CM Club: I need some new words....it's getting confusing

[KatyMac]

Ok this is me being a pain in the neck - I want some new words for clarification

There are 2 words I use in 2 different ways each

'Settling in period' time set aside in the NCMA contract during which the contract can be cancelled immediately by either side

'Settling in period' time before the child starts, when the visit initially with parents but gradually building up so they really get used to being here - this isn't charged for and can take up to 4 weeks

'retainer' period before a contract starts when parent pays a reduced fee to ensure the place is held open for the child

'retainer' fee paid during school holidays to ensure a space will be available at the start of the next term

Can someone clarify it all for me please?

hmm,

1 I would leave the same
2 I would phrase as 'settling in sessions'
3 will have a think
4 Holding fee?

Are these for your contract? COuld you explain them in your handbook maybe? I write on my contracts that full terms and conditions are in my handbook which parents and given, and which by signing the contract they are declaring they have read and agreed to.

I have often thought these are grey areas myself but not had the time or energy o think of in depth.

Has someone asked for clarification / had a misunderstanding? Or are you just pre-emoting that?

I use trial period for the first one. No other suggestions, sorry.

Just pre-empting (you know me)

It's just silly having the same words for obviously different things

you have too much time to think Katy

Settling in period I have the same as you.

The time before they start, I call visits (and I charge for them).

Both the retainers are the same - payments for holding a space while a child is not with you (I think).

I always think of the school holidays thing not as compensation for not having them but as a holding fee to ensure they still have a space (iyswim)