Post by rasharoon on Jul 26, 2007 9:23:50 GMT
Hi
Well, I got through the dreaded conversation with a mum of two girls yesterday about retainer fees.
I haven't yet received my insurance or registration certificate (waiting patiently) but should be all systems go by Sept. Anyway, the parent would be expecting me to look after the two girls (aged 4 & 8) from 8.00am - 9.00am (taking them to school) and then picking up so from 3.00pm to 6.00pm (Mon to Fri). The youngest will go to school only part-time from Sept to Jan from 9.00am-12.00pm (me picking up).
I asked if for the first 3 months she wanted me to act as Emergency Cover for the youngest and at first, she said yes but then told her I would have to charge - she then changed her mind but no problem.
I also asked how she was charged by her current childminder and she said it was hourly but term time only (she works in a school). I took a deep breath and said that I would have to charge a retainer fee of 50% during all school holidays. I gave her the benefit that should she want a break or have an appt. then she knows I'm at hand to have the girls. Of course, I wouldn't charge her when I have my own holiday but should I fill the space(s), then I would refund her money. 'OK' was all she could say so my feeling was that she was trying to pull a fast one by saying she didn't pay her current childminder.
Well, we sat and did both contracts together whilst her two girls played happily with my two boys but what we didn't do was sign and date them - reason being I didn't think I could due to not being fully registered. Was this the right or wrong thing to do.
We got on really well and the girls where happy here so don't feel that she would back out but I suppose you never know. But - at the end of the day - I did it.
With the other Mum I saw last week where I had to apply the minimum charge of 8 hours per week - still haven't heard back from her. Did her lunch and she was here 3 hours but ran out of time to do contracts. Would like to think she would call back but again will wait and see but fingers crossed, by 3rd Sept. I will be minding 3 children with then 3 spaces still available.
Thanks for reading.
Rachelle
x
Well, I got through the dreaded conversation with a mum of two girls yesterday about retainer fees.
I haven't yet received my insurance or registration certificate (waiting patiently) but should be all systems go by Sept. Anyway, the parent would be expecting me to look after the two girls (aged 4 & 8) from 8.00am - 9.00am (taking them to school) and then picking up so from 3.00pm to 6.00pm (Mon to Fri). The youngest will go to school only part-time from Sept to Jan from 9.00am-12.00pm (me picking up).
I asked if for the first 3 months she wanted me to act as Emergency Cover for the youngest and at first, she said yes but then told her I would have to charge - she then changed her mind but no problem.
I also asked how she was charged by her current childminder and she said it was hourly but term time only (she works in a school). I took a deep breath and said that I would have to charge a retainer fee of 50% during all school holidays. I gave her the benefit that should she want a break or have an appt. then she knows I'm at hand to have the girls. Of course, I wouldn't charge her when I have my own holiday but should I fill the space(s), then I would refund her money. 'OK' was all she could say so my feeling was that she was trying to pull a fast one by saying she didn't pay her current childminder.
Well, we sat and did both contracts together whilst her two girls played happily with my two boys but what we didn't do was sign and date them - reason being I didn't think I could due to not being fully registered. Was this the right or wrong thing to do.
We got on really well and the girls where happy here so don't feel that she would back out but I suppose you never know. But - at the end of the day - I did it.
With the other Mum I saw last week where I had to apply the minimum charge of 8 hours per week - still haven't heard back from her. Did her lunch and she was here 3 hours but ran out of time to do contracts. Would like to think she would call back but again will wait and see but fingers crossed, by 3rd Sept. I will be minding 3 children with then 3 spaces still available.
Thanks for reading.
Rachelle
x
