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

Original poster

Childminders with no mindees - lets all be lonely together!

183 replies

mumnosbest · 16/10/2008 21:10

I'm a minder with no mindees. I keep reading threads by others in the same boat and thought why don't we all kill our spare time and have a moan together. You never know we might even get the odd parent looking and be 'childless' no more!

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
maggi · 08/11/2008 08:55

Here's some tips.

Go on a marketing course if your council offer one. They give huge lists of tips.

Advertise in toy shops if you can.

Do a really good write up for your CIS advert (get a friend to do it if this isn't a strong point). A well written paragraph highlighting your commitment to providing the very best education and care will do wonders to the number of phone calls you get.

Be flexible if this is an option for your family. Offer Shifts (over the weekends too), short term contracts, one offs. Overnights have been a real boost to my finances.

MY BIGGEST TIP is do not mention you are newly qualified (which poses a negative image in some minds) but stess the fact that you have the LATEST TRAINING AVAILABLE. Obviously when they directly ask how long you have been qulified you must be truthfull but you dont have to advertise it.

possiblymaybe · 08/11/2008 08:02

Can I also add N8ish(Finsbury Park, Stroud Green, Crouch End or Hornsey)?

I'm looking for childminder with vacancy, ideally full time from Jan for my 18m old dd.

Thanks

Original poster
mumnosbest · 07/11/2008 21:47

Hi CMJ. What a long wait! I've put you on our list too, hope your registration comes through soon
Childminders with spaces in:
Doncaster,
Coatbridge,Scotland,
B65 (Birmingham???)
New Denham/Uxbridge (almost registered)

Mums/Dads looking for CMs in:
SW6,
Walthamstow/Farringdon,
Twickenham,
Bushey/Hertsmere,
Stoke Newington, London, N6,
Crawley/Horley

OP posts:
chloemegjess · 07/11/2008 20:41

Hello. I am a childminder looking for mindees too! I did have a few lined up while I was registering but it took sooooo long. My DHs CRB took about 7 months to come through! I applied in Feb and my certificate was due to be sent out last week. Not got a good first impression of ofsted as every time I ring they say nobody has sent it out!!!

Anyway, I am in UB9 which is New Denham/Uxbridge which is right on the border of Buckinghamshire and Middlesex.

As I am not officially registered until they send out the certificate, I can't even go on the CIS list yet. We really need the money.

Original poster
mumnosbest · 07/11/2008 18:50

Hi Wearefriends!
On page 1 there was a mum looking for a CM in Walthamstow if that's where you're based. Her name is:
NKffffffff97017c4dX11d19751157

OP posts:
Original poster
mumnosbest · 07/11/2008 18:45

Just thought I'd sum up who's been on here so far. Sorry if I've missed you, if you tell me where you are I'll add you to the list
Childminders with spaces in:#
Doncaster,
Coatbridge,Scotland,
B65 (Birmingham???)

Mums/Dads looking for CMs in:
SW6,
Walthamstow/Farringdon,
Twickenham,
Bushey/Hertsmere,
Stoke Newington, London, N6,
Crawley/Horley

No matches so far but we can keep trying

OP posts:
hedgehog1979 · 07/11/2008 18:21

Hi, I started the looking for a CM thread, and am now going to have a look here too. Looking for a CM starting Feb for ds who will be 7 months, Looking for Mon/Tues in Crawley/Horley area.
Thanks

Original poster
mumnosbest · 07/11/2008 16:45

Don't know London too well (or at all) but there's a thread 'looking for a childminder', several CM's have replied to that, maybe some of them are near you. Sorry I can't help but I have my fingers crossed for you.

OP posts:
wearefriends · 07/11/2008 09:10

Dear ChasingButterflies
What about walthamstow??? is that any near to you?

ChasingButterflies · 06/11/2008 10:32

Hi, I'm looking for a CM, we're in London N16 (Stoke Newington) - anyone nearby?

leonifay · 04/11/2008 10:00

yea for mel. well done

Original poster
mumnosbest · 03/11/2008 16:58

Sorry, don't think you're anywhere near Doncaster but maybe someone else on here is nearby

OP posts:
alla · 03/11/2008 13:40

any cm free for jan 2009 in bushey/hertsmere? i need after school care for 2 kids, 4 days a week.

Original poster
mumnosbest · 02/11/2008 20:31

Yay! Weldone Mel There's hpoe yet

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melanieabigail2004 · 02/11/2008 15:50

Not so lonely now ladies - mum turned up and I've signed two after schools for Thur and Fri

Yeah!

Mel

Original poster
mumnosbest · 02/11/2008 11:03

Half Term hols are nearly over and not 1 call

OP posts:
Original poster
mumnosbest · 01/11/2008 10:56

Hi poshdjc! Sorry it's a bit of a way to come from Doncaster, sorry. Looks like I need to move further south to childmind. Good luck

OP posts:
poshdjc · 31/10/2008 16:28

Anyone in Twickenham? Must be registered!

Original poster
mumnosbest · 31/10/2008 11:15

Good luck melanie let us know how it goes!

OP posts:
leonifay · 31/10/2008 08:27

good luck with your pp today melanie

melanieabigail2004 · 30/10/2008 16:25

Would you believe it - had an enquiry today and the mum is coming to see me tomorrow! Perhaps there is a light at the end of the tunnel . . . . . . . .

leonifay · 30/10/2008 14:28

penny for a guy sounds like an excelent idea!!
any more enquiries for anyone??? my fingers and toes are still crossed!

Original poster
mumnosbest · 28/10/2008 15:53

Hi Mel and Pinky , nice to see so many CMs on here but a bit depressing to think there are so many with vacancies to fill. Still lets all cheer up, make the most of having our homes to ourselves and hope November comes full of children and parents desperately seeking CMs. Failing that we can all go and sit outside begging for a penny for the guy!

OP posts:
melanieabigail2004 · 28/10/2008 11:02

I'm another cm with no mindees - been registered since July and have had 3 enquiries! Mel

leonifay · 28/10/2008 09:40

thankypu and wow, some of it makes sence now!! its really random the names we give kids, i was called nomie nous for years, its nothing like my name and my 18m brother either gets called lambsy or popsie, again nothing like his name.
i've got a poaster in my car window, people look but for me no calls yet , well see what happands!!
second day of half term, mums and dads might be getting sick of their children or r3ealize that without school they actually have to takecare of them. fingers crossed