childminder and still no children

[c4erryb10ss0m]

i dont know what else i can do!
ive been a childminder for 2 months and i still have no
children :-(
i thought i would have gotten loads of calls by now because
i've advertised all round my local school, shops and websites, and have had like
3 calls in 2 months.
were am i going wrong??
i fee like giving up
help any1 please

Maybe you're not going wrong? Do you know what the demand for childcare is in your area? Are other local childminders/nurseries etc full?

What did the 3 calls you got want? Did they visit you? Did they give any feedback?

Are you in an area with a lot of competition? How are you different to the competition?

Do you have young children of your own, perhaps you could visit lots of different toddler groups, get chatting to people. Visit the children centres, if you haven't any children at home with you try volunteering to help at groups, run an activity at a toddler group. Find where the other childminders go, do they have a group, visit them and ask for any suggestions, they may pass you some work when they get to know them.

Why didn't you take on the 3 enquiries??

Spotted an error on your childcare.co.uk listing - CBR, what's that?

Consider rewriting the About Me section - you don't need to give your age, as that system shows it based on your profile. Use capital letters at starts of sentences, for I. If you can, increase spacing between paragraphs.

Don't go into quite so much detail on things that change... so don't say a month without giving a year. Compress the amount of information you are giving, so that it highlights better the key points such as the schools you collect from (which you do list), what you provide within the fee, mention that you have a garden but also take to local parks.

I is used a lot. Try to avoid it where possible by listing things and by using phrases such as "Your child will" or something else to make the reader feel involved, not being lectured at.

Your current tags:Evening Babysitter, Weekend Babysitter, Daytime Babysitter, Childcare Qualifications, Ofsted Registered, CRB Check, First Aid Training

Edit the tags so that it lists the services actually provided - Registered Childminder, Childminder ... check to see what options the system lets you use.

Do this sort of modifying of ads for all places you advertise, so that the focus is on Childminding rather than other things.

Does doing Cubs mean you can't childmind as late one evening a week? It's the first question that popped into my head when I read that you did Cubs.

Are you going to Childminder Support Groups? Looks like there are several in your area. Hillingdon.gov.uk Childminder Support Groups

I recently bumped into my DD2's old childminder last December. She has given it up because, probably due to the recession, the work just dried up. For you, this means it's probably down to nothing sinister or personal. The advice from Nannynick is good stuff - implement it asap. Just get the basics right and you can discuss finer details once you have some prospective customers. I have used nannies, childminders and nurseries in the past few years. The best thing you can offer is competent care and flexibility. Parents have to see that the child will be their priority. Have you contacted your local childminding network? There is usually one doing the rounds which is separate to the official childrens centre/Sure Start type places. That's how I found mine and she was great. Good luck.

me and my friend cm have always been very full and have a great network to pass on parents to other cm in the area but in the last 4 weeks we have lost 6 children in total between us due to money worries from parents grandparents now make up alot of young childrens childcare

Hi,

I am (nearly) a CM (Just waiting for Ofsted to to stop dragging their feet and come and do my inspection).

I have registered on childcare.co.uk already. I paid the 3 months subscription fee of £20 and sent message to every parent who has logged on this year in my local area to ask if they are still looking for childcare and if I might be able to help them once I am registered.

I have messaged about 30-35 different people (not too difficult - just copied and pasted my message with slight changes depending on their requirements) and in the last 3 weeks I have recieved about 10 replies. Some of them I can't help (i.e. I don't do a pick up from the school they need etc.) and others have already found childcare but have said they will keep hold of my details.

Of these, I have met with 2 of the families and have work lined up with them and have arranged to meet with 2 more. Another person doesn't actually need care until 2012 but is keen to come and meet with me also.

I also e-mailed all other childminders in the area and asked them if they have any enquiries which they can't help with to pass on my details. Ok, I haven't had any leads from this yet as they might have spaces to fill themselves.

I know it is really difficult for a lot of childminders at the moment. It may just be that there isn't much of a need in your area. My council told me there wasn't a need in my area but luckily I have found it to be a different story. Just to get some work in - I am offering extremely competitive pricing and I am prepeared to work occasinal evenings and weekends. Try to think of something you can offer which other childminders in your area don't and shout about it!

I hope you start to get some enquiries coming in soon, but don't be afraid of being cheeky! You will have to put yourself out there - don't expect people to come to you. Hope it works out and things start to pick up really soon.

I'm going to be completely honest.

I think you should do everything NannyNick said. As it is, I would skip over your profile (sorry) because it isn't clear and doesn't read clearly and professionally.

If you make NN's changes, it will be much more attractive to parents seeking childcare.

I looked for clear, professionally presented information. My cm is very professional, very caring, nurturing and flexible - perfect! There are never any issues as we have open communication and she emails a fantastic daily diary each day :)

Can you offer something others dont like covering shift workers - I know our childminder offers care from 7am til 10pm although she only has 1 little girl who comes twice a week for those hrs (her mum is a midwife).

Could you offer weekends as well

Have you contacted parents looking for childcare on childcare.co.uk

Is your rate competitive for the area - if you are including food could you reduce rate and not include food?

Great advice nannynick.

OP, the only other thing I didn't see mentioned was pal up with other CMs who might pass your details to potential clients who contact them who they cannot help.

Hi C4erryB.

Nick has some good suggestions. I have had a quick look at your profile too, as a parent.

The aspects I liked were when you talked about children enjoying your setting and keeping up regular communication with parents. Maybe a bit more detail on your menus would be useful?

However, I think you should change your profile picture. Please do not take offence, but the current picture looks a bit 'boozy'/'out for the night' and possibly makes you look a bit less mature than you really are. I do not really want that as the first impression of my childminder. How about a shot taken in a park or other child friendly setting? Wear a plain top or shirt to present a neutral look.

Best wishes.