CM club - Childminding term time only?

[FruitynNutty]

I just wondered as someone has asked me if I can Childmind their baby; What do you do about charging for this? I can't survive on no fees during the holidays. Do I increase my fees to make up for the holidays? Or should I charge half/full fees during the holidays?

I use a childminder term times only ( am a teacher) and our cm charges only for term time, but spread out over 12 months so that she gets paid each month.

I wouldn't go with a childminder that charged full fees during the holidays, but might consider half fees, esp if I wanted that place for September.

Its up to you really. Its probably clearer if you charge your usual hourly rate though and then either charge in full for the contracted hours during the school holidays or whatever percentage of that fee you are happy with. I think quite a few minders charge 1/2 price in situations like these but it really is up to you.

Why not charge a retainer fee to keep that space open during the Holiday's.

I have a boy I look after only during the holidays so term time I charge a retainer fee of £20 per week to keep his space open.

This has worked realy well.

Unfortunately I can't live on such a small amount for all the holidays.
What I really need is a child who I can look after during the holidays as well but I obviously don't want to discriminate against teachers. Especially as the mother is so lovely and so is her baby.
Maybe I'll charge half fees for the holidays. Even that's pushing it, financially (for me). I just don't want to come across as cheeky to ask for payment when I'm not looking after the baby but I obviously have to think about how I'm going to pay the mortgage/bills/food during the holidays.
I know she will get 70% paid through tax credits but I don't know how this works. If she only works term term then will she only get this money then? or will they still help towards childcare during the holidays?

I think her own finances and how she funds childcare are irrelvant tbh.

Charge half fees and see what she says

I know but I don't want to take the mick. I know that she can't earn that much so I imagine it would quite a strain to pay for childcare which she doesn't need.
But then I also need to think of my income too Why is it so difficult!

could you not have this child term time only then find a child that needs school holidays only (this is what i do)

I charge 1/2 fees in the holidays for under fives. I can't afford to hold the place for less. 13 weeks at 1/2 fees is a big drop in income as it is. Although 1/2 fees is a common amount for retainer fees, some childminders charge 2/3, some as little as £15 a week.

I waive the retainer fee for days I've been able to book in another child. I give parents a booking form prior to each holiday so they can confirm if they want to use their retained place or not - I don't book in other people unless I know for sure its not wanted by the family with the contract.

Thank you so much for your replies. Unfortunately, work is very low in my area for childminders so I won't be able to find a child for holidays only. I think I'll say I charge half for holidays. I think that's fair as my retainer fee for keeping the vacancy open before they start is half fee anyway.

I don't charge anything in the holidays for a mindee that's term-time only.

Although I am happpier to NOT work in the holidays, so I can just be with my kids.