Childminders - what is a reasonable retainer fee?

Tirian

Reggie_Rebel wrote: »

I've made no assumptions at all. As mentioned if you want a good one you'll have to stump up the cash.

Oh really?

Reggie_Rebel wrote: »

your posts ... read like you are being forced to pay this fee so that you carry on your life as before and having a child is a hinderance

merlot123

Tirian wrote: »

Oh really?

Pop that poster on ignore, I personally wouldn't waste my time responding to his/her posts.

Tirian

newcook wrote: »

is there a nursery near to where one of you works that would be more suitable for your times?

you may also find in your childminders contract that she will also charge extra if you are late

We tried to get a place at the nursery at my wife's work - but when she approached them at 12 weeks pregnant (May last year) they told her that they could only offer a place from September 2012. Not much use.

Plus taking a tiny tot on a 60 minute plus each-way commute on public transport is not going to be much fun for anyone involved!!

We've discussed our situation with all the childminders we've spoken to and none of them would charge the nursery style late fees. Of course, they will charge extra hours - and some of them charge a higher rate for the extra hours. But that's quite reasonable, and we have no problem with that.

FBaby

It's all about demand and supply. How many have you visited? How many have places available? Did you pick her because she clearly seemed the best or because she seemed fine, and all ask for a retainer anyway?

You have two choices:
- you pay it and you have peace of mind until going back to work
- you don't pay and take the gamble that there will be one good free childminder just before you start.

I was offered a new job whilst I was on maternity leave so had to find someone at the last minute. Thankfully, there were quite a few available there and then, and I could chose who I wanted -a wonderful childminder as it turned out- and paid no retainer. I don't know if I'd taken the same risk if I knew when I was going back to work, but at that time (almost 9 years ago), there were more childminders than people needing one in my town, so the client was king!

darwin45

FBaby wrote: »

It's all about demand and supply. How many have you visited? How many have places available? Did you pick her because she clearly seemed the best or because she seemed fine, and all ask for a retainer anyway?

You have two choices:
- you pay it and you have peace of mind until going back to work
- you don't pay and take the gamble that there will be one good free childminder just before you start.

I was offered a new job whilst I was on maternity leave so had to find someone at the last minute. Thankfully, there were quite a few available there and then, and I could chose who I wanted -a wonderful childminder as it turned out- and paid no retainer. I don't know if I'd taken the same risk if I knew when I was going back to work, but at that time (almost 9 years ago), there were more childminders than people needing one in my town, so the client was king!

I am a childminder and I have a waiting list for places(good childminders are in great demand in the area I live). I would only charge a retainer if the place was available to use - half fee is pretty much standard. A childminder keeps that place for your child - it gives you peace of mind and also herself - at the end of the day this is her business. A deposit is taken when the place is not available at the present time and this secures your place for when it becomes available (an agreed date between you both). This is also set against your first months fees. It is obviously non returnable if you do not take up the place. I know it may seem a lot but if like myself I am fielding calls on a weekly basis your place would not last long without it. I would also encourage you to use the place on a regular basis - its beneficial for all and makes those first few days going back to work so much easier. Hope this helps a little.

rachbc

i'm really surprised - not a single CM I have ever contacted has asked for a retainer - and I know quite a large network of childminders through the job I do

onlyroz

Tirian wrote: »

We've discussed our situation with all the childminders we've spoken to and none of them would charge the nursery style late fees. Of course, they will charge extra hours - and some of them charge a higher rate for the extra hours. But that's quite reasonable, and we have no problem with that.

The thing with nurseries is that they often have insurance that prohibits having children on the premises after a certain time - and so if you are late collecting then they will have difficulties covering (and also the staff want to clean up and go home). Childminders are usually more flexible because they are already at home and it's not so much of an issue if you tell them you're going to be late because of a delayed train etc.

However, a nursery is more likely to be able to offer a place at a time in the future than a childminder is, because they have children coming and going all the time (with most places coming available in August as the older children go off to school).

If you are lucky enough to find a childminder who is willing to hold a place open for you until April then I would be extremely grateful and pay the retainer with good grace. Believe me, if they are any good they will not have any difficulties finding another child to fill the place if you turn it down.

Gigervamp

Just out of interest, what's the average hourly rate nowadays for childminders? It's been years since I was one.

goRt

Tirian wrote: »

I feel a non-refundable deposit really ought to be acceptable.

OK, if it's more palatable to you, call it a non-refundable deposit of £1,000

onlyroz

Gigervamp wrote: »

Just out of interest, what's the average hourly rate nowadays for childminders? It's been years since I was one.

I pay £4.25 an hour.