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Original poster

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

275 replies

BusyBeeMummy1 · 28/03/2020 16:04

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

OP posts:
Megan2018 · 28/03/2020 16:52

You need to pay her, totally unreasonable not to given she is open.

ElaineMarieBenes · 28/03/2020 16:53

Pay her

Shmabel · 28/03/2020 16:55

I must add, to all those saying she is choosing not to send her child- not really: the government have said that any child who can be cared for at home should be at home. Nobody should be encouraging people to put kids in childcare right now.

If you think that she should pay because the place is open, fair enough, but it's not a real choice.

motheroreily · 28/03/2020 16:55

I don't know lots.of people are asking similar questions. Where the childminder is closed but she's not closed.

motheroreily · 28/03/2020 16:56

Also the pacey website says the government doesn't want providers to charge when they are closed and should be reasonable in discussions with parents but what does that mean?

zombieapocalypseisnigh · 28/03/2020 16:57

The government is NOT reimbursing people who are still working.

If you want to keep your place for your child, pay her.

If you want to look elsewhere when this is all over, don't pay her.

choose wisely

Quarantina · 28/03/2020 16:57

If you would like to continue using her services after this situation ends then you need to pay her.

If you no longer need her services then terminate the contract. But you'll still need to pay her for the notice period that will undoubtedly be included in the contract that you signed.

daisypond · 28/03/2020 16:58

You absolutely need to pay her.

PeterPanGoesWrong · 28/03/2020 16:59

Do you want her to still be available as your childminder after this? Pay her!

Do you want to start looking for a new childminder with availability? Don’t pay her. Start looking for a new childminder.

It’s not rocket science.

flowery · 28/03/2020 17:00

Surely this is easy? Just check your terms and conditions, and see what it says for what happens if you opt not to send your child. It should be clear.

Shmabel · 28/03/2020 17:00

The government is NOT reimbursing people who are still working.

This is true, but when it comes to self employed, how do they know? Genuine question. What's to stop people claiming they've taken no money when they have?

Manchestermanchester · 28/03/2020 17:00

How much do the vouchers pay for?

Murraygoldberg · 28/03/2020 17:01

I am continuing to pay my cm but not sending dc, she has offered to take them ( I'm a keyworker) but at present I do not need to use her. She is reliable and good I want to keep her, so I continue to pay. Maybe think about what you want to do about childcare when we make it to the other side

Haveitheright · 28/03/2020 17:02

YABU. 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

So don’t pay her but you will then need to find another childminder because she is not going to keep your place.

caringcarer · 28/03/2020 17:02

Nurserys have no excuse to charge parents who have been told by government to stay home as Boris clearly said at time he closed schools that nurseries that closed would be compensated. Self employed who put in 2019 tax return can claim 80% of mean pay and can continue to work. Therefore your child minder should only be charging parents who continue to send their children to be minded.

Figgygal · 28/03/2020 17:03

At our nursery key workers are being charged 75% for same reason they are open to provide a service to them if you choose not to send them but still want the place then you should pay.

minisoksmakehardwork · 28/03/2020 17:03

You won't be out of pocket though. You will pay her bill as you normally do and you will be getting paid as you normally do, your outgoings regarding childcare will remain the same.

LolaSmiles · 28/03/2020 17:03

Shmabel
Yes, I see your point. I'm not encouraging her to send her child to childcare you're right that children who can be cared for at home should be at home, not in school or childcare.

But the OP still wants the space for her child so complaining that the childminder has essentially done a retainer much like many other childcare providers. People on here are paying partial fees for private schools for the same reasons.

Inthepurplerain · 28/03/2020 17:04

‘ 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.’

Well no, because you’re choosing to not use the service. The service is still available for you to use.

caringcarer · 28/03/2020 17:04

@shmabel they are not through paye wjo are furloughed but they are for self employed. It was on Sky news.

minisoksmakehardwork · 28/03/2020 17:05

But it does sound like she just doesn't want the hassle of doing the paperwork for the claim. I agree that it sucks that she has asked for payment but it is fairly standard when childcare is provided but declined. ie you choose not to send them. Initially, PACEY had told all their minders that they were to close. It might be because you are classes as a key worker, she is relying on your income while she claims for her other mindees who are not key worker children.

CrazyTimesAreOccurring · 28/03/2020 17:07

Wonder how she will enforce the social distance rule in her home? If she can then you may as well use her but she needs to show that your child will be as safe at hers as the keyworkers children are at schools that are enforcing the guidelines

adiposegirl2 · 28/03/2020 17:07

HonestlyWillTheRsinEverStop
I do however qualify for £23.44 UC a week

If you are earning £250 a week under SE you should qualify for more than £23.44 UC a week even as a single person.

Try your calculation again on the turn to us website

Shmabel · 28/03/2020 17:08

@LolaSmiles

Yes, as I said in an earlier comment, depends how much the OP values the childcare.

I just hope that businesses who remain open and take almost all (or in some cases all) their usual pay, aren't able to claim the 80% from the government by pretending not to have taken anything.

TiredofSM · 28/03/2020 17:09

Think yourself lucky you still have a wage.
I’ve lost my income and my nursery have shut and still want 100% of fees (including daily food charge).
I’m going to lose my son’s place because I can’t afford to pay.
I think 70% when she is open and happy to have your child is reasonable.