Help please I'm panicking!

[mummykench]

Sorry, slightly over-reacting there! I'm just starting out as a CM and have a couple of first meetings this week and I'm starting to realise I'm not really sure what I'm doing

Some quick questions:

1. Do I tell them I'm just starting? I think I'll have to as I haven't got my pack through from NCMA yet so can't show them a contract etc.

2. What do I show them? I've got all my policies written up but what else apart from them?

3. Do I tell them my fees and charges straight away or wait until I've decided to have them?

4. Would it be better if my son (15months) was there or wasn't?

5. When do I say I'm going to let them know? How do I phrase it? Is a week too long?

6. How long should an initial meeting last? I'm thinking about 20-30 min?

7. What length of time do you usually have as a trial period - 2 weeks? And do they sign the contract before the trial period or after?

(If you're still reading this, well done!)

Finally, is it standard to charge extra for meals? And if so, what's the going rate?

Sorry for all these questions. You don't have to answer all of them.

Jacqui x

Hi, i registered as a childminder in feb and before my first meeting with a parent, i was thinking the same things as you. Just try to be natural. I have now come to the conclusion that it is more about the type of person you are than all the written stuff etc. They will generally have questions they want to ask you, so just chat away!

I would tell them you are just starting out if they ask, but if they feel comfortable with you then it won't really matter.
I show prospective parents a folder with all my policies in it, but to be honest no-one has ever properly read them! The parent will generally ask how much you charge, unless they don't really mind. I have a mindee who we went through the whole settling in period before her mum asked how much i charged so she could pay me! Its up to you about your son, i tend to have my son there, it kind of breaks the ice and they can see how you communicate with children etc. As for meals, it depends what you are charging. I charge a higher than average fee per hour, so if a parent wanted meals i think i would only charge £1 extra a day as it would more than likely to be just lunch. No one has asked me to provide meals as of yet!

Good luck! Sorry its a bit long!

1. yes

2. show them any toys, art/craft materials you have, point out things like socket covers, safety gates. I usually say to parents 'there are a few forms to fill in containing information such as contact details, days and times of childcare, health information, etc' if we decide to go ahead. 3. I usually hand out my policies and fees to them to take away and read at home, as there is too much to go through at first meeting. 4. Better if your ds is there 6. As long as is comfortable, go with the flow. 7. I usually put 4week settling in period on contracts (have a section on ncma contracts for this).

I charge £1 for evening meal as have very low hourly rate in my area.

Don't worry too much, the fact you have meetings lined up is great, really fantastic, so try not to worry and just enjoy meeting new people. Oh and by the way - I think it's great that you realise you are also 'choosing' them, I didn't realise this at first!

MK would you like a copy of the folder I give to all new parents to look at, my email is [email protected] and dont panic

Sent MK

I usually give my parents a quick tour round the whole house. Purely so that they can get a feel for the whole property that their los are going to be in all day. I don't use upstairs at all (don't need to), but I still show them.