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Paid childcare

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

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Original poster

Childminders club: Do you get enquiries and then silence?

20 replies

Tan1959 · 30/09/2005 16:59

Hi All

I have posted a few times and lurk when I have time! I have been advertising my vacancies (through various channels) for quite sometime now and either have no responses at all or a spate of enquiries then 'silence'. Is it something I am doing or saying or not as the case may be? After initial enquiries have been made, I really had hoped for a follow up or some feedback on initial enquiry; eg I would like to have known if fees not affordable etc., I just really dislike the uncertainty of not knowing. I just don't know what it is that I am doing that perhaps discourages parents from wanting to visit my setting to see what I can offer. Has anyone else had this and feel the same?

Katymac - although my situation differs from yours, I can really understand how paranoia can start to creep in! good luck with your situation.

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

katymac · 30/09/2005 17:01

Yes - I now specifically ask that if they choose not to use me, please could they let me know

I also ask if there is anything about the service I offer which particularily put them off

I never used to do this, but now I always get a phone number

Thank you so much for your sympathy....I'm not really paranoid - eveyone is out to get me

Original poster

Tan1959 · 30/09/2005 17:06

Oh don't make me laugh - I just don't feel like it today

OP posts:

Original poster

Tan1959 · 30/09/2005 17:13

I also meant to add that I don't seem to be able to get past the initial enquiry stage - even when an initial enquiry is made as to whether vacancy is available, no details are requested at time of conversation - then silence. I did get a phone number but but feel a bit reluctant to call as I do not want her to feel I am harrassing her or desperate

OP posts:

ThePrisoner · 30/09/2005 18:55

Could you ring and ask if she is likely to want to come and see you as you've had another enquiry?

Original poster

Tan1959 · 30/09/2005 19:32

Yes, I think I will do that

OP posts:

katymac · 30/09/2005 20:45

Good Luck
x

charliecat · 30/09/2005 20:47

Can you not invite them round to see you and your house on the first phone call? Or take thier number and follow it up?

katymac · 30/09/2005 21:14

That's what I do - invite them round to the house straight away. And I (evily) say "if a c/mer doesn't want you to come round straight away....is there a reason why?" which is totally mean of me

FeelingOld · 30/09/2005 21:31

I have also found that if you do not 'invite' them to come and see you and set a date for a visit when they make an enquiry you rarely hear again from them. Maybe they feel that if you do not ask them then you do not want them to come (I don't know for sure, just a guess).
It's really hard isn't it not to appear desperate or pushy.
Do you show them your portfolio containing your certificates, policies etc and give them space to read it whilst you make coffee or play with the child?
I have had lots of phone enquiries which haven't come to anything but only once have parents visited and not used me (used a family member instead), but I can imagine you would feel worried if it has happened a few times.
Good luck.

katymac · 30/09/2005 21:43

It is really hard not to appear desperate

Today I made the big mistake (I think) of not playing with the child enough - whilst talking to the Mum

It's so difficult to balance it - provide the mum with info, play with existing children, pay attention to new child (also make cup of tea, get the luch on, change nappies, answer phone etc)

I hate interviewing/being interviewed....I'm not even sure who interviews who(iyswim)

ThePrisoner · 30/09/2005 23:41

When I first registered, I felt that I was being interviewed. Now I'm old and grey, I think that I now interview them! Most of that is probably because I'm more confident - of telling them about myself, how I work, my daily routine etc. as many parents don't know what to ask.

The "anonymous" callers seem to be non-existant now anyway, as most of my work is through local groups, word of mouth etc.

I would definitely suggest saying that parents could come round "just for a chat".

Original poster

Tan1959 · 30/09/2005 23:46

Yes, I always invite parents around when phone contact is first made, in fact I much prefer parents to visit so I can show what I can offer rather than going through it all over the phone! I have only had one parent who visited with her baby decide not to use me, I am not sure why though but she did comment on how well I interacted with my current mindee; I did want to telephone and ask for some feedback but wasn't sure what she would think of that and didn't want to make her feel awkward - I would obviously prefer to know why as perhaps it could be something I could change or if fees were unaffordable, perhaps I could lower them slightly. The three current mindees I have, one 4 days pw and the other two part-timers told me straight away before they left that they would love their child to take the place. So my problem is actually getting parents through the door iyswim. One mum called me recently, seemed very rushed, asked if I had full time place and said she would call back this week but didn't so I didn't even get the chance to invite her around. I have also found that if I have responded on email, I just do not get a response back. I am also wondering whether there is anything in my adverts that put people off from responding in the first place. I really just don't know, maybe I am just very unlucky. Thanks for your views and advice.

OP posts:

Original poster

Tan1959 · 30/09/2005 23:53

ThePrisoner: Old and grey like me eh?! I have recently applied to join our local Childminders Network and have had my initial first visit - once I have furthered my qualifications, hopefully will be accepted as a full member as opposed to an associate member and perhaps be able to get work through this group.

I think I will also ask my current mindees mum (the one is a mumsnet user) to put a good word in for me (maybe on here) - she did offer some time ago anyway - so maybe that will help.

OP posts:

katymac · 01/10/2005 08:39

Tan, we all go thro' dry spells I had no calls for nearly 9 months. The in the last 6m I've had 9 calls -couldn't do 1, two weren't interested and I took the other 6 on.

Then in the last 10 days I have had enquiries for 6 children - it's a bit mind blowing

If you're worried why not CAT me and i' send you my posters - I'm sure you will see how similar they are to yours

Good Luck

ThePrisoner · 01/10/2005 23:15

I'm already on Childminders Network, as are many of my minding friends, and we haven't had any work because of it. Not sure why, but we've got a meeting soon so perhaps we'll find out! In theory, networks sound good (just not sure if any parents know about them!!)

katymac · 02/10/2005 07:01

I've had three children from my network this last week.......but they are the first for ages

traceys · 02/10/2005 09:12

Hi i'm also in the network but have not had any work from it or any calls from the CIS for quite a while. My last 3 mindees have all been through internet advertising and links back to my website
Tan1959 do you have a website?

HellyBelly · 02/10/2005 09:48

agree most of mine through my website!!

Original poster

Tan1959 · 03/10/2005 11:38

No, I don't have a website yet but hope to be in a position soon to start thinking about one....

OP posts:

babydales · 05/10/2005 15:14

Do you advertise on your CIS website. If you do keep making changes to it, however samll as each time you do it moves you to the top of the list. Have you thought about offering something different to catch prospective parents eyes, eg, shift work, weekends, spanish for kids, baby signing. Advertise in the local hospital, ask at the local college for anyone wanting childcare whilst they study, the police force are always after minders who can offer shift work. Offer emergency cover, for hospital appts or doctors or even xmas shopping trips. Put a poster in the window of your car telling people to ask driver for details. Once you become established you will be turning work away. Good Luck.

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