Childminders... how do you find out about special CM offers

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I need a word from the wise! How do you childminders find out which local attractions, places of interest etc offer special deals for childminders?

My work involves marketing for a number of soft play centres and I need to find out the most cost effective way of getting out a message.

Should I be speaking to Sure Start centres or are there publications you get through your doors?

Sorry to be cheeky but I figure if anyone can point me in the right direction it would be childminding mumsnetters.

hi have you tryed sure start out reach workers as they go out into the community /childminders groups for more in fo ring your local family hub or day care support might be able to help and ask for the local child minder cordinator hope this helps ....normally word of mouth

Mainly by asking at each place we go, lots dont, but when we say we would come back regularly on their quiet days they usually will give a discount.

(Plus I am necky and will usually talk them round)

Asking at the venue, seeing a small sign at the venue.

Often I can't get the discount as I'm a nanny - but the really nice places do give me discount as they know I visit with childminders, so hardly fair they get discount and I don't.

Thanks for the replies. Sounds like I'm not missing anything designed for this purpose at least! I am now contacting all the Sure Start centres and trying to get small posters put up. Fingers crossed.

You could also contact your early childhood service (Local council, usually part of Education Dept). Ours send out an ad hoc newsletter to childminders and sometimes include information about local offers in that. They also send out a more glossy termly magazine that includes advertorials with offers in but I imagine they charge the advertisers for this.