Please help me make a decsion

[SHOSHAlee]

I have a space available form April. I had a call two weeks ago, family came with a 2 year old. looked around and said they wanted the space, but weren't sure what date mum was going back to work, she would be finding out the next day and would ring me.

No phone call.

I rang after a few more days, Oh yes we still want the space, but don't know when yet still will be finding out in the next few days. OK but can you sign contracts please.

Phoned on Monday, do they want a settling in time, Yes but how much does it cost, explained that I don't charge for settling in, and did she know start date yet.

Still didn't know but she would bring him on Monday for settling session. Still no sign of contracts.

Family have a older child who I cant take gave her a number of a fellow CM i work with a lot as then children will be together at holiday times, parents booked appointment to see but didn't turn up, turns out they found somebody cheaper. Their descion but didn't even let my friend know.

I have now had a phone call from somebody else who desperately wants the place, would sign contracts tomorrow if she could (recommended by a past client)

I have said the space is gone but am now wondering, 1st family did seem to think I was expensive ( about normal around here is some cheaper but they charge for outings and lunch, I pay for everything but nappies)

What do I do, just not sure that 1st family is going to be very reliable. They have now had contracts for two weeks, I have had to phone them about settling in and I still don't know start date.

This is your livlihood - phone the first people, tell them you need the contracts signed and back to you by xpm today. If not, then give to the new one?

That is what I feel inclined to do but do know that I have the only available space around at the mo and feel I will let them down,

That isn't your problem - they could have had the space 2 weeks ago.

shosha,i would do exactly as flamey says, phone the first lot of parents and tell them they have to do contracts or the place will go to the others. its not fair on you,this is your buisness! for you.

I know I have to do it, hate having to phone people like this.

In the past I have made the mistake of telling someone the space had gone before the first person had signed contract/paid deposit. Then I discovered the first person & I had a different recollection of which days had been asked for so I could have offered a place to the second after all! So now its first to pay gets the place.

So now when people visit I tell them that I am not holding a place for them yet, and will continue to see other people. I tell them & I've put in my handbook that a place is not reserved until their deposit fee clears to my account and permission forms and contract have been signed & returned.

i feel the first woman will/could let you down as she obv isnt botherd how inconsiderate of you and your business she is being, she should be ringing you to explain not other way round.
i would tell second family to come round and sign up, i know i would feel too, but if this mother hasnt botherd keping you informed, then its not up to you to chase her..second family sound eager and secure, go wih them

oh, and if she didnt bother turning up for your friend and has already found someone cheaper for other child, she may have already got someone for second one, she sounds selfish and underhand

I had a similar problem to this in September/October last year when I had to chase someone to sign contracts. Did sign eventually and children came to me. However, mum has just handed in her notice at work and I have two spaces to fill (one just before/after school though). Annoying part is that last October I did also have someone else wanting spaces but felt I had to let this mum have them as she had seen me first. Also had stated she was a career person and wouldn't be leaving work; older child also attending same school as mine.

I do think it does not bode well when we have to chase people, even before they start and should it happen again I would let the first person to sign contracts have the place.

Hope I haven't rambled too much but this is still very fresh in my mind-luckily I have filled one space-have a baby starting in June, but it is so unsettling-although I do realise it is the nature of our work.

managed to get hold of the father from the 1st family who has sid will tll wife to bring contracts roung signed so we will see

ooppsssss typos!

shosha..do you have a form for parent referneces?

No sweetie parnts have just written letters, what about asking current parents to write you something.

mine have Ive had some alongtime and got the one I have had since ababy to write one about what she thought of my care throughtout the stages 6m - 4years.

were you calling me sweetie pants there????

no PARENTS aww you know what my typing is like and its getting worse, really really must buy a new keyboard all the letter have worn off this one

LOL..thought..and you dont like me saying chick!

just teasing Easter Chick

good name that!..dont know if a name change is required..sick of explaining to peeps who i am/was, but also get mistaken for other mnetters!

Def Easter Chick then after MotherChick

can i be strawberry easter chick???..sounds daft doesnt it!

StrawberryCentreEasterCHICK

couldnt get easter chick, apparently its taken???!!..whadya think??