What do you offer that other childminders don't?

**DudleyChildmind** · 23-01-2009, 06:32 AM

I was thinking about this the other day. I offer basic makaton. I'm no expert but I do try and I'd like to offer something totally different but I just can't think of anything at the moment.

Do you offer something that other childminders in your area don't?

**balloon** · 23-01-2009, 07:02 AM

really flexible hours!

I start at 7am and finish at 9.30pm some days, which leaves me shattered but I'm full up for under 5's so it's good.

**Mollymop** · 23-01-2009, 07:04 AM

I used to be one of the earliest - I advertised that I would be willing to start at 5.30 and finish at 8pm and no other childminders did this.
I have since changed my mind! ha
I work from 7am, still one of the earliest x

**miss mopple** · 23-01-2009, 07:06 AM

Antisocial hours and overnight and weekend care
Collections from a school thats quite remote
Quality assurance from being on the network ( there is only one other that is in my town)

think thats about it!

**RedDragon** · 23-01-2009, 07:48 AM

I offer to do homework with the children (but couldn't do 10 year olds as it was too difficult for me last week!!!!).

Calm environment despite the number of children I care for (but parents only see the calm environment once the child is in my care really - so it doesn't bring them in but it makes them stay).

Experience - have been a nanny, an auxiliary nurse and worked in Casualty.

**tinkerbelle** · 23-01-2009, 07:53 AM

i offer very flexible hours 6 am start and 10 pm finish 5 days a week over night care and occassional weekends
i also collect when needed from homes
i am the only minder in this area with nvq3, the diploma in homebased childcare and tha ncma quality first level 3 and i am currently doing the foundation degree with ou
other minders in my area start at 7.30 finish at 5.30 WONT do the nvq3 and 1 doesnt work at all fridays
needless to say im full and they arent

**don the duck** · 23-01-2009, 08:02 AM

as its still all new to me. How do u find out what others are doing.

i also offer flexi hours -

iv not met any other childminders in my area.

**PixiePetal** · 23-01-2009, 08:05 AM

Lots of experience, 26 years as nanny/minder and ME! They don't get ME anywhere else

**tinkerbelle** · 23-01-2009, 08:05 AM

in our area we have ************* .gov.uk its got everyone profiles on may be same in other areas not sure

**SimplyLucy** · 23-01-2009, 08:13 AM

I start work at 6.30am......I have 3 children arrive at that time monday-friday!

**ajs** · 23-01-2009, 08:22 AM

ouch lucy that's early

same as pixie petal really
qualified nursery teacher
nanny and still very much involved with all the families i worked for first baby 18months when i started and 28 this year
mother 18 yrs experience
childminder this time nearly 9 yrs and before 3 yrs
volunteer ta at school
my whole family get involved with the children ans their families

my 14 yr old asked the 2 yr olds mum how long have we had e and i laughed and said we mum replied yes that's what she likes that it's not just me but the whole family
mum calls my hubby e's second dad

**Lottie** · 23-01-2009, 08:39 AM

In my area it's overnight care.

**tomthumb** · 23-01-2009, 09:03 AM

French and sign language and I start at 7am.

Elodie X

**mrs lilly** · 23-01-2009, 09:30 AM

I am a qualified teacher with experience at key stage 2,3 ,4 an 5. My mum is registered as my assistant and she is a retired primary deputy head with experience at nursery, reception, key stage 1 and 2 as well as being a governor in the school for 15 years, SENCO for over 5 years and child protection officer.

As well as this I have quite a big house and garden, can assist with reading and homework as have a good understanding on the national curriculum in school esp in maths and science, I am 2 minutes walk from the underground and can offer free parking to parents with the station car park being £8 a day!!

In the 18 months I have been childminding I wont have under 5 on Thursday/Fridays as time for my house and myself and parents have changed their days at work to have me. Other CM's where i live that I know of work a full week and have spaces, including the delightful lady that complained to OFSTED about me before xmas!

**angeldelight** · 23-01-2009, 09:32 AM

Originally Posted by DudleyChildmind

I was thinking about this the other day. I offer basic makaton. I'm no expert but I do try and I'd like to offer something totally different but I just can't think of anything at the moment.

Do you offer something that other childminders in your area don't?

What do I offer ?

Well they get ME OF COURSE looking after their little bundles of joy

What more could they ask for ?

Angel xx

**Polly2** · 23-01-2009, 09:45 AM

Ha ha Angel - I like it

I also teach the piano so have lots of experience with offering music based activities for the children.

Also have a big garden that backs on to village park so lots of outdoor fun

**sarah707** · 23-01-2009, 10:00 AM

I am an ex teacher and have stayed up to date with current education stuff.

I speak French to a little boy whose mum is trying to bring him up bilingual.

There is a man in the house 3 days a week and parents really seem to appreciate that influence.

The man is a trained chef and the children take turns to help him in the kitchen.

There's only one of me in this town too!

**wellybelly** · 23-01-2009, 10:13 AM

Almost cream carpets!

**marion123** · 23-01-2009, 10:47 AM

i make babies bottle up early start if needed and homework if i can do it

**Chatterbox Childcare** · 23-01-2009, 10:49 AM

Originally Posted by DudleyChildmind

I was thinking about this the other day. I offer basic makaton. I'm no expert but I do try and I'd like to offer something totally different but I just can't think of anything at the moment.

Do you offer something that other childminders in your area don't?

I offer a flexible service with continuity of care a priorty (not flitting from one child to another) and I am honest and upfront - sometimes too much!