what would you do long sorry!

[LesbianMummy1]

Hi all a little advice please. I currently care for 3 children under 5 plus my ds2

siblings aged 3 & 1 on a

monday 10:30 - 4:30
tuesday 8:30 - 4:30
wednesday 9:30 - 12:30 and
thursday 12:30 - 4:30

I also care for a baby weds, thursday, friday 8:30 - 5:30 (yes I have variation)

The siblings mum speaks English well when it suits her but whenever money is mentioned pretends she doesn't understand. I receive £70.50 a week between her two children during term time and then nothing in school holidays. Next week she finishes college and has 10 weeks before college starts again. She has not yet decided what course, hours etc she will be doing in september. I can not afford 10 weeks of reduced income and have a 14 month old baby who wants to start next week.

From the 13th September my youngest ds will start school full time therefore allowing me an additional under 5 space. College returns on 6th September so I may not be able to take the siblings back that week.

Would you take the siblings back at all or just say because you only receive an average amount of £40 per week between the two children you can not continue in september?

Thank you if you have made it this far.

That seems like a very low amount of fees per week for 2 children, is your hourly rate low? Really she should be paying your agreed fee for those weeks after she finishes college until the proper school hols start. If she doesn't want too then I would end the contract and take the other lo if you can. I charge a retainer fee through the holidays if parents won't need me all of the time so the space is available if they need it. You have to do what's best for you.

I would get rid as she is not being fair.

Gosh, do I calculate that right - you get paid £70.50 per week for 2 children attending for 20 hours - that only works out at approx £1.75 per child per hour! What hourly rate do you charge for the other baby in your care and how much will you charge per hour for the new 14 month old baby? If the new child works out at more than the £70.50 per week you are currently earning for these 2 siblings then I don't think you need to agonise any further. The problem I can see with the siblings is that they have 2 very short days on weds and thurs - would it not be better to look for 1 extra child when your ds goes to school who would be with you for the full day, thus effectively earning you the same money. After more than 10 years of childminding I have got very strict with parents - if they start messing me around or quibbling over money then I'm sorry, they are gone - if they do not properly respect and value the quality care which I provide for them and their children then, I'm sorry, but they do not deserve to have me as their childminder!

Hello there,

Sounds to me like you have made up your mind already.

It sounds harsh but childminding is a business and one we should enjoy.

I myself have a number of children on different hours and at the moment it works fine but times are hard and you need to make the best use of your places.

I personally would say to the mum that due to a change of circumstances in your family, you need to use your early years places as full time positions. You hope that the 10 weeks she has before college begins will give her time to make other suitable arrangements and that you have enjoyed caring for her lovely children and will happily look after them for the 4 weeks notice period etc....

It's not an easy thing to do but sounds like she isn't exactly being fair to you or valuing the places anyway.

Put yourself first. There are plenty of childminders looking for children, I am sure she will quickly find someone.

Hope it helps, only my opinion!!!

My hourly rate is £3.50 per child per hour that includes meals I did not tell the full story as did not want to prejudice peoples advice but really she should be making up the extra £77 a week but always pleads she does not understand. I charge half rate in school holidays she will not pay anything. I only found out this week her college break up next friday. She brings her children constantly when ill 12 times so far with sickness & diarrhoea my son was ill because of this a few times now causing even more loss of earnings when ill she lies saying they have been fine at home etc etc

If she pleads not understanding then perhaps she will understand when you serve her with an ultimatium - either cough up properly or be served with notice period. Bet she will quickly understand then.

Can you write it all down - translate it using bablefish or similar - she has no excuse then.
or get intouch with your local council and see if they can put you in touch with a translation service to help you.

Your last post answered it for me chuck.
Notice time me finks. She should have plenty of time to find another minder.

I think you have been overly fair. I would just give notice and get rid. I wouldn't even bother trying to discuss

She knows she has a good deal from you.

As Carol says £1.75 an hour? I doubt she will find a 'better deal' with another childminder, something which I suspect that parent is very well aware. Call her bluff and follow cupcakeandcoffee's advice.

I agree with Julesnobrain too.

Although I suspect the moment you give notice, payment will suddenly be a lot more forthcoming and she will beg you to reconsider. Stand strong. I would also contact your local council to put you in touch with a translation service.

I gave notice before in Portuguese and she cried etc saying she was desperate so I agreed to carry on til July when college ended so I think I best just say bye and get it over with. I feel awful for her children but I suppose as you say I am running a business not a charity

You need to give notice. She clearly doesn't think what you do is a real job and you have been more than fair and have had your kind nature taken advantage of.

Give notice, life is stressful enough without minding other people's children for peanuts, especially when your own children are being passed illnesses!

Give notice!!! You run a professional business and lets face it, if you went into a supermarket, loaded your trolley then got to the checkout and said 'I don't understand English' they wouldn't reduce your bill or let you take the shopping without paying! You deserve to have parents who value the service you provide and pay what you are worth