Childminder wanting to still be paid 70%!!!!

[BusyBeeMummy1]

Hi all,

I am a keyworker and so is my husband. My Childminder has remained open for Keyworkers children but I am lucky enough I am able to wfh until things go back to normal.

I told my childminder that DS won’t be going back For April atleast. She told me she was advised by PACEY (A childminder body) that she can charge on a child by child basis and as she’s open for keyworkers its our choice to keep him home and she wants 70% of her usual monthly pay.

I pointed out to her that as she charges monthly she has also been paid in full for the week coming and that the childcare vouchers I pay her with had already automatically been paid to her (inadvertently) and FURTHERMORE the govt are meant to be paying self employed 80% aren’t they!

Please can any childminders or other parents using a childminder advise me on this because I don’t think it’s right.

Thankyouuuu

I'm not entirely sure but don't think she will get paid the 80% from govt as she is still working. Most childminders and nurseries are having to still charge something or else they won't survive and your child won't have a place at all to go back to!

She's right in that she is open for your child and you're choosing not to send them. I understand why you're not sending them in, but it is your choice and you'll be wanting as place when you're ready to send them again.

If you don’t pay her to keep your place open, fully expect her to advertise the space to other key workers who urgently need childcare. You therefore won’t have a childminder to go back to when you do go back to work. Your choice.

Self employed can work and get the 80% - that's what was said in the press conference so I don't think it's fair she should be getting both?

Pay her.

You need to pay her
It may only be one payment for you but if all her families do that she may not be able to pay bills it anything

Presumably you are still being paid? Why don't you think she should be too? You have a contract with her, it's decent of her to offer a discount imo.

I am in the same position as you and nursery want paying in full.

Well if she insists on it, pay her, send your child as normal and as she can't take the child out anywhere, she'll be kept busy. Seems an unnecessary journey and exposure to CV if you ask me.

I'm with you OP, crackers, when we're all supposed to stay in.

If you're still being paid, why shouldn't she?

She's open and able to take care of your child.
You're choosing not to send him.
Frankly the 30% discount sounds generous.
Of course you should pay her.

Pay her.

Pay her or lose your space.

People are still being charged by nurseries who have closed and refuse to take children. That, in my opinion, is unfair. Yes, they may collapse without support, but in many cases parents have to pay full fees (instead of sharing the burden) without getting any childcare whilst nurseries are able to cover several costs through government help. So at least she's not putting you in that position.

That said, if she is still able to get 80% despite doing some work, then it is greedy and immoral of her to expect you to pay whilst taking taxpayers' money. And you're right that you shouldn't be sending DS unless there's no other choice.

Guess it depends how much you value the childcare.

She is being more than generous imo.
The place is available and you are currently declining by your choice. But (I'd do the same) and you want the place saved, so there's your cost).

She is open. Your child has a place. You are CHOSING not to send him.

You should pay in full. Lucky she is asking for less.

I cannot believe you asked.

You have two choices:
a) pay her
b) lose your place and have nowhere to send your child when you want to go back to work

You are choosing not to send your DC.

The reason why I don’t want to pay her is because she isn’t going to be providing me with a service per say. I am still working so that’s why I’m getting paid.. I’m not self employed. The health guidelines are to keep 2 meters apart and stay indoors. Feels somewhat unfair that I’m out of pocket for following guidelines. And the government IS re-imbursing the self employed with 80% who are affected?

For what it's worth self employed people will apparently be getting nothing at all for months while it is sorted out. I think they are aiming at June. So if she wants to eat she needs to charge.

What does your contract say about payment on the days that she is open and you choose not to send your child? That is the term that should apply here.

(I imagine it's pay in full, and she's actually being incredibly generous to take 70% only)

The reason why I don’t want to pay her is because she isn’t going to be providing me with a service per say.

She is providing you with a service. You are choosing not to use it.

Usually childminding contracts say if the childminder is open and able to take your child, and you choose to keep them off, then you pay in full.

I became self employed 8th April 2019.
I can’t get the government grant
I do however qualify for £23.44 UC a week as opposed to the £250 a week under the grant. Bitter yes
Pay her

The reason why I don’t want to pay her is because she isn’t going to be providing me with a service per say
She is.
You're choosing not to use it.

YANBU for choosing to keep DC at home.
YABU for expecting not to pay for a service that you're choosing not to use.

It's not unheard of to have to pay a retainer for childcare. Many teachers have to pay retainers for childcare during the school holidays because they want their child's place when term resumes. It's not unreasonable.