CM Club: Advice re CM enquiry for 2009!

[LucieLucie]

Hi every one, Im fairly new here and have only recently started childminding in scotland.

I got a call today from a mum looking for a childminder - but not needing to start until Aug 2009!

She stated she is moving to the area next summer and wants to get childcare sorted. Very organised of her but...from a childminding point of view, what do we do?

Surely asking her to pay a retainer fee for the next 10 months would be ridiculous? Or book the place with a non - returnable deposit? Or tell her to phone nearer the time?

I only have 1 p/t mindee at the moment but obviously things can change quickly.

What would every one else suggest?

I have a policy HTH

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 your 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

Thanks Katy, those options all sound fair and reasonable...and at least it gives the parent the choice rather than perhaps feeling obligated to stump up loads of cash.

I think I will phone her back and put the options you suggest to her, then the ball is in her court, Thanku x