Should a childminder still charge when the child is a playgroup?

[nakkered]

I am a newly registered childminder and I have had an enquiry to look after a child before and after playgroup. I cannot then fill this space so therefore can I still charge for that time?

Basically burtie, it depends upon what is written in your contract & what you signed for

Thank you I will have a look tonight. It's a hard one as my childminder is also a relitive. Burtie

yes i would still charge for all the reason most others have listed - emergency contact and limited possibility of filling an hour or two slot.

Plus, most pre-school activities are free of charge after the child turns 3 (so the parent is not paying twice)

I can understand the childminders' points of views on here but what about when the child is at preschool from 9 till 3:30 so it's more like school? I wondered whether any would think a retainer fee appropriate or just treating it like after school and holiday care.

If the child is under 5 then they take up a F/T space - I couldn't afford to not be paid for 6hrs & what about the school holidays?

I can see your point (although as I work part-time and only have to pay for the days I work I'm not sure where the FT/PT thing cuts off) but the frustrating thing for parents is that children who go to nursery full time just get the money off. It would put me off using a childminder next time knowing there's no benefit when he hits 3.

I provide funded Early Years education so my parents benefit from EYE at a ratio of 1:3 rather than 1:8

I can only earn for 3 children between 8 & 6 to take a child for less than 6 hrs is not very economically sound unless I can guarantee to fill the rest

So if I had a child 7:30 - 9:00 & 15:00 - 18:00 & then took on someone 9:15 - 14:45 who would get the space in the holidays?

You sound like a great childminder, Katymac, and I think you're right to charge full-rate. The parents/children who come to you are lucky!

Thanks

It is tricky balancing my need to earn money with what is fair & right

The ability to provide eye is very good for both parents & children but it is quite hard to manage effectively