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Paid childcare

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

Original poster

Hey lovely childminders, need a bit of guidance !

11 replies

Summerfruit · 05/04/2009 12:01

Hi all !

I have been looking after a little girl for a month now and the end of the settling period is coming tomorrow ! Monthly payment is also due tomorrow..the thing is the mum told me on Friday that they needed now full time but I cant. She's trying to find someone for thursday and friday (days I cant have her daughter) or someone full time. Regarding payment what should I do, this little girl may leave me after Easter or not...How should I approach the problem with the mum ?

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mumnosbest · 05/04/2009 12:06

I would charge for the full month, if she starts with you tomorrow, then she will have to pay you for your agreed notice period anyway

Original poster
Summerfruit · 05/04/2009 12:11

Ok..but we are talking about 660 pounds here..I'm so shit at this side of the childminding business !! So I mail her my bill as I due usually ? Thanks mumnosbest for your answer !

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onadietcokebreak · 05/04/2009 12:15

What does your contract say? A months notice? If so just mail her
the bill.

May be worth a courtesy call to clarify the situation as it was left a bit undecided and that you would still expect notice period to be paid regardless of whether she finds someone full time.

Original poster
Summerfruit · 05/04/2009 12:19

Well she said she will need full time after easter holidays so that means I'm going to have her at least for the next 2 weeks. My contract says 4 weeks notice. So I guess because she's coming tomorrow, she needs to give me 4 weeks notice from tomorrow no ?

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onadietcokebreak · 05/04/2009 12:23

I would ask her tomorrow what she wanted to do and explain that you need a months notice from when she makes her decision.

If she decides to find someone for days you cant do then no prob, if she takes Child elsewhere for entire period full time then she still needs to give you a months notice so you have chance to fill that childs place.

BTW Im not a childminder just a reasonable parent!

underpaidandoverworked · 05/04/2009 15:53

Shared childminding can work - I've done it in the past. Do you have any cm friends who have vacancies on the days you can't have the child - that way you can share the care. Otherwise, you are entitled to payment for the notice period. Stick to your guns - too many parents think we do this for 'pocket money' and don't realise that it is our livelihood . I've been really soft with parents in the past and learned the hard way that we have to be our own boss and make sure parents know they can't walk all over us . Though am still a bit soft sometimes

mumlove · 05/04/2009 16:55

Can you asked ofsted for a variation to cover the other 2 days mum needs?

aGalChangedHerName · 05/04/2009 17:10

A variation might work as the childcare arrangement is already in place? Can you ask Ofsted/Care Commission?

mumnosbest · 06/04/2009 10:34

Did you sort things out summerfruit?

mumlove · 09/04/2009 19:51

any news?

Original poster
Summerfruit · 09/04/2009 20:06

Hi Mumlove !

Well we are going to keep as it is...She paid me for the month and she reaaly hopes she wont have to go back full time (that's the feeling I got). I really cant have her for 5 days so hopefully an arrangement will be found ! Thank you mumlove for asking !!!x

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