How long do you wait after meeting a potential new parent

[2anddone]

Hello
I had a lady visit me 2 weeks ago with the view of me looking after her child one day a week from September. The child is under 2. She told me she would let me know ASAP but also said she had looked at 5 other settings (a mix of childminders and nurseries).
I haven't heard anything but now have someone wanting a potential 3 days a week including the day she wanted my last space on.
What would you do? Would you message her and give first refusal or sign up new family who are asking for the space?
Thanks for any advice.

Sign up the new family. If she gets back in touch then unfortunately the space has gone.

Sign up the new family without a doubt. A space should only be held if contracts are signed and deposits paid.

I never message. I always say to them the space isn’t theirs until I receive a deposit.

Ok thank you for the advice

It's quite common for parents to visit a childminder and never get back to them. It's annoying but nothing personal. If she hasn't got back to you then you owe her nothing and should offer the place to someone who actually wants it.

Unless they’ve paid a deposit, you have to consider the place still available. You will lose so much business if you don’t. You can’t afford to hang around for people who may never come back to you.

If they really want you, they’ll pay a deposit.
They ought to sign a contract, too. Only then is the place truly guaranteed.

Hi, definitely sign up new family. If she hasn't paid a deposit you cannot keep the space open