How is business? Are you quiet or batting away prospective families? Do you feel that the funding has had an impact, good or bad, on enquiries?

It's been really quiet here for a while, but I've had three enquiries today - madness. I'm full at the moment but do have a little one leaving at Christmas. I've been filling all of my spaces up with siblings for the last few years, but I'm almost out of siblings now - just one more to come through my books!

I'm finding that more and more families are just wanting one or two days.

Hope you are all busy and thriving!

Hi Maza

I have noticed a definite increase in enquiries for baby spaces since the new funding kicked in, they normally start with "I can claim funding from ....... do you have any spaces?' I am as full as I want to be right now and not anticipating anyone leaving until next summer and I have people waiting for a space then so will have to see if they actually still want it when the time comes. I live in a small village just outside a town, business has always been steady but not crazy busy. All my families only do 2 or 3 days a week and I have one that does 1 day(I only had the 1 day available and that's all they wanted) I think it's been 4 years since I had a full timer.

Oh I hate enquiries which start like that Pixie!

When I lived in London, demand was always huge and I took it for granted. It's a bit different out in suburbia and I get a bit twitchy from time to time!

Have ratios already been 'relaxed' for nurseries, or is that still yet to happen? I'm wondering if it is quieter here because more children are being accepted at nurseries due to the ratio change.

Morning!

I am full to bursting, with enquiries every few weeks for mainly fulltime baby spaces. That I can't take, as I don't work fulltime! My enquiries usually start with 'i've got the funding' too! :laughing: ( and then you explain that it is only 15 hours a week, for 38 weeks of the year )

I'm fully booked for next September! I have no idea what I am going to do one day next sept though, as I have a mum wanting a ( new, not yet with us ) sibling to join, but I don't have the space, and am already at 4 on that day! I do know of a localish childminder who is going to go to 5 under 5's a couple of days for siblings, but that just seems too many, especially when 1 or 2 of them are still only tiny.

I do have space for after schoolers, but equally, am quite happy not having them, and enjoying not having school runs to do!

Yeah, five under five would seem like too much for me too. I've had four all week this week (don't usually) and it felt like I was on my feet all day and doing more 'managing' than interacting with them on a deeper level. It does depend on the children though doesn't it? I have four one day a week usually, but the '4th' child is four years old and so is pretty independent. This week, my 4th child was a very young toddler who I can't take my eyes off for one moment. I noticed that each day when I had got them all down for nap, I just had to take five or so minutes to myself, just to unwind. Normally, I get lots done when they are napping, or I do some phonics/maths with the four year old who obviously doesn't nap, but this week I have felt like I was spinning plates all day.

Have you promised the mum a space Loocyloo? Do you think you will have anyone leave or drop a day before then? Full time babies???? Didn't think they existed any more! I would love that.

Gosh, I've just remembered, I've got five one day in November just for the one day as mum has a meeting she has to go to. I've never had five before and I can't say I'm looking forward to it!

I’m getting loads of enquiries for both part time and full time. I’ve got a rather full on 1yr old, a 2yr old and 3 yr old and I’m not taking anymore. The 2 young ones start school in 2027 and I was considering retiring then (69) but these parents are already asking if I’ll do the school runs and holidays! Funding is definitely making a difference and expanding next year too I think

I haven't offered mum a space yet Maza, I've told her that currently i won't have room. My suggestion was that her older child attends the local school nursery that day, and babe starts with me, but school doesn't offer wraparound for nursery and mum doesn't want child to go!

Lol enjoy 5 for that one day Maza! I may end up with 5 on occasion, as one of my mindees may need an extra day due to long term family illness. But in that it would be a 4yr,3 x3yr and 2 yr... all been with me since babies, it would be OK! And no school runs that day which is an added bonus :laughing:

Oh Sylvia, i hope you get to retire if that's what you want to do. It's hard to tell parents you can't help them though.

I’m getting loads of enquiries for both part time and full time. I’ve got a rather full on 1yr old, a 2yr old and 3 yr old and I’m not taking anymore. The 2 young ones start school in 2027 and I was considering retiring then (69) but these parents are already asking if I’ll do the school runs and holidays! Funding is definitely making a difference and expanding next year too I think

Awwwwwww Sylvia! Don't retire! We'd miss you!

Awwwwwww Sylvia! Don't retire! We'd miss you!

That’s kind of you to say

Wow both of you are brave having 5 under 5, I don't think I could. I have had 4 in the past but they were all 3 and 4 year olds and to be fair it was a lot calmer with those 4 than it is on the some of the days I have now with just the three.

Sylvia it is hard to say no to the families sometimes isn't it but think about yourself too.... I think you will have deserved a relaxing retirement by then.