CM: afterschool care and holidays ... do you think this is fair?

[apotomak]

I've had an enquiry for afterschoolie. I have a space so no problem. However I want to charge in holidays as well whether they use me or not (I know this is a bit cheeky but I have to pay the bills somehow). I thought I'll say they have to pay in holidays the normal rate and I'm available to work the contracted hours however as I realise they are not likely to need my services for just two hours I'm happy to accumulate the hours within a week to be used as one full day of care or two half days. But this is just as a gesture of my good will. Does this sound fair?

Hi I charge half my normal fees for term-time only contracts. I charge a mimimum of 2 hours a day for after-schoolers. I have one mum who gives me £60 a week so during the school hols she pays £30. As you said I still have to pay bills. You could charge a slightly higher rate during term time so that it makes up for not paying during school hols.

Do you really want to be available for 2 hours every day, just in case they need you? What if you are out and about, you would have to ensure that you are back by school finishing time if the parents wanted to send the child. Personally I wouldn't charge if they definately won't need you, just charge a slighty higher rate term time and budget for the holidays. But obviously you have to do what suits you.

i would only be willing to pay in the holiday if

1. you were available everyday for the hours I was paying for.

or

1. We agreed in advance to add all the hours together and for my child to come for an entire day.

I would not be impressed if you were charging but the place was not available for my child.

if you dont want to have to be available then IMO you shouldnt charge. Another option could be to get them to spread the cost over the entire year and pay a set amount each month regardless of holiday/term time. This would mean you knew what you had coming in.

I am hoping to get a term time only contract for my dd as I am a teacher and I know my "childminder to be" has children that may come back in holiday time only.

This is a concern of mine now. I start a uni course in September and will only need 3 days a week term-time.