Putting fees up is one of the most uncomfortable parts of childminding, and most of us leave it far longer than we should. Then we raise them by too much in one go, which is what really upsets families. A small, predictable rise with plenty of notice hardly ever loses you anyone.
Put the rules in your contract first
The best time to agree how fee rises work is before the family starts. Your contract should say how often you review fees, how much notice you give before a rise, and what the family can do if they don't accept it. Under the Consumer Rights Act, a term that lets you change the price is much more likely to be fair if it gives reasonable notice and lets the family leave without penalty if they disagree.
I review once a year, give 28 days' notice, and tell families both of those things before they sign, so nobody is surprised or feels cornered.
Review on a regular date
Pick a fixed point, such as September or April, and review everyone's fees together. Families take an annual review far better than a sudden letter halfway through the year, and you don't have to keep deciding whether costs have gone up enough to justify a rise.
How to tell families
Put it in writing with the new rate and the date it starts, and say briefly why. You don't have to justify every pound, but a sentence about rising costs, training or insurance shows the rise has a reason. Then show the new monthly payment, because that's the number they'll care about.
Funded families
Funded hours are free and stay free. A rise can only change the price of private hours and optional extras, and showing funded hours separately on the invoice lets the family see that for themselves.
What to avoid
Don't raise fees without notice, or for one family and not the others without a good reason, and never tie a rise to a threat about the child's place. Any of those costs you more trust than the extra money is worth.
Your options
Most childminders review once a year on a fixed date, so families know it's coming and can budget. Some review every six months, with smaller rises more often, which can suit a year when costs are moving quickly. Others review as needed with notice, which is the most flexible option but can feel unpredictable to families.
For notice, 28 days is the usual minimum, and some childminders give six or eight weeks. Whichever you choose, your contract should say which one you use and let families leave without penalty if they don't accept a change. That right to leave is what makes the term fair under the Consumer Rights Act.
What I do
I review once a year and give 28 days' written notice. Families can predict it, and reviewing every year means I never have to make a big jump to catch up.
How it looks in your contract
From a GoChildmind contract
Changes to fees. I review my fees once a year and will give you at least 28 days' written notice of any change. If you do not accept a change to private-hour fees, you may end this agreement by giving notice within that period, without penalty.
Put your own details in, freeRead the full sample contract
In GoChildmind, you choose how often you review and how much notice you give, and the clause changes to match.