Please help!

[Rachael]

I do interviews when it suits me. Sometimes thats at 9am, after all my children are here but early enough that no one is grumpy and they've just had morning snack so they aren't hungry either. Other times, it's immediately after closing in the evenings.

But before then, I have had a telephone interview and determined they are a good fit, plus sent them my contracts to review. This means when they come to the house, there is minimal time needed. All that has to happen, is they need to see the facility and ask any questions which have arisen from the contact/handbook paperwork.

I will not hold a place for anyone until the deposit is in my hand and a contract signed. Deposits are in cash, a receipt given and they are non-refundable.

If you have banked your deposit, great. It's non-refundable. She is right in asking you to tear up the cheque for October fees though, as October fees will never be due unless you've provided care - which you haven't. Crappy that they didn't let you know but some people are crappy.

In future, don't permit drop ins, and schedule interviews for when it suits you based on the type of children you have in your care. Nothing you can do now but learn from it and move on. It sounds like it wouldn't have been a good fit so try and see the silver lining.