Childminder's Club: Charging for Summer Holidays???HELP

[KatyMac]

I agreed to have 3 boys for the summer holiday, all fine and good - but I normally charge for all holiday up front and the Dad is struggling to find all he money.

I've asked for a 25% deposit, then I thought instead of the rest on the first day (as normal)
I'd ask for the balance over 4 weeks (it's £324 a week that way)

Do you think he would do a runner?
Or claim the money from WTC/CTC?
Or should I trust him (only met him when he came for the interview)?

BTW If I keep the places for them I could potentially loose £2175.00 which is such a lot.....WHAT SHOULD I DO??

ps I don't normally distrust people - but it's such a lot of money

The only upside is that the eldest (after being with me termtime - with no activities) is desparate to spend the summer with me

But if by Friday next week I haven't had a substantial sum of money....no childcare

KM Sounds like his taking you for abit of a ride

Yep -but I'll give it a week - for the kids sake....I'll only loose £150 and I might do the kid some good

Start dusting the wheelie bin, that's my advice!

Can afford to loose £150 no not really (and boy does this child eat) but at the same time the kid has been let down ove and over again.....he's going to loose far more than me

Do you know why this child has been let down "over and over" again? Hope it's nothing to do with childcarers not being paid?

He's 13 and he can't read.....

Is the dad a single parent? I know it looks as though he is mucking you about, but do you think he is actually being quite genuine? Could he pay something towards what he already owes you (even if it's £20, at least he'd be making an effort).

If he is getting money from the WFTC, ensure that you tell him (very nicely) that if he doesn't pay you, but you know he is putting a claim in with them, you will tell them.

I think that's why I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt...but if no money by Friday next week...his goose is cooked

He is a single parent and I think reasonably genuine but I could be being a prat

I have put about the TC and the fact I am required to tell them in the letter I sent him - I'm not being mean but I think the whole TC thing is a bit beyond him

I hate the way that that we judge people when they could be perfectly innocent. I've never had anyone deliberately mislead me, but know plenty of minders who have, and we then all end up being overly suspicious of everyone.

I have been let down by one parent but only for about £25...but it makes you so cautious

He's bu&&ered off and said if i go round to his house I can collect the money for the 2 weeks......fat chance he'll be put when DH goes...I'll bet

WOW katymac, can't beleive the cheek of the man. Go round to his house with henchmen, demand whats due....don't forget to add interest and then completly wash hands of him!

So technically as he signed the contract he owes £1953....but I think i might just get the £225 for this week ('cos of no notice) and last week.....Messes up my whole summer

Think you can whistle for the money as stated on the contract, but would definitely chase money for the work that you've done.

Do you know any big hairy blokes to be your henchmen? Good luck ...

Realistically I don't think I'll get anything - serves me right for being nice

Threaten him with legal action through ncma.

Oh KMac I'm so sorry, what a prat that man must be. What is he going to do for childcare?

If he hasn't got much money what's the point?
Life is too short

I agree, life is to short but it's 2 weeks fees that he owes you. Don't read to much into not being able to afford to pay you, that's his problem not yours. If these people went to nursery or a bigger organisation I am sure they wouldn't put up with this ( I'll get of my high-horse now, It really winds me up when people try it on with us, afterall it is our livelyhood)

He is giving up his job and going on the dole (so no childcare needed)

I might for the £225 but not for the rest...I think DH turning up for the money should do the trick I've got problems with dd at the mo and that takes priority

I've read your other posts on the education chat thingy, hope you get things sorted out soon with her.

Hopefully he'll pay up to your husband.

You'd have to be very brave no to pay DH (he's big)

Which is why watching play on the floor with the babies is such a lovely/funny sight