CM Where to advertise, what insurance - lots of questions!

[kaj32]

Well I've just had my pre-reg visit. It went really well and I should have my certificate in a few weeks. I have a few questions for you wonderful childminders if you don't mind.

Where would you advertise? I have one child lined up one day per week but obviously need more.

Where would you say was the best place to get start up docs and insurance? Is NCMA better than MM or vice versa?

When do I get in touch with Inland Revenue about setting up as a business?

Do I need a business name?

So much to think about, argh!!

Thanks for your help

You will automatically go on the council list when your ofsted reg comes through, this gets given to any parents who enquire. Add yourself on childcare.co.uk and some advertise on gumtree. Most children come word off mouth when visiting toddler groups and children centres, get yourself about so people can see you working with children is the best advert.

I presume you have completed all the first aid etc and have your crb a you will be up and running in a few weeks. I started with ncma as I likes the accident book and contracts as they are easy but mm are suppossed to be just as good.

As soon as you get your certificate then you can tell hmrc that you are self employed, but you can do it now so you can start keeping receipts etc from your start up costs. Its a good time to start as it coincides with the tax year.

You can call yourself a fancy name if you like,its your business do what you like.

lots of info on here,childminding forum and others just google for any info you need. good luck x

dreadful spelling etc. sorry

I'm with NCMA now but when the renewal time comes (which will be soon) I'll switch to MM. The reason is I can write my own contracts and I'm not obliged to provide childcare if the parent doesn't pay (with NCMA you must provide childcare even if the don't pay ... otherwise you're in breach of a contract).

You have 3 months from the moment when you start working to let inland revenue know about it.

You don't have to have a business name ... but some childminders do.

As to advertising ... try yellowpages, tomsonlocal, childcare.co.uk, google places, local corner shop, surestart centre, playgroups, get one of those magnets you can put on your house, get some business cards and leave some at local schools, get a website, make friends with local minders ... they often pass enquiries on if they can't do them themselves .... that's all I can think of.

lol @ 'get one of those magnets you can put on your house'
I meant on your car ... don't know what I was thinking ...