I began the long process of becoming a CM this time last year.
I had lots of initial interest from friends/ acquaintances (I told people about my course on Facebook lots of positive interest and 5 people asked me to have their children)
Due to the length of time it took me to register and changes in circumstances for some parents nobody has signed up)
e.g.
- parent said I want you to have X but then Mum decided to stay part time.
- one Mum got fed up of waiting and her children started with another minder the day I got my Ofsted Certificate.
- Another lady started her child with a CM more local to her.
- One Mum said she wanted me for after school but found out work would give her extra hours.
- One parent has decided to continue using family whilst she can.
- Another one changed jobs.
- Another parent pulled her child out who was due to start last week because her course was pulled by the college. (the only one to come close to signing a contract)
So almost 3 months post registration I have no customers.
How long did it take you?
What did you do to promote yourself?
I feel close to packing it in as it feels like too much trouble for £3.50 /hour.
(I can't lower my price as I feel it is rock bottom any way for what a CM is expected to do now - it is the going rate in my area (an it includes all food & Drinks)
It doesn't help that a new Day Nursery has since opened on my street and in the last year 8 other CM have passed the LA pre-reg course.
I need some positive stories and inspiration.
I have a website, a Facebook Page, Poster up at school, registered with Early Years at LA, registered with google and yell etc, I have a sign up in my porch and magnets on my car.
The only thing I haven't done yet is a leaflet handout @schools/ baby clinics / put up round and about.