Making childcare arrangements

Once you have chosen a childcare provider, you will need to set up a formal agreement that sets out what is being provided and at what cost. This is often called a ‘contract’.

Other terms and conditions that should be considered include:

• details of any fee or deposit
• the date the contract starts
• notice periods
• what is included in the cost, such as nappies and food
• the days and hours your child will be with the childcare provider
• what happens about payment if your child or the childcare provider is sick
• what happens during time off for holidays and bank holidays
• any health issues that need to be managed such as allergies

Once you have agreed details of the contract, it should be signed and dated by all parties. Each party should keep a copy.