Me again, need some advice about contracts details

[MUM2BLESS]

I am in the process of changing over contract with some of my parents. There has been some changes in the contracts I have at present and I want to change over to using Morton Michel who I am insured with.

How much do you charge for late pickup? I would only change extra if continually late.

How much notice do you give for termination of contract?

What do you charge if you have odd days off (not part of your hols) ie if you need to have a dental treatment etc? full fee or part or non?

What about late payment of invoices.

I know everyone has different contracts but just wanted an idea.

THANKS IN ADVANCE

Sorry about wording, well its late!!

I only charge for late pickup if it gets to be a habit, or if it is a really late one (like an hour). I have four weeks notice for termination, holidays, etc.

I don't charge for any time I am not available as parents may have to pay for alternative care. However I usually try not to have to have time off. For quick painless appointments like dentist checkups I usually take mindees with me. I check with parents first, but something like this is good for them, gets them used to dentists surgeries etc. They usually get to ride in the chair and are given a sticker.

I've not had to deal with late payments. Two of my parents pay monthly in advance. The other pays cash on Monday for the week. There are the odd times this one pays late (sometimes as late as Wed/Thur but as it's cash and I don't have to wait for a cheque to clear I don't mind too much). If it gets to Wednesday I assume they have forgotten and I mention it. I've been minding their children for 6 years though, and know they'll pay up.

I have a 2 week notice of time off if it's less than that then the charges apply.

Parents get my year planner annually, so know way in advance when I'm due to be off.

If I have to be off for any reason I don't charge. If I'm not available to work then it's no fee, if I am and they choose not to use the session for any reason then it's full fee.

Late pick up's, I charge £2, extra per hour or part hour, however if it's continual then I suggest they change their contracted sessions to reflect the actual time needed.

Late pyments, I have a clause in my T & C's which states that the contract will be terminated without notice if payment is 2 wks in arrears. I have only used this option once though, with a constantly late payer who was often 4 / 5 wks late. I try to help if I can as most cases are genuine.

Termination of contract again it's 2 wks, I find that longer than this is hard going if a problem arises as if the issue is serious enough to terminate then you really don't want it dragging on longer than necessary.

That's a good one about termination only being 2 weeks. I'm just thinking about writing my first contract and I was going to put 4 weeks but maybe I'll speak with my DP about that and talk it through.

Great advice thanks very much. I have been childminding two years in Sept but I am still learning. Sometimes you have to look at changing things if necessary.