URGENT........How do I tell parent this??

[martianshavelanded]

Parent came to me yesterday with regard to change of contract from September.

I imagined the contract would end in Sept as eldest mindee is attending a school I do not cover so natrually said I would mind them both till then. ..... However yesterday parent had a word at pick up time to ask if I would still have youngest for one day a week, and for longer hours than contracted at the moment with the addition of eldest mindee through the holidays.

I initally said yes I could do this, however on reflection and after working out all my numbers...........yes I could do it but I would be pushing myself and other mindees on this one day to fil in with her plus would also need to apply for a variation for half an hour during the holidays for the eldest.

Now if you are still with me well done :-), having discussed this with dp I feel that this will create unesscessary stress all round and now need to tell parent when she comes this afternoon to pick mindees up.

I need to say that on reflection of yesterdays discussion I feel I am unable to accomodate the revised hours of minding she requires however I can mind child/ren on the hours for this specific day that we are currently contracted on (under a new contract of course). But that sounds all garbled and I am sure to get toungue tied so how can I word it properly and professionally without bending down and backwards.

Sorry this is so long x

[angeldelight]

I think I understand

Basically and to cut a long story short - you thought you could have this child for longer hours
But after sitting and thinking about it you now realise that you can not ??

You are just going to have to be honest with her - explain that you thought it would be ok but after looking at all the other childrens hours for September that you realise for those extra hours you would be over your numbers so you would be unable to do it
( Do not even bother to tell her you could ask for a variation from Ofsted - it is not saying you would get it anyway )

I think you are still being fair by having her for the contracted hours

If she is not happy then I am afraid she will have to go somewhere else which will be a shame for you
If you really do not think you can do it though do not let her make you feel guilty - do not back down

Not brill advice I am afraid but it is the best I can do hope it helps a little

Good luck it will be fine keep us posted

Angel xx

[tasha]

Angel,

That is exactly what i would say to do- Remember - don't be made to feel guilty!

Tasha

[daisychainminder]

you must do whats right for you be firm

[lorraine2767]

Good luck with what ever you decide I know how hard it is. xxx

[susi513]

Good luck with your discussion! I agree with Angel - don't mention the possiblity of variation, the short answer is that you are very sorry but the only hours available to her are xyz because you are not allowed to exceed the numbers specified on your certificate under any circumstances. In addition, you have an obligation to ensure you do not take on any commitment that may have a detrimental affect on the quality of care any of the other children receive.

The numbers specified on your certificate are not a target - best viewed like the speed limits when you're driving. When you're driving you should only drive at the maximum speed limit if your judgement is that the current weather/conditions are safe to do so without putting yourself or others at risk. When taking on new children or increasing the hours of existing mindees, you have to take into account the needs and wishes of the children/families already booked in, and you should only go up to your maximum limit or request a variation if your judgement is that you can ably meet the needs of all the children in your care and still provide a quality service.

Do tell her that you have made a note of the hours she needs and as an existing, valued client you will give her first option if these become available at a later date eg, if another parent changes their hours or leaves (eg moving house/changing jobs etc).

[martianshavelanded]

thanks guys for all your reply's

I stuck to my guns but felt dreadful at same time however parent has gone away happy knowing that I am able to accomodate up to usual contracted time on said day. She understood why I was not happy going to full numbers and over full (variation) and that her timings would not exactly match mine due to other childrens commitments etc etc, so thank you again guys.

she will let me know on Friday if she wants to keep original hours for younger mindee. I am not that weorried either way as I have 2 on my waiting list which hopefully will fill the missing time.

I suppose this is all part and parcel of being self employed x