Win £250 in Cash and 12 months Childcare.co.uk gold membership
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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
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    Default Win £250 in Cash and 12 months Childcare.co.uk gold membership

    WIN £250 in Cash and 12 months Childcare.co.uk gold membership!

    The Childminding Forum has been growing so fast that we now have over 25,000 members!

    To say thank you to all of our members for their help in making this the biggest online meeting place for registered childminders on the planet, we're going to give one lucky member an amazing £250 in cash and 5 runner-up prizes of 12 months Childcare.co.uk gold membership worth £99.99 each - a total prize package value of nearly £750!

    To enter the competition all you need to do is tell us what you like best about the Childminding Forum as a reply to this thread.

    The competition ends at 11pm on Saturday 3rd August 2013

    Good luck and thank you

    Richard, Pauline, Graham , Sarah, Angel, Tina and Rick
    Childcare.co.uk
    The UK's largest childcare website
    www.childcare.co.uk

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Somewhere West of Watford!!!
    Posts
    9,085
    Registered Childminder since
    Aug 94
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    Good
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    Default

    Oh my word I am the first one to post.

    Where do I start? I discovered this site in 2008 when I was searching for info on the 'new' EYFS. Golly doesn't that seem a long way away now.

    Well in that time I have had a lot of fun, been to a few fab parties, shared and gained a huge amount of information which has more than helped my practice, how did I manage during all those years before?

    Best of all I have made some amazing friends. I remember 4 + years ago arranging to meet a Forum member at Victoria Station to travel to the Design Centre for the Early years Show when she wasn't confident or sure about travelling across London. Golly my teenage daughter gave me merry hell for meeting someone I didn't know off the internet Well Jen wasn't that bad!!! I have met up with her and many others on numerous occasions over the years, we have put the world and childminding to rights, we have shared fantastic ice creams and had lots of fun.

    You have all created a wonderful place for support in those bad and worrying times, help and advise amazing.

    Thank you all. Pauline for having the idea, Angel and Sarah and Graham for helping her to make it in to something so amazing and now Ricard for helping it to continue.

  3. Likes Richard, FussyElmo, PixiePetal liked this post
  4. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Location
    North west
    Posts
    863
    Registered Childminder since
    Mar 10
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    Outstanding
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    Default

    I like that Ii may not have childminder friends in the real world, but boy have i got alot of virtual buddies who understand exactly how I feel no matter the business/personal situation I am going through.

    I would also like to pass on my thanks from my mindees because without this fourm they wouldnt have the passionate and fun loving childminder that they have today

  5. Likes FussyElmo liked this post
  6. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Location
    Halesowen (Near Rowley Regis)
    Posts
    350
    Registered Childminder since
    dec 12
    Latest Inspection Grade
    OUTSTANDING
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    Default

    What an amazing competition.

    I have only been registered since dec 2012. I was a little worried about working alone and no one to bump heads with and share ideas as i have been used to the past 10 yrs as a nusery nurse. When i so happened to stuble accross the forum i think it was even on my birthday too

    It helped support me through my pre reg making me feel ready and confident and also being there for others in the same boat. Its fab for making new friends. Ok online ones. And i have a picture in ny head of each person looks like which is prob nothing like they do in real life. I love how i dont feel so alone. That if i have a day i need a hug its here i vent. If i wanna scream and shout about someyhin fab its here i share it. Everyone is so caring and supportive and there are some amazing people on here who have helped through such a hard time for me. so thx thanks for all the hard work u guys do. It makes me feel like i work in a huge organisation and not on my own and without this forum. In the hard times i would havr gave up and thrown in the towel. But this forum supports me. Lifts me up when im down. Gives advice when i cant think straight and also inspires me to be the best i can

  7. Likes FussyElmo liked this post
  8. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
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    I log onto this this forum several times a day and love to read about other people's days, situations, questions and advice and it's not always childminding related. I never phone Ofsted for claification - just post on here. People seem to know more on here than Ofsted do!

    Its a great place to visit

  9. Likes FussyElmo liked this post
  10. #6
    Join Date
    May 2009
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    0
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    june 06
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    Fast, friendly and reliable responses.. always manage to get an answer here

  11. Likes FussyElmo liked this post
  12. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    South London
    Posts
    593
    Registered Childminder since
    mar06
    Latest Inspection Grade
    good
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    Default

    I've been using this forum for years 1st of all ad a quite reader but now love to get involved
    I have no real support where I am or cm friends to help me out so paperwork can be a struggle of which this forum is a god send anything I'm stuck on you can type in and come up with answer or some kind or help or any questions I have asked have always been answered with help or some idea of where to look or what to do
    It is lovely to know strangers can be so helpful and we all stick together
    What's even better is the app as I am on my phone on and off all day long

  13. Likes FussyElmo liked this post
  14. #8
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    With the sexy Enrique
    Posts
    28,101
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    If I delete my name from Richards post at the beginning ...

    Does that mean I can enter ?

    You lucky lot being in with a chance of winning that

    Jealous.com ha ha

    Thank you to Richard for being so generous

    Angel xxxx

  15. Likes Richard, FussyElmo, rickysmiths, Pauline liked this post
  16. #9
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    in the never never land fighting off fae
    Posts
    7,026
    Registered Childminder since
    july05
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    Blog Entries
    9

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by angeldelight View Post
    If I delete my name from Richards post at the beginning ...

    Does that mean I can enter ?

    You lucky lot being in with a chance of winning that

    Jealous.com ha ha

    Thank you to Richard for being so generous

    Angel xxxx
    Delete mine too and we will go halves

    Richard its a fabulous competition thank you
    When someone tells you nothing is impossible, tell them to go slam a revolving door

  17. Likes Richard, Pauline liked this post
  18. #10
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Under a mountain of toys
    Posts
    1,270
    Registered Childminder since
    June 09
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    OUTSTANDING
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    Default

    I find childminding to be a very lonely job and sometimes I feel like I am completely on my own. That is until I come on the forum where everyone is so friendly and no question is ever a silly question.
    Over the past 4 years I have gained what feels like a forum of friends. Although I don't personally know members of this forum, it doesn't matter because it's like family, no problem is ever too small and your all only a click away.
    If it wasn't for this forum I wouldn't be doing the job I love XXXXXXXX

  19. Likes FussyElmo liked this post
  20. #11
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Posts
    3,037
    Registered Childminder since
    Oct 12
    Latest Inspection Grade
    GOOD! Hurrah
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    Blog Entries
    1

    Default

    What a fantastic competition! Well I won the last one so I suppose I'd better let someone else win this one :-)

    All moderators will have a hand in who wins so make it as descriptive as you can! I don't want to see any sob stories how you never win anything. Maybe you will this time....make it good :-)

  21. Likes FussyElmo liked this post
  22. #12
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Posts
    13
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    The best thing about this Forum is all the brilliant knowledge, experience, guidance, general help & lovely people.

    From the day I decided to become a Childminder I have used the forum on a regular basis. I had some great advise when studying & then brilliant guidance on the whole Ofsted process. I love all the free resources too I also love that the forums are available on the IPhone & IPad apps, very handy

    The forum is simply invaluable. X

  23. Likes FussyElmo liked this post
  24. #13
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
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    Default

    This is as really friendly forum and a definitely go to place of you have any question, when like me you are a new childminder and its all a little overwhelming.

    Through reading posts on her I feel like I am fully prepared for when I start childminding in September. I'm not sure I would be any where near as prepared as I am without this place.

    Viki

  25. Likes FussyElmo liked this post
  26. #14
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Posts
    95
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    Default

    Being self employed and a 'lone worker', I found childminding very lonely the first time round. Now I have returned to childminding the members of this forum have been there every step of the way for support, guidance, and help getting up to speed with all the new changes. It's been a life line and I hope to be able to offer new members in the future the same support I have received!

  27. Likes FussyElmo liked this post
  28. #15
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Teetering....
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    4,079
    Registered Childminder since
    Apr 01
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    Blog Entries
    1

    Default

    What I love is that there is always someone here that can support, help and care, whether it is a problem with work, practice, parents, children, neighbours, our own families, inspections, personal circumstances. Everyone on here may never meet every other in person but they are the most fantastic friends you can find.

    If I am feeling down I can come on here and someone will start me smiling (or crying with laughter about vajazzles in party bags). If I am stressed someone will show concern and offer ways to solve the problem. Even if I do not post I always check in here every day I can. Even when I only had a PC in a freezing attic and had to wear coat and gloves and wipe condensation from the screen I would always come here because I know my virtual friends are here.

    The knowledge of everyone combined (even the newbies and pre-reg even though they wont believe it yet) will raise the spirits and support the others.

    We can laugh together, cry together, share ideas, give and ask for advice.

    Together we are strong - together we can do anything


    Thank you for the fantastic competition xxx

  29. Likes FussyElmo liked this post
  30. #16
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Preston, Lancashire
    Posts
    344
    Registered Childminder since
    Sept 07
    Latest Inspection Grade
    Outstanding
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    Default

    I love being able to share ideas about implementing the EYFS as when you work on your own there is no one to bounce ideas off, it's also great to help people who have been in the same boat as you by offering advice. I couldn't be a CM without the forum x

  31. Likes FussyElmo liked this post
  32. #17
    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Posts
    0
    Registered Childminder since
    2012
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    When you ask a question someone has the answer or if not can recommend a site to view. Every childminder goes through difficult decisions daily and having the forum their is perfect to seek advice. I found the forum excellent when starting out and still read reviews from others which are interesting and helpful. Every day is a challenge and having the forum has been absolutely great! Would recommend to any childminder!

  33. Likes FussyElmo liked this post
  34. #18
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Hartlepool, North East
    Posts
    164
    Registered Childminder since
    Jul 11
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    Default

    Boy I'm struggling today. I think I've figured out how to reply to the OP if not then it'll be obviously in the wrong place

    Originally I accessed the forum via my laptop but then when it wasn't playing very nice anymore I discovered I could also access it via the iPad Big plus. Or it was until my daughter just borrowed it and I've resorted back to the laptop(now repaired and doing as it's told ) I've forgot how to navigate the forum on the laptop, the iPad seems so much easier. Well except when trying to locate resources. Perhaps they're only available on the laptop version.

    Anyway, I've digressed enough, my story:

    I discovered this forum when I was doing the pre-reg. I can't recall what landed me exactly, might have been via a roundabout trip following a link, possibly from Sarah's blog. I think I hung around in the background watching/reading for a while but as I'm normally chatty I found myself joining in. I tend to have quieter periods, as we all probably do, when I'm busy with something.

    What makes me return:
    • Updates on what's happening in the world of childminding. Especially during those periods I find I've dropped out of the loop when I've been busy.
    • Amusing stories or posts. There are a few comics in here at times. Helpful when you just need a laugh after a stressful day.
    • Speaking of stress. It's a great place to let everything out without being judged, for the main part. I add that as I know sometimes messages are misunderstood or people may inadvertantly cross the line but hey everyone's human and people normally apologise if they cause upset.
    • Useful ideas, suggestions, general inspiration when you find yourself lacking.


    I'm sure I could go on but with (my own) 2 and 3 year olds presently causing nucleur fallout around my ankles I guess I ought to admit defeat and get them to bed.

  35. Likes FussyElmo liked this post
  36. #19
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Location
    Desparately trying to lose weight
    Posts
    4,626
    Registered Childminder since
    July 99
    Latest Inspection Grade
    Good
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    Default

    Wow what a great competition, thank you so much

    I found the Forum by pure chance and haven't looked back since joining. It's helped me not only with my Childminding business but also with my personal life too. I know no matter how long I leave it between visits to the Forum everyone is so welcoming and helpful. I've met a whole heap of new and wonderful friends, people I would never have met if it wasn't for the Forum so for this I thank you.

    So even if I don't win this wonderful prize, I feel I've won anyway with all the friends I've made

    Carol xx

  37. #20
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Posts
    688
    Registered Childminder since
    sept 10
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    Default

    The best thing about the site is knowing there is always someone there for you. Whether something simple or the most worrying thing. Childminding related or not I know I can always start a thread on here and get positive and/or constructive comments. Lots of genuinely lovely people.

 

 
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