Ending a childminder's contract in France (retrait de l'enfant)
A parent can end the contract of their childminder at any time by "withdrawing the child" (retrait de l'enfant). This is the specific way to terminate this job: no classic dismissal procedure and no mutual termination (rupture conventionnelle). The childminder, for her part, can resign.
Notify in writing
Send a registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt, or hand it over against a signed receipt. No prior interview is required. You do not have to give a reason, but it must never be discriminatory (pregnancy, health, origin…).
Notice period
- Less than 3 months of service: 8 calendar days.
- From 3 months to less than 1 year: 15 calendar days.
- 1 year or more: 1 month.
- If you exempt the childminder from working her notice, it is still paid.
Severance pay and final settlement
After at least 9 months of service, the childminder receives a severance payment (indemnité de rupture) of 1/80 of the gross salaries received over the whole contract, excluding allowances, unless there was serious misconduct.
On a partial-year contract, the hours paid through the monthly salary are compared with the hours actually worked; the adjustment (régularisation) can only be in the employee's favour. Unused paid leave is also paid.
Documents to hand over
At the end of the notice: the certificat de travail (employment certificate), the reçu pour solde de tout compte (final settlement receipt) and the attestation France Travail (for unemployment benefits). Then make the last Pajemploi declaration, including the end-of-contract amounts.
Frequently asked questions
Can we agree a mutual termination (rupture conventionnelle)?
No, not with a childminder employed by a private parent: the contract ends through withdrawal of the child or resignation. It is possible with a home nanny on a CDI.
Is severance pay due before 9 months of service?
No, except if the child dies. Below that, only the notice, paid leave and any adjustment are due.
Do I pay the notice if my child no longer attends?
Yes. The notice is due even if you no longer bring your child; if you exempt the childminder from working it, you pay the corresponding salary.