Childminders....would you mind......

[IamLeticiaDean]

if someone called you to ask whether there was a lot of competition for mindees in your area?

I want to to start childminding but there seem to be a lot of vacancies in my area...so I want to try and establish whether I'll actually be able to find LOs to look after.

Bumping for you.

Hi Leticia
Personally I wouldn't mind but some might. Your best bet is to ring your local childrens information centre and ask for a list of childminders in you area. The list should show what vacancies they have but if not you could ring some as a potential parent and ask what vacancies they've got.

TBH at the moment in my area there are lots of vacancies, most still doing ok with 1 or 2 mindees but not full, if your area has alot of people employed in trades you may find they are out of work at the mo and therefore not needing the childcare.

HTH

I wouldn't mind if someone called to chat about work/competition etc but like eleanorsmum said I guess some might.

I agree with looking at the local childminders list however bear in mind that it might not be entirely accurate. For example my advert with the children information service permenently says I have a vacancy (even if I dont) so that my details are given out to parents. Things can change so quickly I have found it easier to leave my details my same just in case.

Do you have a homebased childcare team/surestart co ordinator/NCMA network/mentoring scheme? All these should be able to help and advise you re work and vacancies.

The only other thing is to look at the list of childminders and see what they are offering. Can you offer something different ie overnight care/shift work/flexible hours/emergency or last minute care/short term placements.....a niche in the market.

Good luck

Thanks!