Cm's - Do you charge extra for toddler groups etc?

[Jojay]

Just wondering what the norm is. I'm not talking about occasional days out to the zoo etc, more attending regular groups on, say, weekly basis?

Don't know if there will be a norm, as it may depend on the particular toddler group. Some groups charge a set price per family with no limit on number of children, whereas other groups charge per child - or charge a fixed price plus an additional child price.

If you pay a low hourly childminding rate, then I'd expect that there will be charges for all outings. Whereas if you pay a higher rate than your area average, then you may find that outings are included.

i chrage for outings as i charge a very low rate and include lunch and snacks in this rate

I charge a slightly higher rate and this includes all toddler groups, outings, etc ... otherwise ... what would you do if one parent didn't want to pay? Not go?

I dont charge for groups, softplay or any trips at all. I charge the same as most other minders in my area. I have started asking for packed lunches to be brought on trip days though as the cost was getting ridiculous.

I pay my cm for toddler groups, outings...etc. I would never expect her to pay for that out of her own pocket. That could get really expensive. And I'd have to pay if I brought him there myself, so I have no problem paying. Besides, better/cheaper for me to pay for my 1 ds than for her to pay for 3 charges +herself. I'm surprised to hear that some cms include it in their rate. It must get so pricey.

If I, as a cm choose to go somewhere with the children, then I pay.

Sally

I was thinking about that too as soon I will also be minding. I thought it was possible to charge the taxman instead ... just like with snacks and food. Anybody does it that way instead?

I'd be interested to know that too Apotomak, I've kept my receipts from outings but don't know whether I can submit them. I currently don't charge parents for outings unless it's something super-special like the zoo. I always take my own food to outings as it tends to cost more for a measly (stale) sandwich at soft play than it does for entry.

Any expenses you incur for childminding, includiing outings, food, stationery, toys, wipes etc are claimed off your expenses therefore reducing your taxable income. Also remember to make a note of any mileage you do on outings, school runs etc & claim at 40p per mile.

I don't charge parents for toddlers etc but trips to farms, soft play I do charge for.

yy like henni, any special outings I charge for, like Monmouth Show for eg

week to week groups I pay for myself

I don't charge any extras for anything at all. My hourly rate includes all groups, bigger outings, all food, drinks and nappies/wipes. I just put them down as expenses for the tax man!

I charge everything against my Expenses, outings are expenses.

Everything that I do with, use with, buy for the children goes on my expenses.

just out of curioitu how much do ou charge and hour ? as i feel a bit mean charging parents now? i charge £3 an hour this is normal where i live

I charge £4.30ph (Berkshire - South East), prices range from around £4-4.50 here

£3.5 N/East some charge as little as £2.75 around here, shocking.

I also put all costs thru exps, am amazed at how much car park tickets add up to over the year.

I charge between £4-50 and £5-00 an hour depending on the hours and all outings and toddler groups are included in the hourly rate.Some childminders charge £5-50 in my area(west sussex)

i see hmm maybe i souldnt charge for smaller outings

I charge £4.50 - £5.50 and hour and include petrol in my rate, I use the children centre twice a week for a music session, childminder group and a stay and play session, all free and then I buy a family season ticket for £112 to the local farm park and use that for mindees during the week and my husband takes our children at the weekend.
Petrol is my biggest expence but I do keep track of mileage and claim 40p per mile, it all helps.
But I don't charge for any other trips I do as its my choice to take them as there are enough free things to do.

hmmmm as i only charge 3.00 an hour i feel like i do need to charge for larger outings ive oly just broke even so far

argh not sure what to do

If you charge for larger outings (and I used to do it) you run up against the possibility that a parent will say "no" to their child going. That's why I ended up bumping up my rate to cover everything. Some of the parents of children I look after just wouldn't be able to afford any 'top up' payments.

hmmm i see but if i bump up my rate i will lose the parents as there is a lot of copetition here even thoughi have a great reputation.

it is written in my contarct that parents would need to provide money for outings

I don't pay my CM - it's all included. Given that he's there for half the week and she goes to a toddler group every day, then I pay for them out of what I pay her, surely?

I really don't think if you charged an extra 50p an hour you'd lose clients would you?

i really think i would, between my village and the next their are 60 cm, an extra 5op an hour owuld cost say one of my parents 12 pounds extra a week, or thy can pay 1 pound for a toddler group, or about 5 pounds for farm park etc, so i think for the parent it still works out cheapeR?

I pay £5/hr. An extra 50p an hour would cost me an extra £20 per month, which is at least £80 per month, usually more because it's never just 4wks/20days in 1 month. I would have to change cms.
However, if my cm was charging £3/hr I could handle the 50p increase.
I'd rather just pay for the outings. As Hayleycm says, that works out a lot cheaper in the long run.