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Original poster

CM's: first meeting help

29 replies

crace · 15/11/2006 21:02

Have first potential minders coming tomorrow, and pretty nervous. What should I have together, obviously the policies and procedures stuff and I have my certificates (all of them) and insurances together but anything else?

Much appreciated
Carrie

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StrawberryMoon · 21/11/2006 18:48

sorry re spelling

StrawberryMoon · 21/11/2006 18:48

hooray...go on surestart or c.i.s website and they have lots of links..i printed off lots of activities like nurserey rhyme palys..acting out their fave nursery rhye with dressing up, pictures, make things as props etc..glad it went well and v,glad your getting paid for today

Original poster
crace · 21/11/2006 18:37

Thanks I got them, in fact now I have back ups!

Great day today, definitely need to come up with structured stuff for them to do - otherwise not stimulated enough. But the baby didn't even cry once while mum was away 8-6 and she paid me today for the trial day and will drop a cheque off this weekend for full time start on Monday.

So - hooray! First customer!!

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StrawberryMoon · 20/11/2006 20:36

[bluhs]..just rememeberd the contracts i promised..did a rubbish scan of them but sent anyway, then read thread which says you already have them now!..oops!

this new mindee..be careful, the mum seems very blaze(sp) about how she does things and seems to think she's calling the shots..like expecting you to have her ds tomorrow!..just make sure you set her rules straight away and make sure things like payments are in advance and time keeping is noted as lateness is charged etc...good luck tho, just make sure you know what your doing with this parent.

Original poster
crace · 20/11/2006 19:37

Good luck!

PS - saw your website from a different posting - looks great!

Carrie

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Original poster
crace · 20/11/2006 19:37

Good luck!

PS - saw your website from a different posting - looks great!

Carrie

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Cwmbranchildminder · 20/11/2006 12:08

well done crace!
Ive got my 1st meeting with a little boy tomorrow so hoping that goes well too!
Hope it all works out for u

Original poster
crace · 20/11/2006 11:52

She came after all, I think she thought the time was flexible. Either way, she is dropping her children off tomorrow for a trial day. It's a bit short notice but she needs someone asap and as I've been there before I am happy to take her on.

She seems really nice actually - I am hoping this works out!

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Cwmbranchildminder · 20/11/2006 11:40

Had a phone call yet crace?Sorry to hear this again!

Original poster
crace · 20/11/2006 09:34

No show again! She's half an hour late so.. Oh well, at least I know now. but.. how rude!

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CwmbranChildminder · 17/11/2006 17:04

see what impression she gives off Monday!
Maybe state in your conversation that reliability/punctuality/communication is a must!
Could be good news for u-fingers crossed
Let us know how it goes!

Original poster
crace · 17/11/2006 16:33

Oh, thanks- she actually called today and will be coming to see us on Monday. Bit nervous though, as she should have called really and so not sure if she is like this about other things - like not paying!

Oh well, it's only a meeting after all.

Thanks for all the advice

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CwmbranChildminder · 17/11/2006 10:20

crace - think positive - it was there tough luck as they've missed out on one fab CM.
Move on - u have your pack now This is ready for your next enquiry which im sure isnt too far away. Have u registered on that emergency site emergencychildcare.co.uk as u never know! ive dont it as it wont hurt.
Good luck

Original poster
crace · 16/11/2006 23:09

My NCMA pack actually came this afternoon, must be some kind of joke on me

No calls, oh well. I've actually taken this kind of personally thoughI know she doesn't know me or me her but.. I am starting to worry I am not going to get anyone!

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StrawberryMoon · 16/11/2006 15:41

so still no call????

so sorry ive only just had time to switch this one as turned of beofre got reply last night and today had 4 mindees unexpectantly instead of three..so been hectic to say least..i will still send you copy of contract this evening though if you still want it?

Original poster
crace · 16/11/2006 14:02

So rude! They were meant to call and confirm a time this morning and then come around lunch time.

I suppose something may have happened but if she is unreliable it's better to know now.. but a bit upset that my first ever CM meeting never happened.

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CwmbranChildminder · 16/11/2006 12:30

oh no wat time were they due??

Original poster
crace · 16/11/2006 12:28

No call and no show.. off to a great start I see!

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Original poster
crace · 16/11/2006 12:27

No call and no show.. off to a great start I see!

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CwmbranChildminder · 16/11/2006 11:50

Its not a baby = it was an 8yr old who was in school for me and she is pregnant and wanted me for her baby also. She is now coming next tues with her ds to introduce and see how he is in my hse etc etc.
My portfolio had everything in - certificates - What we had to do to get registered to cover all standards. All policies - about me and my family - cost etc.
Have you had the visit yet?

ayla99 · 16/11/2006 10:39

I had one parent visit me twice without her girls and she wanted to book me. I had to explain I like to meet the children before I offer a place!

Some parents like to come without their children/when the cm has no children present so that the conversation/questions can go smoothly without interruptions. Others are more interested in the interactions between the cm and their child than the paperwork. Whichever, I always tell parents that they are welcome to book another appointment before they make up their mind so they can see what its like when I'm "open" or to come when I'm closed to ask more questions. (especially if only one parent came the first time).

Original poster
crace · 15/11/2006 22:24

Address is carrierace@hotmaildotcom - thank you thank you!!

Interesting about them not bringing the baby, how are you meant to see what they are like? Can I ask what was in your portfolio?

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CwmbranChildminder · 15/11/2006 22:09

I had my 1st meeting with a mum Tues and I was a little nervous - but it went really well - She didnt even have her ds with her so it was more silent and more one to one. Thankgod my baby was there. I gave her my portfolio and made her tea. She took about 20mins to get through my portfolio and then we chatted about her family and needs then my family and she asked me why I became a CM. Then we discussed hrs/money/retainers/hols the usual and now she is coming bk nxt week with ds. Have u ordered contracts?
Good luck for tomorrow and let us know how u did

StrawberryMoon · 15/11/2006 22:01

put your email addy on here using 'dot' instead of . and ill sort it out.

Original poster
crace · 15/11/2006 21:58

I am newly registered cm - don't know why I am nervous, have watched children plus my own for over 10 years! Suppose as it's a business..

I would really appreciate the contract, if you have time?
Carrie

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