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Paid childcare

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

Original poster

Do you use childcare.co.uk?

38 replies

BusyCM · 03/05/2024 14:04

I'm finding it really quiet on there at the moment and the profiles on there either aren't filled out with much information and/or messages aren't replied to.

What's it like it your area? It's not just me by the way, other cms and the local preschool are finding the same. Maybe people are using other means to find childcare now?

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Original poster
BusyCM · 03/05/2024 20:06

I do hate that they demand our ID and certificates etc, plus they want an hourly rate (I don't charge hourly) and like you say, a profile picture. It is very intrusive, bearing in mind parents could be anyone!

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jannier · 03/05/2024 19:46

I'm fed up with parents not filling out the profile properly ticking everything or looking for a cm to come to their home and do the housework. They really control our profiles but parents can post real time wasting posts. I can't update my profile because they want a photograph of me I don't think that's great for safeguarding

nannynick · 03/05/2024 19:17

I've had one nanny inquiry from there this week. I don't get many usually, so not noticed a difference.

wonderingwhatsnext · 03/05/2024 17:20

@BusyCM I'm in the Midlands.

FanofLeaves · 03/05/2024 16:26

BusyCM · 03/05/2024 15:28

Possibly better for babysitting and ad hoc arrangements but most childcare is long term regular care.

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Yes, obviously. I was merely offering a different perspective on why the site might be quieter than it used to be.

Original poster
BusyCM · 03/05/2024 15:28

FanofLeaves · 03/05/2024 15:19

I think it’s gone downhill in recent years actually. I used to find it very good for nanny jobs. Lots of time wasters now and very quiet. Not sure if people have moved onto the bubble app for as hoc childcare as it’s more about faster response/instant book on there.

Possibly better for babysitting and ad hoc arrangements but most childcare is long term regular care.

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FanofLeaves · 03/05/2024 15:19

I think it’s gone downhill in recent years actually. I used to find it very good for nanny jobs. Lots of time wasters now and very quiet. Not sure if people have moved onto the bubble app for as hoc childcare as it’s more about faster response/instant book on there.

Original poster
BusyCM · 03/05/2024 15:17

ClonedSquare · 03/05/2024 15:13

I've never heard of it. We wanted preschool/nursery rather than childminders or Nannie's so maybe that's why.

For preschool, we just used word of mouth and google, it didn't occur to me to think there was a website that collated them all!

Interesting that you've never heard of it. Lots of people use the local council website which has all provisions listed but childcare.co.uk has the ability to update vacancies in real time and to send direct messages and make a profile by settings or parents so you can reduce time wasting. It is good, just really quiet at the moment. Even the active ones have really niche requirements.

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Original poster
BusyCM · 03/05/2024 15:13

wonderingwhatsnext · 03/05/2024 14:17

I'm a cm and I use it. It's definitely not quiet in my area, five inquiries last week Even though my profile states no space until next year.

What area are you in?

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ClonedSquare · 03/05/2024 15:13

I've never heard of it. We wanted preschool/nursery rather than childminders or Nannie's so maybe that's why.

For preschool, we just used word of mouth and google, it didn't occur to me to think there was a website that collated them all!

Original poster
BusyCM · 03/05/2024 14:17

Interesting it's the same for nannies. I wonder where everyone is!

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wonderingwhatsnext · 03/05/2024 14:17

I'm a cm and I use it. It's definitely not quiet in my area, five inquiries last week Even though my profile states no space until next year.

Conkerqueen · 03/05/2024 14:09

Yes I usually get all of my nanny jobs there but it is very sparse at the moment