is childminding for me? ? ?

[boppetybop]

Hi Mn-ers

Just feeling abit down at the moment, Mindees are leaving next week and I haven't got any other mindees lined up, I have only been minding for 3 mmonths. I have had calls but when they are supposed to come round, they dont turn up, I get no phone call or nothing.
Had a call for a child to start in January, if she wants the place, seems such along time to wait.

Is it too late now to get any calls?

Am just starting out on the path to becoming a registered childminder, so no experience to back this up...

How are you advertising your availability? Are there more ways you could get word round that you have spaces free?

Why are your current mindees leaving (if you don't mind me asking) and don't forget to ask for a reference so that you've got something to show other parents.

Has the January starter been to see you and confirmed the place? If so then have you got a retainer fee/deposit in place?

hi Flisspaps

I am advertising on childcare.co.uk gumtree, posters up in schools/nurseries etc

they are going to school and don't need after school care.yes I need to ask parent for reference.

No January starter is coming round today, im not sure what to do about retainer/deposit as everytime ive mentioned a retainer the parents get up and leave.

Have you tried putting something up on the Mumsnet Local section for your area too? Every little helps (like the supermarket says!)

Surprised at people walking out at the mention of a retainer/deposit, I would have thought it was fairly common sense to think that a CM would request one be paid!

that's what I thought aswell but obviously some parents would like the place held for free.

I have put in the local section but not many people log in to it.

How many places do you have? May be worth not charging a retainer, until it's the last place available.

Nick I will have 2 spaces as of the 18th September

Hi boppytybob dont give up!!!!!!

I have been childminding two years now. An idea would be to join a childminding group. You can get to know the other childminders in the area.

If I cannot take on someone I will recommend another childminder. Some childminders will not do that.

Also advertise within your children centre.

Have you got any children of your own, maybe attend mother and toddlers etc. Introduce yourself to the parents.

ALL THE BEST [SMILE]

So would it be worth not charging a retainer, but getting them to sign contract... so they secure the place for January?

I know it's a risk... but if they are keen to proceed then is it a risk worth taking?

Thanks MUM2BLESS yes I do have children of my own, I have advertised in schools aswell, I am abit weary of going to childminder network meetings, as I am a very shy person and don't feel comfortable in groups.

Nick- I will try and speak with parents about retainer if they are not happy with it then I will not take, and you are very true in what you are saying just have to take a risk.

Maybe a non-refundable deposit to secure the place, and making it clear that payment for January is due on 1st Jan (or whatever your usual policy is for payments).

I'm not too sure how much to charge for a non-refundable deposit. I need to have a long think about it, considering it is a few months away.

Boppety - I know what you mean about not feeling comfortable in groups, I don't like going to new places either but when you have children it's so much easier, everyone who is at these groups will have one thing in common - children. I go to the Children's Centre 3 times a week and I don't think I've had a single conversation that hasn't involved something to do with children, so it's really very easy to get used to it and you never have to offer a great deal of personal information or go particularly deeply.

I know social situations can be very difficult when you're shy but to be honest toddler groups and children's centres are an excellent way to slowly become initiated to a group, you should try it and the kids will love you for it. It also has lots of EYFS benefits and I get loads of referrals from the staff at my local Children's Centre, it's a God send.

thank you Lollipop, you have made it sound so easy

I will try and pop in tomorrow.

Thanks

Do try to go to a group, don't think of it as making friends but of networking, selling your service to others.If you make friends then thats a big bonus.
Its also a selling point for parents if they know you socialise their children, thats often one reason they send children to a childminder as they haven't got the time to do it.
Where abouts are you perhaps you could arrange to meet someone at the group or take a friend with you.
Good luck x

I finally got the courage to go to a playgroup this morning I got there and it was closed, it reopens on 13th Sept.

You can go to childminding groups even when you don't have a child in tow. Just make yourself known and help out in the kitchen.
Hope you get to go to the group on the 13th.

Good luck with it all boppetybop!

You sound like a lovely person, you've just got to perservere and be willing to grab any opportunity that presents itself. Can you put up a card in the local GP surgery? Local cafes? Advertise on the internet? Local paper?

I'm sure once you've got one or two children to look after your confidence will come back and you'll be fine!

Julie

How old are you children boppeybop? I find that some parents will come up to me in the yard as they see me with the kids, my own and the minded children.

If you want to attend groups maybe arrive earlier than the start time so that when people arrive you are already there. A bit easier than walking into a room full of people.

I find that as a childminder it helps to chat to other childminders as you can get advice etc.

I attend a childminding group at the children's centre, networking meetings, toy library with stay and play and my local library etc. I like to know whats happening.

All the best

How did you get ib at the geoup boppetybop?

How did you get on at the group boppetybop? rather! DD on lap...

hi I didn't go today as I don't have mindees until tomorrow, so I will go tomorrow.

Hi,
Ive been reading what everyone has to say on this, I am just about to start application and start my courses next month!
One of my main worries is finding the work once completed, ive looked into all ways of advertising, but still worries me at the thought of being out of work.Can this happen often in childminding????