term time only!

[jmoff]

hi
need help...
I am newly registered, have had 2 enquieries in a month, nothing came out of the first one as they chose a childminder who lived on their road.
Now, I am not really sure what to do re the second one...they seem to be quite interested, it would be 4 days/week ,looking after a 2-year old BUT it is only term times as she is a student, meaning I wouldn't get paid during the hols. I will probably say yes, but I will lose quite a lot of money...what do you all think?

And shall I still ask for 2 weeks paid holidays ?

Please let me know what you think...
Thank you,Jana xxx

[tasha]

I've PM'd you Jana!
Tasha

[angeldelight]

Hi Jana

Well done on getting registered

Bit of a difficult one if the student is interested

Is the college going to pay you?

At the end of the day it is up to you

Do you need / want the job ?
I care for a lot of children who only come term time
Lucky for me I also have a lot of children who come during school holidays so I do not lose out

Maybe you could just go for it 4 days a week sounds good to me if you have no other children

Some money for now is better than none

I always charge for holidays but I guess it depends when she takes them will it be during school holiday time when you do not have the child ?

I would also make it sure that fees have to be paid by the parent if the child is absent for whatever reason ( if college are paying fees then make it clear she is liable for days off etc because college do not pay up for that )

Sorry I am not really much help I know

Just that if she is a student I can not see her being able to pay you money eg half fees for time that the child is not with you

So you might be doing yourself out of a job if you say as much

Good luck whatever you decide maybe some of the others will have some good ideas

Angel xx

[mel]

I have one term time child for 3 full days a week and charge £3 per hour (£28 for full day). I charge £10 for each day in the hols as a retainer and the parents seem happy with this as it is still cheaper than a nursery.
I guess you have to work out whether this will work for you or put up your hourly rate to compensate?

Mel x

[jmoff]

thanx for this...

will have to have a big think! They haven't much money, both foreign students and they would have to pay not the college.

Jana x

[Pauline]

I charge half fee retainer for term time only but really you have to take this based on what you are happy with and how much you need the money. At the end of the day if you are happy then that is fine, there is no right or wrong way.

If you are happy with what you are getting then that is fine.

[sarsar3nch]

I understand that they may not have much money but it may set a difficult precident, if you don't charge them for hols and then another term time only family comes along you may have made a rod for your own back (if they discuss it between themselves).

Just a thought, others may disagree ??

Sarah

[haribo]

ive never charged for school hols as it suited to have the time off when my two were growing up. but my newest family ive asked for 30pounds a week in hols(do 3 days normally)and now feel like asking the other 2 families for a small retainer too!but not sure if i should change my polic y.like someone said i wouldnt like them to discuss my arrangments between themselves! but def goin to charge hols from now on . ;)its a bit diffrent for students tho-id consider each individual case first

[lorraine2767]

Hi

I normally charge 1/2 fees if it is term time only and everyone seems happy with it, but it is up to you at the end of the day.

Good luck.

Lorraine xx

[jmoff]

thank you!
Good point Sarah...!
Will charge them half...I would never forgive myself otherwise.

Jana x

[lisaurry]

Hi Jana,

Hope you have it all sorted out. Just wanted to say that its hard not to feel 'sorry' for some people when you think they aren't that well off. But what we must remember, is that it is our business and realistically it they can't afford it, they wouldn't be looking into it.

Even though they are foreign students, they are probably claiming something - maybe tax credits? Don't give yourself a hard time though (tough I know).

Lisa x