@homechildcare agency briefing

**natlou82** · 29-01-2016, 06:28 AM

I'm not going into depth, because I'm not sure who, if anyone is actually interested in this. Although if you have any questions feel free to ask. What I will say is they didn't convince me to join the agency as I don't see any benefit for myself. The benefits they can provide, support and training I can access cheaper and at no cost to parents!!

**Mouse** · 29-01-2016, 08:06 AM

I'd be very interested in any feedback you can give. Although I haven't got any hint of an agency near me, it's always good to know what's going on.

Are they trying to attract existing childminders, or do you think it's more aimed at recruiting new ones?

**Smiley** · 29-01-2016, 09:07 AM

I am also interested in any feedback, like Mouse, currently there isn't any sign of any agency near me. I think the training and support seems to be a marketing factor and perhaps people who are considering becoming a childminder will think that only agencies can provide that. It would also be interesting to know if local authorities discuss agencies during their briefing sessions for potential childminders.

**natlou82** · 29-01-2016, 09:14 AM

The way they are promoting is based on lack of support from LAs (guidance, training and updates) all things that they will be providing. For established CMs they are also promoting extra opportunities of working with the agency as mentors, or progression via employment in the agency. Tbh I'm happy to source my training etc elsewhere (which is cheaper). I also have no interest in working for the agency. For new CMs they may easily see the benefits of all the additional support etc (I know personally of a lady who was impressed by what they had to say) but sometimes it's because they are not aware of other sources where they can get the same support, training etc. The things I didn't like at all were the fact that their EYFS software is mandatory for all members at £50 per year, and parents also have to pay £5 per child per month (capped at 2 children).

**natlou82** · 29-01-2016, 09:19 AM

Smiley there was a member of my LA there offering her full support, although I also felt that they will still signpost independents as they need the childcare places especially with the 30 hours looming. Our LA is trying to get the early implementation.

**Mouse** · 29-01-2016, 09:58 AM

Did they say if they'd had much interest from childminders or parents?

I can fully see why people looking to set up would consider an agency, but I wonder how many parents would actually go through one for their childcare, especially if they have to pay.

**mama2three** · 29-01-2016, 11:19 AM

Thanks Natlou. Is there anything you came away wishing you'd asked or commented on , or felt they didnt answer. Happy to send in questions before Tuesday.

**Smiley** · 29-01-2016, 12:15 PM

Thanks Natlou, yes I agree with you about sometimes it's because they're not informed of other sources and that's worrying. I certainly don't like the sound of the compulsory software and think that is one step to take away childminders self-employment status. I would think each agency will do things differently and charge differently and I certainly will not be joining one.

**natlou82** · 29-01-2016, 01:02 PM

I don't honestly think there's anything to entice a parent to use them to find a CM, they don't seem to be offering any other than website advertising. They did mention a "matching night" "****" - eek! I can't imagine anything worse!!!!

**Mouse** · 29-01-2016, 01:34 PM

Originally Posted by natlou82

I don't honestly think there's anything to entice a parent to use them to find a CM, they don't seem to be offering any other than website advertising. They did mention a "matching night" "****" - eek! I can't imagine anything worse!!!!

Childminder speed dating!

**natlou82** · 29-01-2016, 01:03 PM

They've got 15 CMs going through registration at present.

**mama2three** · 29-01-2016, 01:32 PM

So Natlou if Im an agency minder with them am I allowed to also find my own mindees?

**natlou82** · 29-01-2016, 02:13 PM

Yes mamatothree they don't find them for you.

**mama2three** · 29-01-2016, 02:30 PM

Originally Posted by natlou82

Yes mamatothree they don't find them for you.

so how can they charge them? what for?

Simona · 03-03-2016, 08:50 AM

For those who do not receive newsletters from 4 Children they have announced another round of agency briefing.

Check it out if you are interested....they are being help in 3 different parts of the country!

Simona · 24-02-2016, 04:18 PM

I see where you are coming from but the MTM I mentioned is not the same because it was a face-to-face meeting not online.
The reference to secrecy was about agencies not the new website.

From what I understand parents have so many options on how to find childcare...pacey used to have their own too...am I right?
so this is a new addition

It is a website so they advertise it in other ways too....FB is not the only option as thousands do not use FB.

They also use Twitter for free...they seem to follow quite a few cms too!

Being free it will be welcome to parents and cms alike and cut costs for both!

**natlou82** · 29-01-2016, 02:41 PM

The benefit of having a well trained CM who has annual inspections (maintaining quality). Btw it's the CM who passes on this charge, parents pay the CM who then pays the agency (remember £5 per child per month!)

**natlou82** · 29-01-2016, 02:44 PM

The CM also pays £25 per month. So I have 13 on my books currently so the agency would bill me £90 per month!

**mama2three** · 29-01-2016, 02:47 PM

Good Grief!!

**greenfaerie** · 29-01-2016, 02:59 PM

That's ridiculous (and also genius) I thought at the very least Agencies would find and match parents with suitable childminders! What's the point if they don't even do that? All they're doing is smiling and nodding and taking the credit for the Childminders hard work. All whilst creaming money off the top from both sides of the financial parties. Shocking. O_O