childminders 'additional costs' am i being unreasonable here?

sarahs999

Oh, and also, how old are all these kids? Around us under-fives go can swim for free.

Michelle76_2

I am a childminder and I think that her behaviour is outrageous.

She cannot expect parents to pay an extra £8.50 per week without consulting them first.

She cannot demand extra money from you without reviewing your contract. If your contract is for the afternoon, then she would be the one breaking it if she were not to be at her home to receive your child at the time when he is due to start.

She cannot change the contract without agreement from you. She is technically increasing her fees, without putting them through her books. Do you have proof from her of how much these new activities will cost?

I would have a word with her, together with the other parent and tell her that you are both not happy with her proposed increase. If she knows that you are both not happy and are considering placing your children elsewhere, she may just change her tune.

In relation to swimming, she cannot decide of her own back to take your child swimming without receiving permission from you first. I would also ask to see her risk assessment with regard to swimming, so that you can ensure your child will be kept safe.

I would defintately talk to the NCMA about this and see where you stand.

Good luck x

dangers

I never charged for toddler groups for my pre-schoolers when I was looking after them. It is a bit different though for school aged kids; however I always discuss with the parents what we are going to do and try to get free or as cheap as possible trips out. Have a look at what your contract says - is there any mention of extra costs for activities. It should have been mentioned when you had your interview with her imo.

If I was in your shoes about the Monday morning, I think I would be saying no to the extra hours, especially as you don't need her. Could you drop your little one off at the group she is at, at the time you require? Or is it too far out of your way?

PS As a parent, I don't think I would feel comfortable have my LO go swimming with someone else, nor would I be comfortable being responsible taking someone else's LO swimming.

Michelle76_2

dangers wrote: »

PS As a parent, I don't think I would feel comfortable have my LO go swimming with someone else, nor would I be comfortable being responsible taking someone else's LO swimming.

Me neither, too many risks involved imo. x

lindos90

sarahs999 wrote: »

Oh, and also, how old are all these kids? Around us under-fives go can swim for free.

AFAIK its a national thing, google 'swim 4 life' and your local area to find out how to apply near you. Would part of the extra money she wants for the swimming be to cover the cost for her and assistant though?

Would also agree with the other poster who mentioned ofsted, has she had one recently and been told to improve or due one in the near future?

Fell its unfair if shes changing from a free to a charging group just because she does not get on with someone...thats not your fault!

Our childminder did a new contract with us every year..when does yours run out?

lindos90

sarahs999 wrote: »

If the cost of the current playgroup on WEds is included in the fees, then that cost should be taken out of the fees before the exxtra £3.50 is added on.

Good point!

brians_daughter

Hi all, thanks so much for all your responses.

Just dug out my contract now and it states any additional costs for activities are to be met by the parent. Which was fine as additional costs were few and far between- maybe the odd trip to the zoo or somewhere, My contract is due to be re-viewed in May and i only have to give 2 weeks notice if we want to leave.

The wed club they currently attend is a free club set up by local childminders in the area.

re swimming they have been on occassions before (with consent and form filling etc) She is looking to take them to a local pool that actually belongs to a school and they rent the pool out at various times. She was saying the temp of the water is better for young kids and its all childminders that go, she will be attending with her assistant etc and it is aimed at kids under 5.

Her OFSTEAD report was fantastic, so much so that she got coverage in local press for her outstanding results - she has had an extension on her home for thE kids and tbh the facilities are the best i have seen considering the limited number of children that are there


After just speaking with the other mum we have worked out that between us we could manage for 12 weeks between us ie me taking some leave and looking after her lo and then swap. We have known each other 10 years and live opposite anyway so that could be short term plan whilst looking for alternative places.

I have rung the childminder and asked her to call me asap. I will see how i go, tbh i am more angry now than i was yesterday as i think the opinions on here have confirmed the thoughts i had that i wasnt being unreasonable!

Between me and the other mum we are going to stand our ground with her, she only has 2 other kids on a p/t basis a few afternoons a week so she may be able to be persuaded to change her plans!

Oldernotwiser

Just to put another point of view. Although it all adds up, is an extra 8.50 a week really too much to pay to keep your child where s/he's happy and with a childminder you like so much?

I'm sure that you're technically in the right about this but could you be cutting off your nose to spite your face?

jackieglasgow

Good for you, I think you are making the right decision. £1000 a year is a lot of money.

Indie_Kid

Do you know if the new Wed club will be free?