New minder - shift work advice please!

[debstar]

Hi all, first post here! Great website, I have been reading through for a few days and have found it very helpful.

I have almost completed my course and have my OFSTED registration on Friday. I have 2 mindees lined up, one Tuesday and Thursday and the other Thursday and Friday....or so I thought!

The Tuesday and Thursday Mum hopes to change her Thurs to a Weds but doesnt know when this will happen. What do I do about her place because I want to advertise my vacancies ASAP but I dont know what days this one wants in the long run? I feel it a bit unfair that I have to keep three days free for her when she only wants two!

The other one was due to start in December once all my checks and registration are back but Mum just called round to say she doesnt know what is happening with her job now. Dad works shifts but not in any pattern. I get the impression they only want to use me when they need me. This would have only worked out to 3 days in the whole of November but I would have to keep her two days per week free just in case she needed them. This is a tricky one because they are distant family and the child is so lovely and I would love to have her. I have explained the situation to Mum who is very undersanding and knows I might have to advertise her space if she doesnt use it. I was wondering if there was anyway around doing this? How does everyone else manage shift work?

Thanks in advance

Debbie

[fionamal]

I have a parent on on shifts as well which can either be 2 or 3 days per week but i charge her for the 3 days each week whether or not she uses it . Shes okay with it as she understands im holding the 3rd day for her incase its needed.

[miffy]

This is really up to you and how much you want the work.

You only have so many places and if you decide to take this child, keep a place for her umpaid even when she's not using it then you might end up turning down other work which you would be paid for IYSWIM

Fiona's approach is the most straightforward and everyone knows where they stand.

Don't forget parents often get help towards their childcare costs.

Miffy

[miffy]

Sorry - forgot to say good luck for Friday - hope it goes well

Miffy

[doddy01]

Think very carefully before you make any decisions. I shot myself in the foot when I first started as I was desperate to fill my places. I had given up my job and needed an income. My best friend (also a childminder) was moving away and I took one of the children she looked after. He seemed very sweet and the parents are lovely. Unfortunately she works poo work so I am contracted to have him for 9 days minimum per month but can be up to 16. However, he is taking a full time place for part time money. Plus am now having problems with him and my son but as am still so new to this wouldn't know what to say if I wanted to end the contract as the parents are so lovely. So all in all I would think very carefully that you are not losing money in the long run and you dont let your heart rule your head in the sense of the child.

Sorry for the essay!!! Good luck for the future.

Love Debsxx

[angeldelight]

Hi Debbie

Good luck with whatever you decide to do

I have shift workers but they must give me their rota every Friday for the following week

It does sound a bit like they want to just use you when you feel like it so be careful like Debs advised I too have been eager to help in the past but it has backfired in the past

So whatever you decide to do make sure you make your rules very clear from day one

Good luck

Angel xx

[debstar]

Hi again,

Many thanks for all your replys, they are really helpful.

When I first spoke to Mum a few weeks ago, I told her we would have to have a contract that was for the days and hours requested and that they would be charged even if the child didnt attend. This is her second child she has left with a childminder and she assured me that she understood my point of view and had no problem with it. Then today tells me her Husband isnt sure of his shift pattern yet. I pointed out that it didnt really matter because I was there when she wasnt. It was then that she said she wasnt sure what was happening with her job either. I think they have thought it through and are not happy paying me £70 a week when some weeks I wont be needed.

I have decided to tell her that I am happy to take her child if/when she needs me to but I will not be holding her a place so it will depend on my other children. Either that or she can stick to the original plan. I really want to help her out but not at a cost of hundreds to me per month!

Thanks again

Debbie