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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

CM top tips

6 replies

hazzajo · 06/10/2008 13:56

I'm new to cm started beginning of sept and currently have 6 part time children on the books. All going well I think so far but do have a couple of vacancies I'd like to fill. Anyway as the new girl I am asking what are your top tips for anything to do with cm? Are there any things you wish people had told you early on?

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

LunaFairy · 06/10/2008 15:29

On the business side of things, be organised and up to date with your paperwork. Keep and file your reciepts, and keep your accounts up to date.

This also goes for your attendance log, accident book, visitors book.

I know of many cm's who have written out their contracts incorrectly and its caused issues down the line i.e holiday, sickness, hours, payment of fees etc.

JenniPenni · 07/10/2008 09:12

Charge for settling in times, and be firm with parents re dropping off and picking up times from the start. I have learnt the hard way!

Paperwork is VERY important.

happyfaceschildcare · 07/10/2008 10:35

Always take payment in advance and if they don't give it to you don't have the kids, this sounds harsh but I've learnt the hard way I know it's not nice for the honest parents out there but unfortunately there doesn't seem to be any other way.
Word of mouth is the best way to fill your vacancies so get chatting be-freind everyone and ask your current mums if you can use them as references that always helps.

NumberFour · 07/10/2008 10:38

Make sure your parents know what your daily routine is so that there is no confusion! While you will have to take their children's needs into account, the parents should be aware that there are other children's needs that need to be considered too.

Original poster

hazzajo · 09/10/2008 13:34

Thanks for the tips. Any tips how how to help my own children adjust? Have 3 ds aged 9, 6 and 2??

OP posts:

LunaFairy · 09/10/2008 13:43

I would keep their bedrooms out of bounds to mindees. If your older children want to play with their toys with the mindees then the rule in our house is that you share that toy. Otherwise it gets played in their bedroom or when you've finished work.

I'm having a hard job with ds (3yrs) to share any of the toys in the play room as he thinks they solely belong to him. I've put all his toys that are favourites and presents in his room. He is now old enough to go off and play for half hr upstairs - also this gives him a breather.

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