Prospective CM- better to phone in evenings/ weekends, or working hours?

[birdssuddenlyappear]

I'm phoning CM s on the council list to find out if they have space and arrange a visit.

Is it preferred to phone during working hours or during evenings/ weekends?

Not sure whether it is rude to interrupt their dinner/ day off, or annoying to interrupt them whilst they are minding.

Some haven't answered their phone on several occasions and have no voicemail, so I am calling multiple times!

What do you prefer?

Can you text, v briefly explain what you need and ask then to call you back at their earliest convenience

I get missed calls all the time during the working day, whether I am driving, feeding, changing a nappy or whatever. It wouldn't bother me if people phoned later, as long as it wasn't late - though having said that, I am often out at scouts, swimming or suchlike in the evenings. I think it's worth trying to phone, but if you have no luck then send a text or an email with your contact details, but I'd also suggest saying when would be a good time to get hold of you, and say what it is you are looking for (how many children, what ages, days/hours, which school if pickup required.

I agree. Text or email if possible. Otherwise keep phoning. We often have our hands full and can't answer the phone (but I do have voicemail).

I would prefer you to phone when I am working. If it is inconvenient to talk, I will say this and give you a better time to phone back, or take your number and get back to you later in the day.

If you phone in the evening, I am more likely to be either out or trying to put my own children to bed or give them tea, do homework etc.

I'd say working hours although I much prefer a text or email with the child's age, days of the week and times needed. Then I can either fire back a quick reply saying I don't have a space or call back at a convenient time if it's something I'm interested in. I hate voicemails because it's far more of a hassle to scrabble around for a pen and call back just to say I have no space.

Another vote for email or text with basic details. Too busy during the day for in depth chats - small people not very accommodating! I don't have an answer phone but will answer email etc during naps or after work.

I don't mind-you can always leave a message on the answerphone for them to call back.