Websites
Childcarelink has lists of childcare providers on its web pages – this is a free service. To add your details contact Dorset Children’s Information Service on 0845 355 2099. Visit Childcarelink at www.childcarelink.gov.uk
Have a look around for local community sites or regional sites for parents. Events listing can also be useful. If you are having a fair, jumble sale, cake sale or anything similar you may be able to get a free mention in a listing section.
Ever thought about having your own site? Website software is becoming cheaper and easier to use all the time. Online website builders can take you through a step by step process. Ask your parents to see if there are any technically-minded types. Could they be willing to donate some of their time to put together a site for you? If they do, remember to keep it simple. Pictures are great but too many can make the site very slow to load. If you have big chunks of text to include put them on as attached pdf or word files. That way people can read them if they want to but don’t have to wade their way through everything.
Include all the basic details about your setting:
- Type of childcare offered
- Location
- Opening times
- Number of places available
- Price per session
- Activities offered
- Qualifications and skills the staff have
- What your customers say about you
- What you do differently/better than other providers
- Short term or emergency cover
- If special needs are catered for
- How can people contact you?
The BT Community Website Builder allows registered UK charities, non-profit making organisations and volunteer led groups or organisations to build and maintain their own website free of charge. Using the community website builder, groups can create their own self-editable website for their organisation. It's easy to use, no programming skills or knowledge required.
To find out more see www.communitykit.co.uk or e-mail support@ik.com The scheme is run by BT Volunteering and IK Software Limited. Sample websites and eligibility criteria are available on the site.