CM's: some help please!!

[tommypickles]

Hi, I am new in here. I need some advice is this the right place?

I have minded the same brother and sister for 2 years now.....but I have to give them notice very soon.

I can't continue to care for them because the little girl and my own son both start school in Sept at opposite ends of town.

Obviously I can't be in 2 places at once.

I know this is a valid reason in it's self but I do worry that they'll wonder why they need to leave by mid june (instead of Sept).

Reason being I have managed to secure a full time baby for mid June. I couldn't chance waiting to see if I could get more work for Sept start and be left with no ork at all.

I feel awful and feel like I've bben very underhand!!

Please reassure me that I've acted correctly!

And also give me some tips for giving notice, I'd like to do it by the end of the week to give them a little longer than the 4 weeks....just to try to be fair.

Of course it's understandable.

I would just explain it the way you did above. It's not unreasonable at all. You're giving them loads of notice, and it'll be an easy time to find someone, as often people take kids away from cm at begining of summer hols.

Just be applogetic but firm, and be as flexible as possible. It's not like you need some life or death situation for it to be valid...

Could you get a variation from Ofsted to allow you an extra child until the end of term?

tommypickles - I really feel for you it is a difficult decision specially as you have had mindees so long - but at the end of the day you are running a business I am sure parents will understand just be open about your decision I would tell them asap and see if you can help them find a new CM good luck.

Agree with nb - could you get a variation for a couple of months . If not, could you recommend any other cms you know who have spaces - that way, you're still 'working in partnership' with your parents. Also agree with awnw - be open with them and explain your reasons. Good luck.

I know its obvious, but do both schools come out at the same time. Reason being I do 2 different school runs then nursery run as they all come out 10 mins after each other. Might be worth checking.

Thanks for all the replys. I have already asked ofsted if I can take on the new and keep the other 2 until sept so they have more time to find something but they said no. The schools start 5 mins apart in the morning and finish at the same time with a good 10 min drive between them. I just don't think it would be right or fair to constanly be rushing them around and literally dropping them at school and then running off, particularly in their first few weeks at big school, it would leave no time to console either if they were having a bad morning. But I have made my mind up.....I'm giving notice tonight.......wish me luck!!!