Childminders’ focus

Expert advice

Giving notice

If you or a parent wishes to terminate a contract, it is good practice to do so in writing. A period of notice should be negotiated in order to protect you against the sudden loss of earnings if parents decide to end the contract. This notice period will also make it easier for parents to make alternative arrangements should you be the one who wishes to terminate the existing arrangement.

It is professional practice for childminders to give notice to parents in writing. However, despite a request for the verbal notice to be followed up in writing, this is not always forthcoming, either because the parents do not consider it necessary, or because they do not have time to write a formal termination of contract letter. If this is the case, it is advisable for the childminder to write to the parent confirming that notice has been given by them, and include the date from which the notice period starts, setting out the terms of the notice period.