Is the current economic climate affecting childminders?

[KatyMac]

For better or for worse?

Does it depend upon area?

I have less children than I have ever had.....even less tan my first year

So am I doing something wrong?
Or is it a result of the economic climate?

Any thoughts?

The child minder I work with is busier than ever (In Bristol) and has a waiting list until 2010!

But a good portion of hers are younger siblings if that makes sense? So I think it's a combination of good luck and the area not being that badly affected (yet?).

Sorry to hear you are struggling KatyMac, just stay positive I guess? x

I thought either

1. more people going out to work meaning more childcare needed; or
2. more people going on to benefits so less childcare needed

I wasn't sure which would prevale - but currently the second is more visible

Not yet.

CMs are like hen's teeth around here, I am full. (SW ENgland, v rural area)

Katy, have a think about doing a SWOT analysis

(hark at me)

Think about

Strengths - could be your
experience/qualifications/setting

Weaknesses - unable to offer shift work/late finishes, that sort of thing

Opportunities - using your training notes/network CMs for sounding board/exploring a gap in the market

Threats - cheaper rates locally/nursery nearby/new after school club

How can you turn things around?

Advertising blitz/talk to PN group at HVs office?

I do hope you don't think I am being patronising.

Not at all BALD

Strengths
Food - quality/variety
Team - less sickness/holidays more opportunities/working together

Weaknesses
Cost - relatively high
Opening - 7:30-6 (not negotiable - well I could open at 7 & have when asked)
Need to earn to keep paying wages

Opportunities - don't know maybe
over-night?

Threats
New children's centre
disgruntled parent (there was one last year)
Other C/Mers not liking our set-up
OFSTED

Not sure where I can go with this - but I'll add to it if I can

Now look again at your list and focus on the good bits -

THAT is where you pitch your advertising at.

So -

Unique set up
Food
Team

can you see where I am going with this?

mine wants to put up her rates by £2.50 a day from september. so perhaps some are being affected differently than others

BALD - have you got my email or have I got yours?

I can send you my brochure & you can critic (should there be an accent in there or is it spelt differently)it

Fishie 2.50 a day is a lot - 25p an hour?

When did she last put them up?

Katy it is

j u p o w e l l a t h o t m a i l d o t c o m

Relace the a t with @

Fingers crossed it works

katymac I know you think your local area needs you to register as a foster carer to look after kids with special needs but you really don't if the parents are paying you with direct payments. (It's nothing to do with social services then- the parents can employ who they like). I'd put some adverts up in the local child development centre. Once word gets out that you take children with SN you will be overrun. I get direct payments and my biggest problem is finding someone willling to take ds1. Even before getting direct payments that was a my biggest problem.

Got email, will have a squizz

Thanks Jimjams - I will see if I can find a child development centre

I have found a tentative contact with the SS children with disabilities team - which I am following up atm

Thanks BALD - is it spelt 'critique'?

currently £35 a day without evening meal, £40 with (inc 45mins later stay)
8.30-5.30 or 6.15, every other friday off. ds is 3.3 so not at school for another year.
london (of course)

I think you're not doing too badly tbh

I am in rural Norfolk & I would charge £40 for that

The rise takes it above what I charge but I'm not in London but I agree it's a lot in one jump

Critique is correct

have emailed you, Katy

thank you katymac, sorry to hijack your thread but would like to ask you and other cms...

i am hoping to negotiate that if we pay the extra she will do the other two (three) days till 6.15 + grub as well, do you think that is taking piss? it actually causes probs for her when ds goes at 5.30 because she has to feed the others (older) then in order to get them out so she is seeing ds off, serving up etc.

So you will pay 42.50 for all three days?

Instead of 37.50 for 1 & 42.50 for 2 ?

Or have I misunderstood?

Thanks BALD - I will get there - other people jobs depend upon me

I may go & get a Tescos job

it currently averages 167.50 a week (av 4.5days) with 2.5 days unfed, will be going to 179 and i am proposing she does all fed.

You can ask but don't be surprised if she says no

Fishie, if you are in London you are getting a great deal. I charge £60 per day inc meals and thats normal around here.

LS

Sorry for hijack Katy

Very quiet on the enquiry front but that could jsut be one of those phases anyway?

front page news today they are closing schools near me as there are over 2000 places not being used it must be a low birth rate the last yr or so

I think it is in that people are desperately trying to cut their outgoings, and IME (esp in my area), childcare bills get cut before other 'optional extra/lifestyle' bills. For example by relying on friends, other parents at school, relatives, or NON REGISTERED child care.

Hope business picks up for you soon katymac.