As many of you know, I recently registered as a childminder.
I have seen, and taken part in many discussions about the cost of childcare and often bemoaned that fact that most providers require some form of deposit, or fees in advance. A real nightmare if you have been out of work, as you cannot just magic money out of thin air.
As a childcare provider now myself, I can see the other side of the coin.
It is tough starting your own business and I didn’t realise how much it cost, just for the basics. This is what I had to pay out for before I could even be registered:
- Advanced Paediatric First Aid Course
- CRB Checks (for all in my house over 18)
- Ofsted Registration
- Liability Insurance
- Amended Home and Car Insurance
- Changes required to the house
- Safety Equipment (First Aid box, Fire extinguisher, etc)
- Paperwork (First Aid Book, Contracts etc)
- NCMA registration
I am lucky that having already having children a variety of ages that I have toys, but it was still a shock how much it all costs.
I have also learnt my lesson for not taking any form of deposit or payment in advance. It is all very well feeling affinity with parents struggling to make ends meet, but that doesn’t pay my bills either. After all – this is my business. I am not full yet, but have had one parent book with me and then cancel last minute – what if I had turned down another child who wanted that place?
Any fees I take are my wages, help pay for equipment and fun stuff to do with the kids. Plus there is food and drink to consider too. None of that comes for free!
So, if a childcare facility of any kind asks for a deposit, now you know why!!
I lost £500 deposit when I cancelled a place. It really hurt financially but seemed absolutely fair enough to me – was a bit shocked when some friends suggested I should ask for it back.
That’s an awful amount of money to lose and I would have asked for it back, or at least a portion of it! Ouch x
Thanks for sharing