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Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

Original poster

Is it the end of childminding for me ?

32 replies

thisfoofooisallmine · 15/11/2013 16:49

I'm a childminder and I'm thinking of maybe giving up as there is so much competition where I live. Now lots of childminders have 2 or 3 assistants so they can accommodate lots of parents. I consider myself a very good childminder have lots of to offer but it sounds pretty limited when I go and see the website of the childminders with all the assistants. What can I do to make a parent chose me over them ? I'm not workless at the moment but at the beginning of the year, it was hard when it didn't use to be, I fear for next year. I'm sorry for the rent, I'm just worried.

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Original poster
thisfoofooisallmine · 15/11/2013 18:21

A lots of people in my area are doing it, then because they are successful they open other houses Sad

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Noggie · 15/11/2013 18:07

I think it is so much more like being like a family when there are only a few kids and one adult- if you start having assistants and lots of kids it starts to be quite a different environment.

Original poster
thisfoofooisallmine · 15/11/2013 17:52

Thank you minnie for taking the time to share, you were right to remove your child. I feel less down by talking to you. I have lost a bit of confidence lately but I need to believe in myself !

OP posts:
minniemousey · 15/11/2013 17:33

I used a minder who had 2 assistants, a lovely huge house, dedicated playrooms etc. However we parted company when I witnessed 1 assistant minder alone in the house looking after 6 kids all under 3yrs old. I lost trust immediately and removed my son. and reported her to ofsted.

I would choose 1 excellent minder in a small house over an irresponsible minder (or 3) working in a huge house. For me the childminders attitude, integrity and quality of care is much more important than the size of the house or garden! :-)

Original poster
thisfoofooisallmine · 15/11/2013 17:22

Thank you very much for your posts, I have taken note of your advice !! Now the childminders I'm in competition with have gorgeous house and big gardens, so it's a bit intimidating and everybody seems to be doing it, at least where I live !

OP posts:
Kewcumber · 15/11/2013 17:11

I also chose a childminder because a) they were personally recommended and b) I wanted a home environment. Certainly didn't want a pile of children and a professionally run business. My CM didn't have a website at all!

Theimpossiblegirl · 15/11/2013 17:09

When mine were very little I chose a childminder over a nursery because it was fewer children being cared for in a home setting. Lots of parents prefer this and maybe this is your selling point. I would personally worry that a childminder's with assistants and more children would not offer the same type of care I would have wanted for my children. Focus on what you offer- a home from home, quiet, calm, nurturing environment and don't worry about the others.