Paid Holiday, Study and Sick Leave February 2010

Reasons and explanations for calculating the above as detailed in the contract:-

* We do not include holiday, study or sick pay in our daily fees.

* We are paid 52 weeks a year and aim to provide 47 weeks
childcare per year.

* If we have taken more time off than we are entitled to, we
will offer extra days free of charge or a fee reduction in
lieu to make up the difference. Obviously, extra days would
have to be negotiated at a mutually convenient time, being
mindful of our adult:child ratios.

* If we have not taken as much holiday as we are entitled to, we
will receive additional payment in lieu.

* If we have taken less than 5 weeks holiday/study leave, you
have received more than 47 weeks childcare.

* If we have taken more than 5 weeks holiday/study leave, you
have received less than 47 weeks childcare.

* As each new child starts, paid holiday and sick leave is
calculated proportionally/pro rata to 31 Dec and then from
1 Jan to 31 Dec in future.

* If a child is with us all year, entitlement is calculated from
1 Jan to 31 Dec.

* As a parent gives notice, the paid holiday and sick leave is
calculated pro rata from 1 January to the leaving date.

* If a child increases or decreases the number of days a week
they attend, the entitlement is recalculated.

* Settling up is usually suggested before our Summer and Winter
breaks unless the child is leaving in which case settling up
is required with the last week's fees.

* We have to take into account the quantity of children
involved: usually between 7 and 12

* Children start and leave at different times during the year

* Children attend 2-4 days a week

* Each child attends on different days of the week

* When a child leaves their place may be taken up by a different
number of children attending on a different number of days

* The number of days a week each child attends may be increased
or decreased or the days of week they attend may change at any
point during the year

* We must be fair to all parents and ourselves. It would not be
fair if some parents received more childcare than others but
were paying for the same amount. It would not be fair if we took more holiday than we were entitled to and did not
compensate the parents concerned - nor would it be fair if we
took less holiday than entitled and were not recompensed accordingly

* This may seem difficult to understand but bear in mind that if
we have taken less holiday the parents concerned will have had
to take less annual leave from their work or would need to
arrange less alternative childcare.

* We do not plan to put any parent in a position where they
would be forced to pay excessive additional sums over and
above the amount they have budgeted for childcare. The ideal
objective is that childcare for each parent is available 47
weeks of the year and fees are paid for 52 weeks. We do tend
to to use all of our paid holiday if possible. We try not to
take much more than 4 weeks if possible. We realise that
parents would have to take more time off work or arrange
alternative childcare.

* If we took an odd day here or there from specific children
just to ensure we had taken the correct quantity of paid
holiday from everyone we would not actually have a holiday as
we would still be caring for the other five children.


Wendy & Louis Bernardelle