More childminding queries...

frostyspice

Is it usual to pay a fee to secure a childminder's services in the future, say if you arranged now for your child to be looked after in a few months' time, when the new school year begins? I know that nurseries usually charge a fee to hold the place, so that they don't lose money if you decide at the last minute not to send your child there. (I have no problems with this by the way).

Would it be a lump sum or dependent on how many weeks it was until your child was going to take up their place?

Would the childminder treat this as fees in advance or just as a kind of advance retainer?

I'm not talking about retainer fees over holidays.

Any advice or information about what childminders/parents do in practice will be gratefully received.

Threadhead

Hi
I'm a childminder, and I would ask for a £50 retainer for a new contract, regardless of hours. I'd reduce the first weeks fees by that amount, so it is a deposit, not an extra payment.

comping_cat

I agree with Thread, i would ask for a non refundable deposit, about half the first weeks fee and then knock it off that first week. I wouldnt reserve a place for longer than one or maybe two months. I charge half fees as a retainer during holidays, if im not needed then, so they can reserve their place.

scoobydo_2

Hi I'm a childminder if a parent wants a place to start at a future date then I take the amount of the first weeks money of when they start and then they pay nothing the week they start .This just ensures that if they change their mind that I have a weeks money and have only lost that . hopefully their place will be filled .
alison

june1970_2

i charge half of what they would pay me i.e if they sign contracts a month before the start date then i work out what a months fees would be then charge half, which is only refunded if i cancel the contract.