all together now....' i told you so....'

[clankypanky]

Some of you may have read on here about the little girl that I had started childminding...I had problems with them from the off. See here www.mumsnet.com/Talk/childminders_nannies_au_pairs_etc/870284-new-mindee-I-have-a-few-moans
Anyway, it all went pear shaped last week, the Mum has taken her out of my care because she lost her job. I very kindly agreed that she could just pay me what she has used and not worry about the 4 weeks notice. I did this a) because I felt quite sorry for her and have the impression that they dont have a lot of money...and b) because I havent been paid a single penny for the work that I have done and I fugured that if I go landing her with a massive bill then I wont get anything and will have to take it to court...which I really cant be dealing with. She has agreed to pay and keeps saying...'Oh I must get that money to you.' Everyday I have asked her for the money and I still have not got it. Im relieved because I feel well shot of them but I am really that I have not been paid for all the work I have done. Its things like this that really make me feel like throwing it in!!!
On the upside I have now been contacted by someone who wants nearly full time care for their baby and I really liked the sound of them...they are coming next week for a visit, and rest assured I will not be doing a single second work without being paid!!!

Would never dream of saying told you so! I don't think there's any CM on here, that hasn't been bitten like this, me included.

I hope you do at least get the money you are owed and totally understand if you don't want to chase it through the courts. If you can manage without the money, then I think you might have to write it off. I think you're well rid of the worry it was causing you anyway and probably, it's worth the money to not have to worry about the child anymore.

Things like this, make us stronger and will ensure that you never take on someone without securing the deposit first! We have to make mistakes, to learn from them. Don't beat yourself up over it and don't be disheartened by it either. There are thousands of lovely families and mindees just waiting to use your services. Lets hope this new lead, is the making of you.

oh i do hope you get your money

Hi,

Just wanted to say that I've never used a CM but have used nursery for both DCs and have ALWAYS had to pay the month's fees in advance. If I used a CM I would expect to pay at least a week in advance too. So don't feel bad about stipulating this up front.

4 week's fees up front is not unreasonable either!

I have just set up as a CM and will be starting in January, I'm asking for payment a month in advance for exactly this reason, then if the mindee is ill or there's a reason why the monthly payment wasn't correct then they get the difference back at the end of the month. I hadn't realised that people did it differently but I wouldn't feel comfortable doing it any other way as I'm not in a position to give out free day care!

You get me wrong! It is my policy to be paid in advance...and everyone else I look after does so, I also ask for a deposit to secure a place. Unfortunately in this situation I had thought I was only going to be looking after for 3 weeks so had basically just asked her to pay it all upfront which she agreed to...it was a very last minute thing (on her behalf)and I stepped in at the last minute so the first day I had the little girl I was expecting money...which she 'forgot' because she was nervous about her new job...the next day she excitedly told me they were making her permanent and she wanted me to look after her permanently so I said I would then adjust her invoice if she would pay me as soon as possible. She then just kept giving me excuses...E.g: Just waiting for tax credits to come through etc. I know it makes me sound gullible and believe me, it was p me off but I didnt think I would get burned...I see the woman everyday for gawds sake because her children are at the same school as mine. When your in the situation it can just escalate so quickly. Anyway, I will be much more hard line next time, I think my problem is that I fail to see the bad in people until its too late, basically because I cant believe people can be so crappy!

That's outrageous Clanky, I think you should just stride right up to her the next time you see her and demand your money. Maybe you could get your DP to make you angry before you see her so that you're more ruthless when you get there!! My DP says that I have to go in to any CM meetings with a 'business head' on because otherwise I'll end up giving things away, it's so easily done because like you say, it's hard to believe that people are happy to take people for a ride especially when they've helped them out of a tight spot. I feel for you, I'm petrified that I'll get someone that I have to have a big ding dong with just to get what I'm owed, I really hope you get your money back.

I will be dont worry!
During the meeting and doing contracts I did have my business head on but when you are promised money on a day and you know they have to go to work that same day...it seems quite feasible that you would forget money on your 1st day at work doesnt it...am hoping it wont come to big ding dong and that she will just cough up!

hope you get your money!!!I would be so inclined to give her the bill in the playground and make sure that you tell her loudly you need payment by school pick up time that day.

I dont get payment in advance but I dont go over a week in arrears, parents get a verbal and written reminder and then a closed door on the Monday unless they have the cash in their hand.

its just outrageous that some people dont pay their bills but its a hazard of being self employed I guess.

best of luck clankypanky with the new parent.

I have been paid!!!!!!!

So happy! x