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Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

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Original poster

Childcare.co.uk recommended?

6 replies

Sunrise888 · 20/04/2018 13:41

I'm not sure how to go about finding a childminder, bit one of my friends recommended this site. It is £25 per month - is it widely used amongst childminders?

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GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat · 20/04/2018 13:49

Yes but first of make a free profile and see if anyone contacts you, or message those who already have gold membership. It only takes one of you to have it to start a conversation.

Other points: ask your LA early years dept for a list of already the cms in the area.

Ask on fb local page for recommendations.

Ask friends /school/ preschool if they can suggest anyone.

Original poster

Sunrise888 · 20/04/2018 14:22

Thanks! I have a free profile, and have been contacted (in one case multiple times by the same person) by a few people. Trying Facebook now. I did try our city council list of cms, but out of 5 I contacted, only 1 actually got back to me.

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jannier · 21/04/2018 10:30

If you have a profile make sure you put on some details...age of child, hours needed, any area preferences, school pick up if needed so many people just say looking for childminder etc. and don't say anything else. I never bother replying to them as likely hood they are not a fit to what I have spaces for or are not serious. Have a look through the search facility as you can often see links to websites and phone numbers.

Original poster

Sunrise888 · 21/04/2018 13:01

Thanks @jannier for the tips. I'll add more details. It's a bit difficult to know what to put on because we know our ideal preferences for location and hours limits us severely, but we are very willing to expand our search area and change the hours if we really love the childminder. Is it better to call /message directly or to message through the website? Can I also call during the weekend or should I wait until their working hours?

OP posts:

GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat · 21/04/2018 13:03

So you could just add ‘but flexible for the right person’.

I’d probably prefer a text or email out of hours and then if I can help, arrange a mutually convenient time to talk.

jannier · 22/04/2018 09:12

If they have given a phone number or details I would message directly and have a chat. When to contact is a bit difficult as you need to avoid times like school runs and meals I find around 1.30 tends to be good but if it isn't I take info and call back. I'm happy to have phone calls at weekends but you could just ask if its convenient.
As ratios dictate how many spaces a cm has some detail is needed on ages and hours, but you can say stuff like several areas, I work in x and live in y so along the route,

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