Snow days...are you charging??

[satc2bringiton]

I have various parents not working and not sending the kids today.

However I am still working.

Are you charging full fee? I have nothing in my contracts for snow days.

I charge as I'm available. I said I wasn't willing to do the school runs if they opened as too dangerous to drive and walking not an option. I said they'd get a refund but in the end the schools closed and they said they'd not expect a refund as I can't take them to school if it's not open

I have this policy in case it's useful to anyone:

School Closures or other unforeseen events

If I provide before and/or after school care for your child and the school is closed during term time for any reason, the fee is still payable as long as my usual service is available. If you need all day childcare due to this, I am happy to care for your child as long as I am within my allowed number of children. In this case the fee would be for the day instead of the before/after school session. If for any other reason your child doesn?t attend my setting (i.e. very bad weather etc) but I am available, full fees are due. If for any reason I am unable to do the usual dropping off and collecting from school, i.e. because I have carried out a risk assessment and decided it it too dangerous (i.e. bad weather) or if my car breaks down etc, I will contact the parents affected immediately and you will be refunded for that day. Alternatively your child may be able to come to me for the whole day and you will only be charged the usual outside of school hours fee.

HTH

I'm using nursery, but would have been happy if I used cm and she charged for the day, as she would need to know her income when budgeting etc.

I find it a little odd that some of you frown upon parents using your services when they're not going to work or to lunch etc. Maybe they don't often get time alone for meals or they like the interaction with other children / change of scenery etc at your place?

Ds is attending nursery one day a week and I'm not even working at all (any more). Never thought that it would come across as if I didn't want to spend time with him! I love him more than anything, but can see how much he loves nursery days, and it gives me the chance to do other things (study/using strong chemicals/have lazy coffee with dh after drop-off that we can't do any other time. I wouldn't spend that much money unnecessary if I didn't believe that there was a benefit to him, and I appreciate the break. Hmm, got a bit defensive there, but I'm really surprised and shocked that this seems to be frowned upon sometimes.

I would be very happy to sign looneytune's contract - very fair and accommodating, imo.

I've on many occasions looked after children when the parent is NOT working, and I don't mean that day, I mean they are contracted to come to me but don't have a job. Many reasons from trying to stop their lo being so clingy and get used to being away from mummy, time out for health reasons, time out to do things in the home, all sorts of reasons. It's none of my business WHY I look after their child.

I can see why some people think parents are mad to bring their child when the police are saying not to go on the road unless absolutely necessary as very dangerous. It's a risk. But I've got parents trying to get sledges so they can bring their child to me, others carrying them here etc. If they've got work to do at home, why not. Yes, of course it's great to get a free day off but it should never be expected!!

Oh, and I'm glad you like my policy MisSal I never thought I'd need it but glad I thought of it when I did as I didn't have to panic yesterday when it all started coming down fast

If a mindee is absent for ANY reason, I charge full fee.

Mindee did not come yesterday or today and if parents decide not to send tomorrow, I have offered them a 'free of charge' replacement day next week. I can only do this on this occasion as I have a space at the moment and am highly unlikely to fill it next week with a paying 'new' parent.

I am open as always, so I charge. If the parents cant get here, then, I am afraid, that is their problem, sorry. This is why I always charge monthly, in advance.

My childminder didnt want to charge me when my child had an inset day at her school and for these snow days. However it is me who has made alternative arrangements for childcare and then told her and I still get paid like today although no work so I am paying her.
I was a bit tbh that she expects not to be paid when I am still getting paid myself.

I have never had any problems with charging. What really really annoys me is when clients don't contact me before there contracted hours to let me know if they are coming or not. I was up at 6.30 this morning, waiting and my first client due just did not arrive. Others all contacted me. After several calls, I got through and he told me, they were still in bed and would make a decision (re weather/driving conditions) later. Thanks, I could have stayed in bed!!!!

im in NE england and though ive never seen it as white/deep/cold as this in my lifetime, i know we have not got it as bad as some places...its a real struggle to get a double buggy through the snow/slush/ice this morning to take dd to school and will be the same coming hom with 2 other after schoolys but theres no way i would refuse care at this stage...last night i pulled dd and 2 mindees home on sledge ..and they loved it.
I can appreceiate if the roads are treacherous to refuse school runs etc but i think the main issue with schools closing is more to do with people getting there in one piece, my friend in jersey only has a sprinkling of snow but theyve closed the schools anyway?

i swapped on mindee round in her days as family member had had car accident and parents where worried (not local) and another before/after schooly didnt come 3 mornings, but i still charged(paid in advance), i was still available and still doing school run.

might have to add a snow day policy now tho

Time..That IS annoying and so inconsiderate

I've not charged my parents this week, but only have two mindees for about 10hrs anyway.
My kids can't get to school so in a way I've got credit on their school dinners so have not actually 'lost' out financialy.
But if this continues for another week or so, then I will have to maybe go halves as I really can't afford to give too many refunds.
It must be worse if your CM business is full as there is no way you could give a discount anyway as too much money would be lost.
One of my parents even moaned that the after school club and pre-school were not refunding, but that would cripple them as they have staff to pay, I don't even give myself a wage.

Thank Goodness I've happened upon this forum! Mums have been horrified that I am charging for "Snow" days even though I've told them that my doors are open and I'm prepared to work. I asked one Mum if she had her wages docked if she didn't go into work..."Er, no. But if I can't get to a hair appointment I'm not expected to pay the hairdresser!"
ER..Do you have a contract with your hairdresser?"
"Er..no."

omg that is unbelivable, its their choice not to come

i would be charging its not your fault its snowing your willing to wrk at still have all your bills to pay why should the weather stop you getting your wage

I did charge them all. Not all of them stayed off anyway - and i've ended up earning about £150 more than usual which I do feel a bit guilty about.

Really hoping that were back to normal next week though.

I charge full fee evem if the child is noy sent to me. As far as I am concerned I am still open and am contracted to work this day and also be paid.

Parents not going to work still get paid don't they, so why should I lose out because they choose not to send their children-If I worked on a pick and choose basis I would not earn much!!!