Childminder club: Am I mad?

[Isyhan]

Im not yet registered as cant start until my kitchen extension sorted. I got a call yesterday from a desperate lady but because im at least 4 months off being registered i passed her on to quite a big childminding business down the road. i really felt for her. This is now second time Ive done that. I cant decide if this is a sensible thing to keep doing or if it makes bad business sense after all you wouldnt get a builder doing that would you?

I do this a lot. I only mind part time and I get a lot of calls that I pass on to other childminders I know. It helps the parents and the minders too. TBH in your position I'd pass them on until your kitchen is sorted and more importantly you are registered.

Wouldn't a builder recommend someone too if he couldn't help you?

(I hope we have a better reputation than your average builder)

I do it all the time and I think it's good to be helpful. You wouldn't get that business anyway but you've been helpful so I'm sure that helps reputation wise? Not sure what everyone else does though.

Yes, I give out other cms details.

It can bring in work if the other cms return the favour by giving out your details when they get enquiries they can't take on.

I also suggest people hang on to my number/email and contact me if their cm goes on holiday/is sick etc as I may have space at that time.

If someone rings but I don't have a vacancy, I always ask the parents for their telephone number "just in case" because you never know whether you might suddenly get a space anyway.