parent contracts

[minniemoo]

hi all,
just trying to sort out some basic contracts but everytime i think i`m happy with them and print aload off i remember something else could you tell me the main things i should include so i don`t leave anything out and end up getting ripped off.
anne-marie x

[miffy]

Hi

I use the NCMA contracts which aren't cheap but do include all that you need. There is also a copy to give to parents and if there was any dispute these contracts have been tested in court by both parents and childminders apparently.

Briefly the contracts have space to record the name/address of you and child and their parents; any access arrangements; details of who'll bring/collect the child and the child's needs; retainer/deposit/settling in arrangements; contract start date; contracted hours/charges/payment details/what's included in price (meals etc); when contract will be reviewed;notice period for hols or to terminate it. There are also sections for "the childminder agrees to........" followed by a list of things like -notify the parent of any accident or injury the child receives whilst in their care and a similar one for parents with things like provide nappies/toiletries.

Hope this is not too garbled and is of some help.

Cheers

Miffy

[andreaschildcare]

Hi, personally I use NCMA as you cant miss anything out really
but im sure I saw some you can print off the Surestart website ;D

HTH

[mel]

I use the NCMA ones mainly because I'm new and I didn't want to miss anything else and wanted to be covered insurance wise.

Mel x

[angeldelight]

Contracts

A childminder provides childcare and education for a fee after discussion with the child’s parents under an agreed set of terms and conditions in a contract.

Creating and working with a contract will reinforce the business and professional approach a childminder should have

The contract should clearly outline expectations of both parties involved, it can be as long as is required

Childminders who do occasional childminding or short-term placements should also work with a contract

It is the responsibility of the childminder to go through the contract with the parents, making sure they understand and are happy with its contents

Once the contract has been signed and dated by all parties, it becomes a legally binding document


Here are some points to note about the contract:

It should be agreed, signed and dated by all parties before childminding begins

Terms of the contract should include time of arrival and collection of the child

It should give details of fees and extras that the childminder expects parents to provide or give payment for

It should say when and how the childminder is to be paid

It should name the parent responsible for making payment if it was agreed at the time the contract was written

A separate contract should be drawn up for each child from the same family

The contract must be a working document, this means it should be updated as the needs of the child and parents change

NCMA produce contracts which are used by many childminders

Newly registered childminders will receive a set of NCMAs contracts as part of their Quality Start Pack



Hope this helps

Angel xx

[minniemoo]

thankyou angel i`m going to do a draft and practice with a friend first can`t really afford to use ncma ones as we don`t get start up grants in my area which is a bit of a pain.
anne-marie x

[happyhome]

I found the one here useful

www.learningtrust.co.uk/childcare/providers/childminder/index.aspx

Click on information for childminders.

[angeldelight]

Anne - Marie

I meant to ask if you are going to be insured with NCMA because if you are then you must also use their contracts

Angel xx

[minniemoo]

Hi Angel,
No luckly i read the thread a few weeks ago about only being able to use NCMA contracts if you have there insurance so i've sorted it out with mortan and michelle
anne-marie x

[rubybubbles]

I use the NCMA ones as one of my selling points is that I'm a member of the NCMA with childminding help and info ect.