Important note about logos
NCMA's logo is the copyright of the association and a Registered trademark.
Registered Childminders may use the logo only if they:
are current NCMA members
hold NCMA public liability insurance
use NCMA contracts.
There is a logo with the words "Member of" available from NCMA's Policy and Public Affairs Department by emailing info@ncma.org.uk
NCMA reserves the right to withdraw permission to use its logo without giving a reason.
Childminders may NOT use Ofsted’s logo.
Market yourself!
It is no good having a fantastic portfolio, website and leaflets etc if you can’t promote yourself. The first impressions parents make of you will be so important. Your first contact is most likely to be over the telephone, so think about who answers the ‘phone in your house and how. Have you an answer phone? Is the message warm and friendly? Would you be interested enough to leave a message? Do you check for messages regularly and ring people back promptly?
Plan for the parents first visit.
Is the house clean and tidy, but not too organised
that Parents might feel children would not be free to play. Do they have to walk
passed lots of rubbish/weeds in you overgrown front garden? They may park up outside
your house and decide not to even come in!
Do they have to climb over a pile of shoes to get in the front door? Or is your entrance child friendly and welcoming? Is there evidence of children’s art work on display?
How do you greet them? Make them feel welcome but do not be overbearing. Offer a drink and try and put them at their ease, Remember they will probably be as nervous as you!
Have your portfolio available for them to look through, a business card and leaflet for them to take away. They are more than likely visiting several childminders before making a decision, so it is important that you give them something to take away so they remember you and your service.
Have some of your toys and resources available for them to look at and show them
around your home. Tell them about the service you can offer, your routines and activities
and your experience. Don’t do all the talking, give them time to tell you what they
are looking for. Ask them open-
This is your opportunity to promote yourself, something most of us are not good at doing! Having a leaflet containing details of your experience, qualifications and training certainly helps. Perhaps you could include quotes from previous families detailing how pleased they were with your service.
At the end of the visit, let them know that you are interested in caring for their child(ren) but appreciate they will want to view other childminders. Give them your documentation and invite them to call you in a few days to discuss the matter further. This saves any embarrassment for the parents, and shows you are confident in the fact that your service is good.
Thinking about what you would want, as a parent, from a Childminder caring for your child.
Market your Vacancies
Don’t just wait until you have a vacancy or a child leaves you to start full time school, be proactive:
- Hand out business cards to everyone you know (including other childminders as they may be offered work but are up to their ratio and could pass the work onto you!)
- Advertise your vacancy with the Children’s Information Service and Childcare Link website. Remember to renew your advert within 30 days. If you call more often you will stay higher up the vacancy list that is given to parents! Ask the CIS staff about including information in you advert. Think about any special talents you may have that would appeal to parents. Are you bilingual, able to play a musical instrument, artistic etc.
- Advertise your service with the
BCMA local site this is a FREE service available to childminders, or for just £5 you can add more details about what you do. - Print up some advertising cards and arrange for them to be displayed at pre-
schools, toddler groups, health centres and clinics - Approach you local Church or community group to advertise in their magazines
- Approach large local employers to ask if you can put an advert up on their staff notice board
- Have a car sticker advertising your services in your car
- Wear an NCMA badge and ask the children with you to wear NCMA hats so people can see you are a Childminder
Approach your local schools to advertise on their notice boards, some school offices keep a list of Registered Childminders
Market your Business
Does your business look professional?
Many childminders now use a name for their Childminding Business. Some use their own name in the title others the name of their road or house. Or just make up a name that appeals to you!
Design a logo that you can use on all your marketing and documentation.
Produce leaflets, business cards and other professional literature. Some childminders have a booklet containing all their policies and procedures for Parents to keep once they have signed contracts.
Have your own website! This can be found by parents surfing the net and is a great place to signpost interested parents to if they want to find out more about you before committing to a home visit. Your web address can also be advertised through the BCMA websites.
Leaflets and Business Stationery
BCMA members have produced the following sample documents
to help you with your marketing ideas. You are welcome to download these to get you
started, but please remember to customise them with your own personal details.
Downloads
Sample leaflets
1.Sample -
2.Sample -
3.Sample -
(remember to turn the paper to print on the reverse side)
5 Sample_Leaflet_A4_fold_into_3
Child Emergency Cards
(non photo)
MARKETING IDEAS
Marketing is a very important aspect of every successful business and Childminding
is no different.
Here are some ideas
for marketing your business.