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

[Summerfruit]

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 ???

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So what would she have done to pay you if you were still looking after her child?

Doesn't want to pay more like.

Small claims court?

Would also recommend small claims court but don't lie and say you have advertsied for another mindee if you have not. You don't have to justify yourself to her.

Start by writing a letter to her saying that in accordance with your contract she owes you £600 (or whatever amount is) and that the contract requires this to be paid within [however many days]. If she does not pay you by that date, then unfortunately you will have no option but to claim through the small claims court.

The thing is I really tried to look for someone and I found a new mindee for beginning of march. I'm so upset.

A CM friend of mine went through this and was sucessful when the first letter went out showing she was serious about legal action - good luck.

I think I'm going to do just that as I cant take it anymore ! Thank you for your help !!

If you're an ncma member contact their helpline - a cm friend of mine had the same problem last year and got every penny back by going through their legal advice. Make sure you document every conversation you have with her and I agree you should write a letter to her, including a copy of your contract, setting out what she owes you, what period it covers and reminding her it is legally binding. Can you imagine how she would react if her employer told her he wasn't going to pay her cos he couldn't afford it???

BTW, it's none of her business whether or not you'd advertised the place, - she's just looking for a get out!! Oh, and by the sound of it, you're well rid

She's a cow. I'm going to contact ncma tomorrow and write a letter. The worst is that she told me all of this by text..I came accross her last week and she said nothing !!

she texted as she knows she is in the wrong, and dint want to speak to you

write a letter stating what she owes you,attach contrct and say if the bill isnt paid in 2 weeks you will be taking matters further and go through small clims court- also mention that she will be paying your costs when you win (which you will - no judge would over rule this)

I have to say if you can negotiate with this parent to get your money it may be your best bet. You might have to accept payment in installments or risk not getting it all. I'm not saying its right but from personal experience going through small claims is no guarantee of getting the money.

GooseyLoosey is right. Write her a letter outlining the outstanding money and contract terms then maybe offer to accept a nominal amount each week (ie. £50) until full and final payment on 25th Feb. Just a suggestion

Are you still caring for the child?

I went through small claims for money I was owed and won the case but still didnt get the money. All court did was say parent should pay me but they didnt enforce it. I paid to send bailiffs in as I couldnt prove where she worked but bailiffs couldnt recover any goods

Good Luck!