Important question for all parents

[Suzycb]

I'm a childminder and been finding it a bit of a challenge filling my spaces at the moment. Can I ask what are you looking for when you meet a childminder in her home first time? I never hear from parents again even when they say will call, so I'm unable to make necessary changes/adjustments within my setting. At this rate very soon I'm going to find something else which is a shame because I enjoy my job, qualified in childcare and done endless of several relevant training after 10 years experience and it doesn't appear to matter.

I know it is very hard when you give up your time to interview parents especially if it is at the weekend, and then you don't hear anything back.
I would prefer a simple thank you for your time, but we have made other arrangements, than nothing.

i recently spent 3 hours with a couple and baby on a Saturday and the mum was very keen, talking deposits etc, desperate for a place, requested references which are excellent, verbal ones too, so could get a feel from ex -parents, and then nothing.

I emailed and said could I have some feedback, but no reply and I know she is still advertising on childcare.co.uk

Childminders accept that families look at more than one childminder and it is personal choice, but politeness and courtesy cost nothing.
I have as my name says ben minding a long time, and still find it a little disappointing and upsetting, but then if they can't be polite, do you want them as a client?

Good luck, there are great families out there, it may take a while, but wit for the right family, I 'd rather wait a while, seeing several families than take on the wrong family.

tidiness, attentiveness, warm patient manner with the children.

I suppose I was looking for a clean well kept environment, outside space for children, a warm manner, someone who wasn't overbearing that I thought I could get on with, someone whose fees were not excessive, someone who had a down to earth approach. I think tbh if everything in the environment is fine it might just be that they didn't click with you or maybe that you are more expensive?

Place looks clean and tidy but child friendly, not sterile
CM is welcoming, shows an interest in my kids
Able to talk about what they'd do, routines etc, suitable toys
Outside space a bonus
Smoking is a big no, no for me, also excessive TV and scary pets (don't mind small, well trained dog but slavering Rottweilers put me off)

I am a cm and I have a cm friend who struggles to fill her spaces, I have spoken to several parents about why they didn't use her they have all said she comes across as lacking in confidence and they didn't feel shewould cope in an emergency or with behaviour issues etc. its actually completely untrue, she is great with the kids she is just shy with adults until she gets to know someone. she does lots of activities but doesn't say much when parents view so they don't know. not saying this is your issue of course but could it be similar, something you are saying is putting them off. could you get a friend to do a mock interview pretend to show them round and get feedback, feels bit silly but I was in same position when I first started I don't think I was coming across professional enough, I changed the way I do first visits and filled up quickly.