cancel childminder policy during covid-19, refusal of care

[Jellybean198]

My childminder has refused care from Monday because even though I am a keyworker my husband is able to work from home- although I don't know how he is going to do this with a 2 year old at home while I am at work!!

Anyway, this is the situation we find ourselves in, so I now have decided I want to end the childminding contract otherwise I think the childminder will still charge me for care that she is refusing to provide. In the small print of the contract it states that 4 weeks notice must be given but not when the childminder is on holiday or not providing care for the child!! so does this mean I am now trapped in the contract?? how do I give 4 weeks notice?

Any advice please??

I'm a cm and I wouldn't enforce a notice period in these circumstances. Talk to her and explain that you need to find alternative care and that you give notice. If she wants to be paid for it say yes, if you work it. Neither of your is being unreasonable, it's best to just have a chat. Contract is unlikely to cover a global pandemic!

All the childcare providers for key workers round here is ONLY if both parents are keyworkers. If there is at least one non keyworker parent children have to stay home... it's to keep everyone safe. Your childminder is right...

Childcare is supposed to be for only if a child can't safely stay at home at the moment - it will be inconvenient for your husband but your child will be safe, so the childminder is right.

If you want to give her notice though, I would just do it and pay your 4 weeks.

My husband is a key worker and I am working from home with my 2 year old, it can be done

Tbf she is following guidelines, if your child can stay home that's the safest option.
Its completely shit for everyone , your husband is going to have to explain to his workplace that he is having to care for his child while trying to work.
However- if you otherwise value your childminder then speak to her and ask to take a pay break. You may be able to register your lo with a key worker nursery temporarily (where I am all nurseries are closed except one- which is providing key worker care for all the local children that need it).

Why can’t your DH look after your DS? I thought continuation of childcare only covered when both parents are classed as key workers.

She's following guidelines and assuming she is self employed has no safety net. Do the decent thing and pay her.

That’s an interesting way to look at it.

I am a key worker and my husband isn’t

We messaged our childminders to say that while we got paid (which we will for the duration) they would get paid. Having our kids puts their ratios completely out of whack and puts out kids and our health at risk in my opinion.

I know I am lucky though. My husband’s employer has contacted all employees to tell them that their job is now to support key workers. I genuinely do understand that others are not so lucky.

Pay her as per your contract.

what is that?

You don't need to pay her if she won't have your child.

Also whilst some jobs can be done from home, some e.g. DH's are impossible as he's following market moves by the minute.

I'm paying my cleaner when she doesn't come but this is different...

Thanks for the advice.

You pay as per your contract or give notice that you no longer require a place.