so please don?t bring poorly children expecting care.

Meals ? meals are provided at no additional cost. For a small sum additional meals can be sent home for children who leave before mealtimes or for parents. If you would like to join us either for a meal you child is here for, or on a day your child does not attend there is no charge. You would be very welcome although a bit of notice would be appreciated.

Spare Clothes ? it is really important to have spare clothes at WC, we do messy play, water play and baking which all make a mess, nappies and potty training make mess too and occasionally accidents (baked beans in the lap) so without spare clothes children can feel uncomfortable or cold. We do not have space to store clothes for the children we care for, so without spares they may end up in a nappy or underwear until you turn up.

Outdoor clothing ? In the winter children need warm coats and hats (and maybe gloves dependant upon age) to keep warm, we won?t stay in if your child is inappropriately dressed because that is unfair on the other children so they will get cold. In the summer thin long sleeved tops and long trousers/skirts in natural fabrics will protect your child from the sun and heat along with hats which are necessary, not optional.

But it all sounds a bit patronising & I really didn't intend it too

Where have I gone wrong?

I have one Katy that I give out to all my parents will email a copy of mine, which is very like yours if you want to have alook.

I don't think it sound patronising at all. I think its great. The thing is, normal parents know what is expected and acceptable, but we all know that there are problem parents, that just consider cm's to be hired helps. Your manual is spot on imho!

The only thing I may change, is the last phrase in 'Spare clothes' I would say 'until you arrive' and not 'until you turn up' It sounds a bit like you are trying to be a mate and not a professional.

Other than that, I think its fab! Well done!

Ooo yes please - have you got my email?

• mine does sound patronising though doesn't it

I SO wasn't meant to

What else do I need to add?

Added parking & payments

i am finally getting round to working on this again

Does anyone have any more thoughts on it?

It doesn't sound patronising at all. I would remover "unfortunately" from the Holidays paragraph. You shouldn't feel guilty for charging if the child doesn't attend. They are your t&c, be confident about them!! I'm a bit confused about the meals section (but that could be because I'm not quite with it today!!), are you offering for parents to join you for a meal or just the children?

Katy I have a new one, (some taken from Bromley site, some I have rewritten, took me bloody ages) will email through to you.

(Although I couldn't see anything wrong with your original!)

Parents too

It's lovely

Thanks TCO - my brain is like cotton wool atm - I have a cold

I have added

Parking ? our neighbours hate it when carelessly parked cars mean they can?t park in their drive or outside their house. In the interest of social harmony could you remember to park in the drive, it is rare that there are more than 3 or 4 parents collecting at the same time, so you should all fit. When you pull in, try to use one parking space rather than parking across 2, you may normally be the only one in the drive but occasionally other people might be collecting/dropping off at a different time.

Payments ? Payments are preferred by bank transfer, they should be in my bank account by the 1st of each month. If they don?t arrive on time it causes us real difficulties. If you don?t pay on time it feels like we aren?t valued and that you don?t consider your child?s care important.

Notice ? Sometimes things end, often it can happen at short notice. When you sign the contract you agree to giving us 4 weeks? notice, even if you child isn?t going to remain at WC, these 4 weeks are still payable.

In general ? It is very important to us that both you and your child are happy at WC. We feel that open and honest communication is a way to ensure this, if you unhappy with something that has happened or indeed didn?t happen, please bring it up with us as soon as possible. We will try to resolve the issue amicably and quickly.

I have jigged it around a bit. Hope you don't mind!

Parking ? Please could you park in my drive, so the neighbours are not affected by drop-offs and pick-ups. It is rare that there are more than 3 or 4 parents collecting at the same time, so this should not be a problem.

When you pull in, please try to use one parking space rather than park over both spaces, in consideration for other parents who might arrive after you.

Payments ? Please could you ensure your cleared payment is in my bank account by the 1st of each month. Bank transfers are preferred. *(Mention if you accept childcare vouchers here perhaps?) We would really appreciate your consideration here, thank you!

Notice ? By signing your childminding contract you agree to give us 4 weeks? notice. *(Mention your notice period here too perhaps?) Fees are still payable during the 4 week notice period, whether your child is present at WC or not.

In general ? It is very important to us that both you and your child are happy at WC! We feel that open and honest communication is the best way to ensure this. If you are unhappy with anything, please bring it up with us as soon as possible. We will try to resolve the issue amicably and quickly. I operate an open door policy. Thanks!

Thanks - I appreciate you help - it is tricky to phrase it right (iykwim)

I agree - I find it difficult to phrase delicate subjects!

shoshe, can i be really cheekya nd ask if u could email me a copy of yours?
go on...u know u want to!!!

Smme i will but have lost you email, have you still got mine?

thanks so much for that shoshe/confused one!
looks fab! your a true star!

& am banging on about this again

Does this work?

Retainers/Deposits/Reserving a place ? When you want to reserve a place at WC for some time in the future, there are several ways to do this, each encompassing a level of security/risk

? Keep your fingers crossed there will be a space when you need it.
? Pay a deposit (usually your first month?s payment) hoping that when you need a space there will be one available. If there isn?t a space you would get your deposit back
? Pay a deposit & visit us regularly, that way we can keep you up-to-date with what is going on. If we have a space but you don?t need it until sometime in the future, this is a good method to use, as if we get an enquiry about a child who needs the same space as you child we can tell you and give you the option of paying a retainer.
? Pay a retainer ? this is a percentage of your monthly payment and will secure a place from when it is available until you need it

Hiya Katy mac,

I think you should have a dedicated fees policy. Here is mine:

Prompt payment of fees is vital to the quality and continuity of service I provide. Late payment results in decline of staff morale, puts a strain on the parent partnership relationship and, most importantly, a subprime service to your child/ren. Therefore all fees and charges are due in advance and funds are to be cleared into my account on or before their due date.
It?s considered breach of contract should payments be outstanding buy ten working days or more, thus I reserve the right to cancel the contract after such time.
All fees are due in advance.
A deposit, equal to two weeks care is due in advance & will be credited to last calendar month of care (subject to one calendar months notice being given to end contract).
I reserve the right to withdraw services should accounts fall into arrears.
All fees & charges are fully enforced. Please do not ask for a waiver as refusal often offends.

Methods of payment accepted: Cash, Cheque, Standing Order, bank transfer, PayPal (5%surcharge applies), Busy Bees, Accor and Sodexho Childcare Vouchers.

I charge a nominal fee of £25 per calendar month as a contribution to outings. This is collected with fees and is shown as a separate item on your invoice.

Should your cheque bounce for any reason, this method of payment will be withdrawn from your future use.

If I have not received payment within five working days of the due date , I will issue you with a polite reminder. A late payment charge of £7 will be added for everyday your payment is outstanding. If I have still have not received cleared funds by the 10th working day following the due date, I reserve the right to withdraw my service with immediate effect, cancel the contract and seek legal advice from the National Childminding Association?s Solicitors. This may result in you being summoned to County Court and should the judge find in my favour, you will also be liable for the outstanding amount plus Court costs.

If you have had a change in personal circumstances and are now struggling to make payments, please let me know at your earliest convenience so we can explore suitable alternatives. It may be that you are now entitled to additional funding through the Childcare element of the Working Tax Credit or other benefits.

Early arrivals/ late collecting of your child/ren will incur a charge of £5, rounded up to the nearest 15 minute intervals

Sounds harsh but my parents know the goal posts from day one.

Thanks for that - it is something I will consider