How do I "sack" my childminder? HELP!

[ClareLouise1985]

I feel so guilty, Ive found a new childminder for my children and I'm really struggling handing my notice in with the current childminder. I dont drive and Ive found a childminder who lives much closer. I cant afford the £6 a day in taxis, this is £120 a month in taxis! The childminder Im using at the moment Is brilliant and I just feel so guilty. The kids have been there for 3 months now and mine are the only 2 she looks after so im basically putting her out of work.
What should I do?

Just explain the situation and hand in your notice, along with a really glowing letter of recommendation.

I was supposed to tell her on Friday but i just couldnt bring myself to do it. Im just going to have to bite the bullet and get it over with tonight, thanks Missus84

Does your CM drive would she be willing to pick up and drop off your dc's?.

I can understand your reasoning travel expenses are very high, but also feel for your current minder.

Have a chat with her, see if you can sort something out. Otherwise I think you should let her know asap so she can fill the spaces.

She doesn't drive either so i think its going to be a bit of a struggle for her in September when my oldest starts school. I think childminders in my area are finding it hard to fill spaces at the moment.
I just feel so guilty about it all. Not only that.....the new childminder is on an NVQ training course with my current childminder every week!

As a CM we have to appreciate that these things happen, it's a business arrangement that must work for all concerned and £120 a month in taxi's is madness!

Just write the letter of notice, you will feel much better once it's done (I find the build up to that kind of thing is much harder than actually doing it!) and the sooner she knows the sooner she can advertise her spaces.

As a CMer she already knows how he business works and that it's swings and roundabouts. You have a contract with her don't you? Well it should say in the contract the period of notice required.

Just explain to her honestly your circumstances, no need to feel guilty and then hand in a written notice. BTW you can't actually 'sack' a CMer as you don't employ them, like a plumber or an electrician. Just tell her what you think of her and write her a complimentary letter and I'm sure she will be fine.

I've been a CMer for 3 years now and a similar thing hass happened to me. Yes I was dissapointed but the mother was straight with me and I appreciated that. Childminding is such an uncertain job in terms of when you will get your next full-timer that most people who are CMing are able to cope with the times that they might not be so busy and just make the most of the times that they are busy.

Don't feel bad you have to do what's best for you and your family. As a CMer I would understand that.

Thanks for all your comments, i feel better about the whole situation now.

Like the others said. She is running a business and I would be happy with the way you explained your reasons. I also vote for giving her a glowing reference. The sooner you tell her, the less likely she is to turn someone else away in the meantime. Complete honesty is always best in a situation like this.