Childminders Club: Advice about Interview Techniques please

[HellyBelly]

Hi

I've had 2 mums round this week with babies and as I'm trying to fill part time spaces, hopefully I'll have more soon. I therefore need some advice as I'm not really happy with my meetings at the moment (well, I am and they are very nice but then I think 'oh, I should have mentioned xyz'.

Do you have a set way of doing them? So far I'm just being relaxed and letting them see my policies etc. brochure but they get one to take away too so I go through this at the pace the mum wants to. I also point out the certificates on the wall. I've had some who study the brochure well and others who seem more happy with choosing based on me rather than all the nitty gritty (does that make sense?).

What do you say at the end about them letting you know? So far I'm very casual and say to just get back to me when they are ready but in the meantime, I will call them if someone else wants their space.

Any advice would be great

I've started asking at the end how they would feel about leaving their child in my care. Gives them a chance to point out anything they're not entirely happy about. I then give them a deadline to contact me "Can you let me know what you've decided by Friday?"

I always encourage them to call/email if they think of anything they forgot to ask or if they want to come back again before they make their final decision (if they came when I had no mindies they might want to come back when I have mindies or if they came alone they might want to come back with hubbie/friend etc for second opinion).

Its so hard to plan as they are all so different. Some parents come armed with notebook & pages of questions, others just want to see if they like you or not.

I do things much the same as you helly, but try not to blind them with the pile of paperwork that we are duty-bound to show them. Some parents want to check everything (car insurance, public liability, 396 certificates ...) and others just want to know if you'll cuddle their baby and not leave them to cry.

I agree that letting things go at the pace the parents want is probably better, although I try to ensure that I tell them any salient facts - such as not charging for outings or bank holidays, and that I have two weeks off at Christmas which is definitely non negotiable! I also tell them how many other children I mind. I think it's important for parents of the under-fives to know that I collect children from school - not as something negative, but as something that they need to be aware of as there may be a (manageable) houseful on occasions. I also say that previous and current parents would happily chat to them about me.

I've got some NCMA brochures/leaflets which I give them to take home as many parents often don't know how childminders operate, as well as copies of my own personal information.

I do a monthly newsletter for parents which is generally very light-hearted, and includes information on our activities that month, including photos of the children. I tend to show this file to prospective parents to flick through as we talk (with permission from current parents to show photos of their children) as it gives a visual idea of the fun that we have.

I tend not to push for an answer on whether they would want me or not, but would ask that they let me know either way. I've always encouraged them to visit other childminders (albeit through gritted teeth) to get an idea of how different we all are, but really in the hope that they'll think I'm just wonderful. Which I am, of course (except for the two weeks off at Christmas).

I don't know about the NCMA website, but the Scottish CMA has a "questions to ask your childminder" section. I had a look at that and then based some statements round those questions, and i also got my dh to ask me the question and i gave answers to them . It helped me deal better with parents.

i think from what you've said its going quite well helly dont be too hard on yourself. i just wanted to say well done for working so hard and thank you for helping me too.

Thanks again

Theprisoner - that's what I've done so far, just told them to look at all their options as it's important they are happy with their decision and then tell them to get back to me when they are ready.

Lovemygirls - thanks for your comment, I can't remember how I've helped you but thanks. I love mumsnet and everyone has been so helpful to me! Nice to be able to return the favour once in a while

I've just had a call from the one who came on Monday, she's coming tomorrow to sign a contract for Tuesdays (and possibly add days later) so fingers crossed. I'm going to start a new thread for advice on the meeting as this one is a baby.