On this page, I set out some aspects of my organization. It is important that parents and I discuss all conditions, and make sure that we both know what to expect.
This saves both parties confusion, and makes it possible for me to fully focus on giving the children a good time!

Intake

If a parent is interested in using my service, they can contact me by email or telephone, and ask any questions they like, and/or make an appointment to meet me and see my home.
If after this initial meeting parents are interested in placing their children with me, we can discuss the details at a convenient time.
Parents can tell me what they want and expect, and I can tell them if I will be able to offer those things.

Should parents decide that they do wish to place their child with me, I will prepare a contract that sets out the terms and conditions of the agreement between childminder and parent.

Settling in

After the discussion but before signing the contract, every child can come to my setting for a one hour try-out free of charge, to see how they get on.

The first four weeks that the child attends my setting are the settling-in period. During the settling-in period both parties can end the agreement per immediately (so no 4 weeks notice)simply by presenting the other party with a note saying that they wish to cancel.
No reason needs to be given for this.
After the settling-in period the full contract commences.

Contracts

I have different contracts available.

* The fixed hours contract: This contract is used when parents know exactly which hours they will need childcare.
I will be available to care for their child at those hours, and my fee is based on the contracted hours
Occasional extra hours may be available on request. Snacks and drinks are included in the fee.

*The flexible hours contract: If parents do not need the same hours every week, I can still offer them a contract. In order to make it financially possible for myself to do this, I require a monthly placeholder fee.
See my fees for the minimal hours and costs of this.
For this fee, I will care for the child for an agreed maximum amount of hours a week. Parents can then tell me per week which hours they would like. Holidays are already taken into account in this fee. Snacks and drinks are included in the fee.
Extra hours are usually available on request.
Contact me if you wish discuss this.

*Fixed-period contract: If parents will only use my services for a short period of time (i.e. their usual childcare is temporarily not available), a fixed-term contract will be used. This is the same as another contract, except that both parties agree in advance that it will end at a certain date.

Communicating

I think it is important that parents and I have regular talks about how the children are doing, their development and achievements, as well as any concerns parents or myself may have. Also, we need to discuss how everyone is experiencing the arrangement and if things need to be changed.
Of course, we will usually share information at dropping-off and collecting, but I will also schedule regular times to have an in-depth talk with parents.
If parents need to discuss something outside these arranged dates, and it is not possible/suitable to have a short chat at dropping-off / collecting of the child, they can either call me to discuss it, or arrange an appointment with me.

Notice period

I will give at least four weeks notice to change or terminate the contact. If parents would prefer more notice I will try to accommodate them.

With the exception of the settling-in period and fixed period contracts, I require four weeks written notice to change or terminate the contract. Even if the child ceases to attend before the four weeks has ended, the hours that they would have attended remain payable.

If agreed and contracted terms are being breached (including regular late payments), or if I feel the behaviour of parent(s) seriously compromises the safety / wellbeing of others, or if a child's behaviour is too much of a risk to themselves or others, I reserve the right to terminate the contract immediately and without notice.

Hours and fees

The days and hours/placeholder fee detailed in the contract form the minimum payment I will receive, whether or not the child attends for all of the contracted hours.
Additional hours over and above the contracted hours can often be accommodated if requested in advance, and are to be paid on top of the contracted hours.

Payment

Payment is due a month in advance. If this is a big problem for parents, weekly payment can be discussed. Additional hours (for both contracts) are to be paid on arrangement.

If I have been unavailable to provide care at the agreed hours, a full refund will be given within one week.

For more information, browse this site or contact me.

Site created by Inez de Miranda