help! short term childcare

[morgan]

Hi

Need some advice as i'm seriously panicing. I've got my first enquiry, she's coming round tomorrow morning. my problem is i dont know what to do - she wants me to look after her two year old girl on a tuesday (all day) just for 6 weeks. Apparently the girl goes to a nursery the rest of the week but dont have space on tuesday at the moment. The mother said to me "about 6 weeks, might be longer".

Firstly, how on earth do i fill out the contract for this (using ncma contract).

Secondly, In my paperwork i request a months deposit. Should i still request this even though its only short term, or should i ask for 1 weeks deposit, or should i not take one at all.

She wants me to start this tuesday so now i feel all pressured and rushed and PANICING

Tracy

[miffy]

Hi Tracy

Firstly calm down - it sounds to me as though this lady wants care for her daughter until the nursery can offer her a full time place, probably after Christmas when children will start school - is that right?

If you want this work that is the first thing I'd want to get sorted - if she only wants you temporarily then the same must apply both ways otherwise you may find yourself having to turn down permanent work because you have this child on one day a week.

I think NCMA do have some short- term contracts specially for this sort of situation but you can use the ordinary ones as long as you make clear it is a short term arrangement and exactly what the terms are you've agreed - use the notes box

If your paperwork says a month's deposit then I'd ask for that but if she says she only wants 6 weeks I'd be tempted to get the whole lot at once - this could save a lot of hassle if a space comes up at nursery and she decides not to honour the contract

Have a think what you want from this and then discuss with the mum on Tues - be aware nurseries usually get their fees in advance.

Good luck

Miffy

[sarahnev707]

I'm in this position at the moment - except the mum has said she's registering as a minder and only wanting me til her CRB comes through!

I hate it! I feel used already! I've done all the right things - paperwork, planning, photo of child for birthday board etc but haven't given her my welcome pack or policies and procedures to take away - I'm keeping it all here just in case she's got copying ideas!

I will look after her child to the best of my abililty and try very hard not to get attached ... but it doesn't stop me feeling like I'm being taken for an idiot!

Sarahx

[fionamal]

I have a child at moment who was only meant to be until begining of Sept from May, 2 full days per week.

Its now turned out to be 3 mornings per week and I have her until......... who knows.

Mum cant tell me when I have her until as she has now just started working for herself and the hours for the 3 days are very erratic. somedays its 3 hours, others its 5.

Giving her until the New Year and then will be having words with her and getting a new contract drawn up.

[louisec]

hi Tracey, how many spacs do yo have available??

My circumstances were different i starte looking after a little boy and it was only going to be for 3 weeks, 2 half days and one full day....but mum decided to keep me on and I look after the little boy for 2 full days and one half day, and that has been for a couple of months now

I would defo take 4 or 6 weeks money like Miffy said xxx

[susan]

I agree with Miffy too xxx


SARAH - I would feel used to and cetainly do not give her any of your work or policys , I wouldnt trust that she wouldnt copy it as it has been higly recommended by everyone and is no doubt excellent xxx

xxx

[morgan]

Hi, Thanks for all yor comments.

Miffy, you are right in that she does only want me until they have space for her. As to the ncma short term contracts we have to have bilingual ones in wales and they are out of stock of them.

I feel like i'm second best, a babysitter to use till she can put her daughter where she wants to, but i have been registered since begining of july and this is my first enquiry and as i've just started applying for jobs (couldnt wait any longer) i dont feel like i can say no especialy as she is having difficulty finding someone at this short notice.

I am also worried as to how the girl is going to settle in as she will be in nursery the rest of the week but they will obviously do things differently to me.

Tracy

[miffy]

I know what you mean - it doesn't exactly make you feel valued does it?

How old is the child? It can be quite hard work settling them in especially when it's for such a short period of time.

Shame you can't afford to turn it down - but she may like you so much she cancels nursery and sends the child to you!

Hope it goes well for you - make sure you charge a good rate.

Miffy

[morgan]

Shes two years old. I probably wouldnt worry so much if she was younger, but this age can be really difficult sometimes.

My husband said the same as you, that she might preffer me in the end. Makes a change as i am usually the ever optimistic one and he's the pesimist.

Tracy

[miffy]

Hi Tracy

She may be OK and not need much settling in as she is used to being left at nursery

If you have any doubts when you meet mum tomorrow I'd say don't do it.

Good luck though and let us know how you get on

Miffy

[susi513]

I've done short term arrangements before, sometimes these can become repeat customers.

I prefer to have an agreed end date so you can advertise the future vacancy. Another way I've done it is a monthly renewable contract/written agreement. Where the parent books a month and pays for it at the time of booking - there is no guarantee of my availability beyond the paid-for days and the parent can choose not to renew when it suits them.

At least she was honest about her requirements - I've had the misfortune to give places to 2 families who were already on waiting lists/signed contracts for other places and didn't have the courtesey to tell me.