After school children

[lorraine2767]

Hi

I have just started to do after school care and I have just had a lady come to see me who wants just after school 3.00 to 6.00 just term time only.

I told her that I charge half fee in the school holidays if they are not going to use me, she was a bit off about it as the little boy is going to go to the school holiday club and not me, but she could not get him in for after school that is why I have him.

I know this has been asked and I even said this is what I do, but know I am questioning myself whether that is right or not.

Does anybody else charge half.

Sorry it is a bit long and hope you all understand it.

Lorraine xx

[debratina]

hiya
i do after school and children that don't come to me in the holidays they pay half fees. i can understand where mums coming from but it not your fault he goes to a holiday club and i bet you would be cheaper than a holiday club.
hope that helps
debra

[angeldelight]

Hi Lorraine

I have some children that come just term time and just after school

I am afraid I do not charge them anything during holiday times
I have done this with the same 2 children for a few years now

Please no one shout at me - told you before I am a softie

It does work out ok for me though because I have some different children during the holidays that take over the after school kids places so I still get the same money

In your position though I know you are right to charge a fee for holidays
So do not question yourself about it - you are right

Angel xx

[angela234]

I do the same as Angel if they want just term time i don't charge anything for the holidays

Its up to each minder what they want to do or can afford to do

I am much too soft and never going to make my fortune

Angela

[Pauline]

I charge half for the holiday time.

A lot of these holiday clubs are so subsidised that the parents save a fortune on not using you so why should you miss out on some income.

[angeldelight]

Angela - I feel much better knowing that you do the same as me

I am never going to make my fortune either - but I love what I do and that is why I do it


Angel xx

[rasharoon]

Hi
I'm going to be having this exact same conversation tomorrow. I was going to put it that I charge half fee during all school holidays that would have to be paid on the Friday before the school holiday starts. Now should I fill the spaces (2) with another child(ren) during holiday time, I will of course refund the retainer fee.
Haven't worked out yet what I'll say if she isn't happy with this but I know she currently uses a childminder so am going to phrase it in "so how does your current childminder charge you and what for?".
The way I see it is that I will lose an income on two children during school holiday times and in all honesty, can't afford to. Am willing to negotiate but I just can't afford not to charge.
Good luck.
Rasharoon

[angeldelight]

In your situation Rasharoon I would not be so soft

I would do the same as yourself

That is a good idea to mention the other childminder too at least then hopefully you can charge the same

Good luck

Angel xx

[daisychainminder]

im charging my mindies mum half fee for holidays i cant afford not to i know its hard but its best to start as you mean to go on otherwise some parents will take advantage believe me ive been there and it makes you very unhappy and its hard to rectify without losing the child.

[lorraine2767]

Well the lady has not come back to me and if she doesn't I am not bothered at all. I am sticking to my guns and if she doesn't like it too bad.

xxx

[tasha]

Good for you!
Tasha

[deeb66]

Hi

I was away on holiday when you posted this thread and am now plowing through them all.

I too charge half fees for school holidays as it guarantees that I hold the place for the child when they go back to school.

Yes I think you should stick to your guns - has she contacted you again?

Dee