Why should parents choose your service, CM'S

[MUM2BLESS]

I am really fussy about my kids and the care they receive. If I was looking for a C.M. I would look very carefully. Sometimes I see C.M. at work and I would definatley not choose them.

I like to think that I give 100% as a childminder myself caring for other peoples children.

We are in the climate where there is so much competition with other childminders.

Why do you think your parent choose your service? What perks do you offer?

I am hot on being on time
flexible
provide them with newsletters
keep my parents imformed using various methods

I want to keep improving and would love to hear about what other childminders are proving.

what reality said

also I keep my numbers low (only full one day a week)so that I don't have to spread myself so thinly

And the vertical age range works really well in my small setting - my own children (11 and 8) plus the mindees range from 6 to baby

I can see how much she learns there; lovely manners, good sharing skills etc. These are things that only come with time so not sure how you would promote them.

I don't think that it's about perks at all. It's about the parents feeling comfortable with the childminder. Some parents don't give a toss about the paperwork, menus in advance, newsletters, questionnaires etc ... they don't want all the hassle ... all they want is a happy child.
Saying that ... I do these ... but not to get the business but because we now have to ...

Thanks for your replies everyone.

Reality your setting sound like fun. You sound so caring. How long have you been childminding?

I don not charge parents who want term time only during the holiday time either. At present I only look after one child two days per week during the hols. This is great as I can relax and spend some time with my own kids.

What do you review every six months? contracts?

Boys.... you are wise in saying "I dont have to spread myself so thinly" have you learnt this through experience?

I do not think my parents choose me because of my perks. I look after my parents which include little perks. I think parents want to be able to have peace of mind that you will care for their children whilst they are away.

Some parents are not hot on EYFS but its part of what we are expected to do.

Thanks again everyone.

Any more comments will be appreciated

I operate a much smaller cm business as i prefer it that way. :) Which i find is better for me and the children and parents.

I offer newsletters
daily diaries
Pictures once a month
Trips to soft play, toddler groups, book bug sessions
Free play
Chance to help with cooking and cleaning (of their mess lol) and also help with gardening as we grow alot of fruit and veg
All home cooked meals from scratch
Meet other people with kids, go to soft play together, lunch, shops etc
Also i have quite an active role in the school near by, so mindees will often come with me to things on at school i.e burns day celebrations

And of course i am very caring, friendly and approachable (i have been told this, my head is not big lol) which always works in my favour WRT parents and children.