Do you every promote yourself more than a Nursery?

[clorogue]

If parents aren't sure between a Nursery and a childminder - do you promote yourself? I know it is the job we are in, but even if I wasn't a childminder I would still be in favour of the childminder route. Or do you just put the facts out there about the difference - oh and has anyone got a list of differences anywhere between a childminder and a nursery? Thanks

[QualityCare]

I only promote myself as a childminder because that is what l am, if parents are unsure which to use l explain the difference between the care l can offer on a more one to one basis, being able to bring their child up more in line with how they would, the advantages of the children being with 2 or 3 other children of similar rather than lots of children the same age, and if l think they can take it how l believe that children should not go out to school until they are 7, and should remain in home 'style' care until 5yrs and then go to playgroup, to play, a couple of times a week to socialise with other children. I do tell them to visit both and make the choice that suits them but l have never lost a child to a nursery yet even those who at first were more in favour of a nursery.

[kats]

Yes i do, all the time!! i tell parents that i feel if you find the "right" childminder then i think it's better for the child than a nursery, after years of working in nurseries i don't think i will ever change my opinion.

[sarah707]

I think you have to be positive about who you are and what you can offer.

I do sometimes say - some parents need care every day and cannot get out of work / do not have family to pick up the slack and nurseries tend to be better at that option ... especially if I know the parents will struggle if I am off sick or on holiday because of their work commitments and lack of family in the area. In cases like this I am probably not the right person for them.

For anything else I fight tooth and nail for the contract without ever getting dirty about it - it's not worth the upset I know too many of the local nurseries!

Hth

[buzzy bee]

I tend to offer the facts but in a "pro-childminder" way - e.g. a nursery is a busier environment whereas a childminder is much more relaxed and closer to a home environment" i.e. childminder is BEST!!

[flowerpots]

I tend to offer the facts but in a "pro-childminder" way - e.g. a nursery is a busier environment whereas a childminder is much more relaxed and closer to a home environment" i.e. childminder is BEST!!

hehehe this is what i do too.

[clorogue]

Thank you so much. I find it a bit of a difficult one because I don't want to 'put down' nurseries, but there again it is what I do and I believe it is the best care for a child, especially when they are so young.

[Tatjana]

I say there are pro's and cons to each setting and then I go on to list all my pro's!