Childminder - I don't know what to do AR

**twirlygirly** · 30-12-2007, 06:36pm

Ruby is supposed to be starting with a lovely childminder 1 day a week from Jan 21st. The thing is we've been looking at our finances and my pay and really I need to work more hours or more unsociable hours at least. I asked the cm if she could have Ruby if I worked a longday finishing at 8.15 so probably picking Ruby up around 8.45 but she can't as she has kids of her own and is obviously entitled to a private family life. But the thing is I really think I'm going to need to change my hours so I can work long days and if I did that I would only need to work 2 days a week and DH could have Ruby those days. I feel absolutely awful even thinking about cancelling the contract now but don't really want to start sending Ruby to her and then cancel so cancelling now would be the least painful for everyone.
I've paid 2 weeks as a deposit and on the contract I signed it says she needs 4 weeks notice of cancellations. Thing is she's going on holiday, may in fact already be gone and won't be back til the 19th I think.
So those in the know, what do I do? if she's already away the only way to contact her is to text as she wouldn't get a letter til she gets back and I'm guessing the notice starts from when she receives it rather than when I send it iykwim.

She's really lovely and I'd have been happy for her to care for Ruby but if I do send her I would have to work 3 days still but 2 of them would have to be long day and the day I'd be sending Ruby would be purely for the sake of sending her iykwim.

TIA,

twirly

**goldilocks** · 30-12-2007, 06:40pm

Is it an NCMA contract?

If so, as she has not actually started with her yet then there will be no problem with you cancelling the contract, but you will lose your deposit.

If you have a look on the back there is lots of small print thats worth reading.

Did you agree a settling in period? Or does the contract say 'commencement date of full contract'? Either party can cancel the contract within a settling in period if the full contract hasnt been entered into.

If the full contract has begun then notice cant include any holiday period.

It'll be a PITA for her I'm sure, but its the risk that goes with this job unfortunately

**twirlygirly** · 30-12-2007, 06:44pm

There is a settling in period. It is a NCMA contract I think.
Do you think I should tell her by text?
I feel really bad doing this.

**goldilocks** · 30-12-2007, 06:51pm

I wouldn't do it by text tbh. Could you call her and explain, or text her to ask her to call you as soon as its convenient?

It may be that if faced with you pulling out she may reconsider the longer day, so if you still want to use her it could be worth you having the conversation.

Just explain that circumstances have changed and as you need to do more hours and she cant accomodate you then you have no choice, and that youre sorry.

If you keep it friendly then you may still be able to use her services in the future