Do you charge extra for meals?

[debbie]

Hiya everyone,

As the title indicates, do you all charge extra for meals or do you inclue it in your fee? If so, do you lose out a little?

Many thanks!
Debbie

[sarahnev707]

I include any meals they eat while with me in the fees - but I know a lot of minders who charge extra

I don't feel I lose out... I just make parents aware of our eating times and if they want their child to be here they let me know - i tell them i need to know by 4pm for tea

Sarahx

[Pauline]

Hi Debbie

I don't (unless it's a special diet requirement which might be expensive) but as Sarah says, other minders do, it's a personal choice.

[mel]

Hi
I do charge extra for meals - £1.50 for hot evening meal and £1.00 for lunch. I justify this by the fact that I charge 50p less per hour than lots of childminders in my area and therefore give parents the option of paying for food or sending their own and saving a bit more money.

Mel x

[angela234]

My fees include food as well

Angela

[susi513]

Breakfast £1.25, lunch £1.40, dinner £1.80. Still doesn't cover what the ingredients cost me, let alone my time to prepare the meals.

For those of you who don't charge separately for meals, its worth including a note in your policies/handbook that reductions are not made if the parent opts out of the provided meals.

Parents like being able to choose - some opt out of the meals because they feel they are making a £saving or because they like preparing food/want to stay in control. Others like to book the meals because they feel the cost is worth it for the convenience and because they see that the children often make healthy choices here (because they see other children enjoying them) that they might decline at home. Some parents chop & change or book meals for certain days and provide meals on others. I don't mind as long as I'm told the week before if they want to drop/book a meal.

[deeb66]

I do not charge any extra for meals and snacks - it is all included in my hourly rate.

Dee

[banana]

I include meals but I have been considering changing this as if they are eating 3 melas a day it can work out costly.

is a decision that needs some considering

x

[charleyfarley]

I do charge extra for meals although I do supply snacks and drinks throughout the day free of charge

carol x

[lorraine2767]

Hi no i don't charge extra for meals all included in the price.

Lorraine xx

[heldraincloud]

Hiya, I too include the meals in with the fee's, Im going to keep all receipts though, the tax lady said if I work out an approximate figure, thats not ott for each meal, I can atleast not pay tax.......something like that, Ive got a lady coming round in Sept to help me xx

[rubybubbles]

I dont charge for meals but children bring their own lunch and my last mindi goes home at 5pm I do provide snacks throughout the day, 10ish and 3.30ish.

I used to provide lunch but my under fives I have now (1,2) mum wanted to see what they were eating so better for her to provide lunch and take what was left home. So it was much easier so I did take the easy route! ;D

[miffy]

Hi everyone

I don't charge extra for meals for the children who come all day but I do charge for tea for those that come after school.

Miffy

[andreaschildcare]

Hiya

I charge an extra £2 for dinner if they stay that late.

Other meals are all included if the child is here for 4 hours or more ;D

[stacie1985]

Hello i charge extra for meals £ 1 per meal a day and also only thing included in my hourly rate is i proved snacks and drinks everyone has been fine with it so fa and all so far provide all meals i find this much easier

[mrsv8only]

I plan to do the same as stacie once i start, i will charge £1 per meal
Jem x

[tasha]

I charge £1.50 for meals & £1 for snacks. Alternatively they can provide a packed luch or meal for me to reheat. I based my meals on the school dinner charges that are £1.80 a day hear (just for lunch), so I think a fair price.
Tasha