New contract from January

[rasharoon]

Hi
A four year old boy I currently look after from 12-4pm four days a week will start full-time school in January 2008. Now I have a contract in place up until the end of December 2007 where I charge for the hours stated above at £3.50ph.
When he starts full-time school, I'll just be needed to pick him up at 3.00pm. Now when I agreed the current contract with his Mum, I did state to his mum that from January (when we do a new contract), I will apply the 8 hour minimum charge per week. What I'm trying to get to is - can I also put her hourly rate up to £4.00.
She was my first parent and I remember saying that I'm undercharging but because we verbally agreed £3.50, I would stick to that. For the 8 hours a week from January, he is taking up one of my spaces. Am I within my rights to put her fee up to £4.00 per hour? (I know I've waffled).
Thanks

[sarahnev707]

You're probably going to hate me for saying this... but.... I always put their rate down when they start school - cos they're basically less trouble! And they're not taking up a full time place cos they're not counted as under 5 any more...

I do, however, charge from when I leave the house, not from when I get them.... I just have an hourly rate from 3 to whenever they're picked up, including tea

It's a good idea to have a minimum amount of payable hours a week though! Might see if I can incoporate that one!

Sarahx Who's frankly not been much use... sorry!

[miffy]

Hi

I'd just charge my usual hourly after school rate from when I pick up.

Starting school is a good time to review the contract and increase the hourly rate if that is what you want to do.

I have a minimum weekly charge too

Miffy

[polly2]

Hi
If you are reviewing the contract from Jan, you can mention then that your hourly rate has gone up.

I think that would be fine as technically you are starting a new contract so it is a good time to make any changes you need to.

Hollyx

[buildingblocks]

My after schoolers are charged at a slightly higher rate and for a minimum of three hours a day. A retainer is required if the place is not used regularly. The only time this does not apply is to the two over 8's as they do not in theory take up a registered place so they do not pay a retainer. If I ever took on more over 8's who would be requiring places then I would need to review this. The minimum charge of 3 hours applies still though to them.

L aged 4 started full time school and his contract changed to after school fees. In school hols his fee will be normal hourly fee as he will be here full days 5 days a week.

[mel]

give her notice at the beginning of december that you will be reviewing her contract in x weeks in line with x starting school and your hourly rate will be increasing to £4.00 with a minimum weekly charge of 8 hours.
At least when you come to do the contract you will then know she knows what to expect

Mel x