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Paid childcare

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

Original poster

Can this mum put me under pressure to find a child to replace her child ???

36 replies

Summerfruit · 24/01/2009 14:26

I'm a childminder and 2 weeks ago, a mum gave her notice..we have agreed on 6 weeks notice, but she didnt want to do the six weeks notice (we didnt get on at all). The thing is, she tried to reduce the notice and pay me maybe 3 weeks out of 6 and I said no as I had her child full time and it's quite difficult to find a full time child.. So what I agreed to is to do my best to find a child to replace her child so it will reduce the money she has to give me.. Since then, she asks me if I have found anybody else to replace her child...I'm scared, she's not going to pay the 4 weeks she owns me...can she do that ?? She always said that she didnt want to pay double childcare but does she has the right to put me under pressure as she 's doing now ??? I dont want to get another child and not getting on with the parents...is it wrong ???

OP posts:
Blondeshavemorefun · 24/01/2009 14:36

why would you reduce the notice

if she doesnt want to use you for the 6 weeks, she still needs to pay you 6 weeks notice - regardless if you get on

do you have a contract?

PheasantPlucker · 24/01/2009 14:41

Surely if this is in the contract she has no option but to pay you, unless there is anything you did to compromise the contract (you know, gross misconduct, or something) ? And it shouldn't matter whether you get someone else or not, it is not anything to do with her?

Original poster
Summerfruit · 24/01/2009 14:44

Yes I have a contract but she texts me every couple of day to ask me if I have found another child to replace her child..Normally she pays in arrears but she decided to pay weekly because she sayd she cant afford to give the full amount of money but I'm scared she 's not going to give me the 4 weeks she owns me because she said she didnt want to pay the new nursery and me. If she doenst pay me I'm going to be in big troubles financially.

OP posts:
Blondeshavemorefun · 24/01/2009 14:45

if she doesnt pay you get a nice letter from the cab giving her x days to pay or you will take her to a small claims court

Original poster
Summerfruit · 24/01/2009 14:47

I didnt do anything wrong, I have given her the maximum of flexibility in the time (working from 7.15 to 6.45 for her), never have the same days off..etc..Her son is 4 and was not really happy with me as he was bored ( I was looking after 1 baby and 1 toddler while I had him so it was tought for him but I did y best). I'm just scared she is going to leave me in the lurch.

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Original poster
Summerfruit · 24/01/2009 14:48

And the small claim court really works ?

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Blondeshavemorefun · 24/01/2009 14:52

yes small claims work, friend took ex employers to one as they wouldnt pay her notice

if you have a contract which states notice then you are in every right to get payment

she owes you 6 weeks money

Original poster
Summerfruit · 24/01/2009 14:53

Ok thank you so much, I feel a bit better, it's sad we have reached this point.

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kylesmybaby · 24/01/2009 14:56

maybe the reason she keep calling is because you said to her you will try and replace the child.

however, whether you do or not she still needs to pay you notice. she would be on your back of it was the other way round.

do you mean that you dont want to get another chld and not get on with the parents by not rushing into anything or you dont want another child at all.

Original poster
Summerfruit · 24/01/2009 15:05

Kylesmybaby : you completely get the situation, I felt intimidated so that's why I told her that..I'm still new at childminding so I was a bit naive...

I want to get another child, but I want to be sure that the child will be happy with me and that I get on with the parents..that's what I have meant..I'm interviewing few people next week but I dont want to feel under pressure to take on somebody new on an impulse IYKWIM

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Blondeshavemorefun · 24/01/2009 15:08

just say to the mum that you have advertised for a new child, but you havent found anyone yet, therefore as you (sillyly said) you would reduce, you cant

you cant as no new mindee, therefore she needs to pay you the rest of the notice

kylesmybaby · 24/01/2009 15:10

also its her problem if she decides to pay the nursery as well as having to pay you. can see how you would be worried though.

the nursery should start when your contract is finished. hope you dont have to go through the hassle of small claims court.

Original poster
Summerfruit · 24/01/2009 15:12

you are right blond I was silly, a total idiot...as I said I have felt intimidated..so I'm going to say that I have advertised, meet few people but nobody was suitable...thanks for all your kind advices !

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Original poster
Summerfruit · 24/01/2009 15:13

Kyle : I also hope...but she wont win, she made my life a misery the last past 2 months so I wont ler get away wit it.

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kylesmybaby · 24/01/2009 15:14

summerfruit - you sound so much lilke me.

i do house cleaning and never get paid when i dont work. a new lady im working for is lovely and she is away on hols next week.

she said 'i will leave you next weeks money now as i dont need you and want to lock up the house'. i replied 'oh no dont do that i never get paid when im not needed'.

i could have kicked myself. talked myself our of £50. lol

Heated · 24/01/2009 15:15

Next time, tell her that at present the 6 weeks notice is still payable & that you will contact her if you find a f/t mindee. If the woman had any sense she'd be using you up to the point her dc starts nursery which should be at the end of the contract. The fact that she wants to do so earlier is her problem. And anyway, it's surely immaterial whether you find another mindee in that time or not - and say for instance you end up minding the new one for only 2 mornings, it's hardly going to cover the payment she owes you.

kylesmybaby · 24/01/2009 15:16

that the attitude and let her know that you are not going to leave it as well.

great to play on the fact that you have tried to find replacement though.

good luck and let us know how it goes.

Blondeshavemorefun · 24/01/2009 15:22

be tought and firm and stand your ground

good luck

btw- we all do silly things at times

Blondeshavemorefun · 24/01/2009 15:22

tough

i MUST check before i send!!!

Original poster
Summerfruit · 24/01/2009 15:33

I know I'm too soft and I should think twice before opening my big gob ! It's quite ironic because in december, I spoke to this mum and I told her I had problems with her child and her only answer to that was : dont forget you should give us 6 weeks notice if you want to finish, it's in the contract. She reminds at least 3 times, as if I needed reminding ! Then I was too shocked to say anything when she asked me to reduce the notice from 6 weeks to 2 weeks so she wont have to pay double childcare !!! And what did I say ???? I will do my best to find someone quickly so you dont have to pay double childcare !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Who is the idiot her or me ??? Me

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Blondeshavemorefun · 24/01/2009 16:03

def you

but you will learn!!

kylesmybaby · 24/01/2009 17:53

stick with what you said about trying to get another child but in current climate cant.

now you know shes is taking the pi** you will be ready for her. dont let her get away with it. remind her of the times she reminded you.

some people are just so barefaced they take you by surprise - they do me anyway.

she is choosing to start at the nursery your not forcing her to.

Original poster
Summerfruit · 24/01/2009 18:49

Thanks for your kindness !!!!xxxx

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thebody · 25/01/2009 14:38

She sound like a real bully, you are running a buisness, you have a legal contract with her. She has to pay, end of...why would someone treat you like this... disgraceful.. good luck..

Original poster
Summerfruit · 02/02/2009 18:15

Alright, for the people who foolowed my story, I got a text today from this mum saying that she cant pay me the 3 weeks she stills owns me until the 25th February. I'm fuming, what should I do ? Shall I accept the situation as it is ? Its so unfair ??? She owns me 660 pounds !!!! Thanks for your help !

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