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Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

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Original poster

Ad hoc care

20 replies

SillyMillysMummy · 02/12/2008 10:51

I have been asked by a local parent to provide some sd hoc care for her lo. the child is 7 months and it would be the odd couple of hours here and there whilst she shopped, gym, driving lessons etc. I have explained that whilst i have a place for the child that would be no problem, but what are the practicalities? would i do a contract? daily contact diary? observations?

any help would be most appreciated

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

chloemegjess · 02/12/2008 11:47

I THINK you would need a contract, but that is it I think. I wouldn't have thought you need anything else but then you never know nowadays with all the new rules!

Are you a registered CM?

Original poster

SillyMillysMummy · 02/12/2008 12:35

yes am just newly registered, only 3 weeks

didnt think i would need a contract at all tbh seen as its only as and when

OP posts:

chloemegjess · 02/12/2008 13:09

I am sure somebody will confirm in a min. I am new to all this too so I don't actually know 100%

I just thought you would need a contract to make it official and to keep on record. I would also think you would need medical info, contact info, allergy etc

KatyMac · 02/12/2008 17:05

You would need a contract & a child record form at the very least

gooseegg · 02/12/2008 17:57

No you don't need a long contract - just something more informal in writing for you both to sign and keep separate copies of. To state that you will provide care for said child to meet the requirements of the EYFS at times and for fees to be mutually agreed and paid in advance/on collection.

You would need a basic child information form and any statutory and relevant permission forms.

No reason why a daily diary couldn't be done verbally at handover, which may include incidental obs e.g. baby pulled himself up to a standing position, said a word, pointed at an object e.t.c.

If you find it difficult to remember such things to report to the parent then carry a jotter and pen in your pocket. It works for me.

looneytune · 02/12/2008 18:35

Agree, I've done some one offs and they were small agreement on word which we both signed

looneytune · 02/12/2008 18:35

and of course child record form and any permissions needed

chloemegjess · 02/12/2008 18:37

Does any child need daily diaries? I had thought they were just an optional thing (worried about yet another thing she has to start doing)

WhileShosheWatchedHerFlocks · 02/12/2008 18:50

I do daily diaries for all mine, along with regular Newsletters and such, it got me a outstanding in that part of my ofsted.

chloemegjess · 02/12/2008 19:09

Really? Sounds good. Do you do it for after schoolers too? What do you actually right in them if they are only there for a couple of hours? I only have 1 mindee at the moment, she is only here till 5pm-5.30pm ish. HAven't had my first proper inspection yet so want to make a good impression when I do. But to be honest, by the time we get home from school, she gets changed, has something to eat, it is nearly time for her to go home!

WhileShosheWatchedHerFlocks · 02/12/2008 19:20

No only for my SAHmindees, all three of mine are fulltimers, aged 9,12 and 21 months.

chloemegjess · 02/12/2008 21:19

You are lucky, I would love full timers! Wil soon have 2 under 2s of my own though so don't think Oftsed would let me have more than 1 other under 5!

nannynick · 02/12/2008 21:48

I would suggest you check your insurance, to check that your insurer does not require you to have a contract in place.
I would have thought that it is wise to do a Zero hour contract, plus child record form. Then make sure you have sign-in/out record, so you have a detailed record of when the child attended.
A zero hour works both ways, it enable you to provide the place ONLY when you have the space. You may also want to include Minimum time periods on it, for example minimum amount of time that is billed per day (so if the parent left their child for an hour, you may charge them 3 hours or whatever the minimum is), minimum amount of advance notice needed, also minimum notice required in the event of cancelling (without incurring a fee).

KatyMac · 02/12/2008 22:09

That's what I thought Nick - it's an insurance issue

gooseegg · 02/12/2008 22:48

I'm with Morton Michel, who don't mention contracts in their general conditions and terms.

I don't know about NCMA.

KatyMac · 02/12/2008 22:50

Child record form is a legal req (even before EYFS)

gooseegg · 02/12/2008 22:55

Yes KatyMac. I know. I listed it in my first post 17:57:44 as a requirement for the ad hoc care SillyMillysMummy is thinking of providing.

KatyMac · 02/12/2008 22:57

Sorry I was just double checking

I think NCMA you do need a contract - I'll check tomorrow (after my first aid course)

gooseegg · 02/12/2008 23:02

It could be that NCMA require it. I would be interested to know. Thanks.

I believe people have said before that to claim legal expenses through NCMA they have to use NCMA contracts.

I am maybe unusual in that I work pay-as-you-go, due weekly, so have never need watertight contracts.

I would never lose enough money to make the hassle of claiming/going through the courts worthwhile.

KatyMac · 04/12/2008 07:45

I have been doing a bit of asking around about this

Apparently contracts are part of CP - plus a way of protecting yourself from being sued
'you said xyz - but did abc' 'well the contract which you signed said abc'

I'm not sure about the validity of that tbh

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