Childminder Fees

[bednobs]

Hi, my daughter usually goes to a childminder after school. The govt have asked all early years providers to shut down except to children of keyworkers for an indefinite period.
Should i still be paying her for a service i can't receive?, should she still be charging me?

[AuntPollyGrey]

If you are getting vouchers or whatever you get for the fees then you should give them to her as no one else could use them. If you are paying out of your wages then technically she's not providing a service therefore you are not obliged to pay her.

[bednobs]

no vouchers

[lankeela]

Question is could you afford to pay to keep her in business so she is still there when this is all over? If so then it would be a good idea or else you will be looking for another one.

[chelle7272]

Do you have a contract with her, that should say? She may be covered by insurance as closed by government. As it not your decision I don't think you should have to pay.
Some info here;
https://www.workingmums.co.uk/school-and-nursery-closures-your-rights/

[bednobs]

the contract i have with her does not cover the unprecedented circumstances

[bednobs]

she is not covered as she is self employed, and has no funded children

[bednobs]

we have decided to continue paying for now. We are both in jobs where we can work from home (and continue to get paid and then get six month sick pay if we can't work) so it doesnt make a difference to us whereas it makes a huge difference to her. We do still want her to be there when this is all over

[sherrardk]

That’s v generous and v thoughtful, a lot of people are going to be struggling - I spoke to a woman on Thursday who had lost two jobs in one day.

[woofgang]

bedknobs that is both sensible and kind

[jno]

I think that's the right thing to do, bednobs. Keep her on a retainer.

[bednobs]

yes, she reduced her rate a bit because she normally does tea there

[ladybirder]

Does she take any other children bednobs?

[bednobs]

yes - up to six depending on the day

[pixie374]

I think that is really thoughtful and sensible. We have lost two clients, temporarily (we hope) due to fear... we will be ok for now, but it depends how bad it gets.
However, we have also been contacted by Social Services and two local care homes in the last couple of days, to see if we can help out if necessary... so it may be swings and roundabouts... but we just don't know.

[ladybirder]

Reason I asked bednobs was if there are others they should also be asked to pay a retainer imo.