Its definitely great to hear how others handle teachers rates etc. I charge my teachers regular rate and then take a 50% retainer for the summer paid upfront. They have to pay me the first day of the summer break and it is 50% of the total amount for the summer. This secures their spot and I tell them they can bring their child 2 days per week as they have paid for it.

I am still somewhat conflicted about taking a teachers child. I have 1 right now who has been paying 2 days a week for nearly 18 months as she has been on extended Mat leave but she goes back to work in September and I will have her 2nd child in my care also and both will be full time. I just feel annoyed with myself for taking them on as once the summer comes I lose income but whether they are paid for 10 mths or 12 mths of the year they still get paid for the whole year and really what financial insentive is their for me to give them a discount. I should stop moaning as it was my choice to take them on and now this is my lesson I'm learning right now, but I'm even considering as theres 2 now, saying one child has to pay full price and one has to pay the 50% retainer over the summer otherwise I will lose even more money.