Childminder Contract - Can I cancel?

jobaby1

Hi, I was hoping for some advise. I signed a contract with a childminder a few weeks ago, we arranged some settling in dates before the contract start date which I have taken my daughter to her for a few hours each time, the last 2 occasions when we have picked her up she has been in a real state, obviously had been crying for some time, the only explaination for her to be that upset would be she was very frightened or she had been left to cry for some time. Also the childminder only ever mentioned 3 other child and when we have been there is at least 3 other children she did not mention. I do not intend start her on the sate she is supposed to, will she be able to try to enforce the contract even though my child found spending time there very distressing. Thanks

Sambucus_Nigra

What did the contract say about the settling in period?

HalfPint

Yes, you can cancel. If she's a decent and honest childminder, she will talk through your worries with you and will allow you to cancel before the start date without penalty.

Check the contract, is it a std NCMA contract or one of her own? Usually it is dictated in there when you can cancel.

If you have already started your child there, she may be within her rights to insist on either a month's notice or pay in lieu.

Aside all that, you know your child best and should trust your instincts but also remember that if your little one has always been in your care, or another's it may take her some time to settle.

My son took months and a lot of hard work from both myself and my childminder (she was very good!) and tbh, he still cried when I dropped him off and picked him up right up until he started school.

I hope you get it sorted.

HP x