Andrea

A cautionary tale

Kathryn and I had several exchanges over childcare.co.uk and we met to discuss childcare for my son. By the end of the discussion we agreed to go ahead, a start date and settling in arrangements. Kathryn advised she would send the contacts on the same day. I had 2 other options which I contacted and thanked for their time however I had found an alternative arrangement. Later that day Kathryn emailed me and I opened this ready to sign contract, however instead was a message saying one of her current children had decided to increase their hours and thus she had no more space. I was obviously shocked but mostly disappointed that I now had been left with zero options. I understand I should have waited for the contract but we live in a small village and I naively believe that most people were honest and would not have made a verbal commitment if there was any chance they could not fulfil it. In her email Kathryn advised she would keep me at the top of her list should an opening come up, however when I went back to childcare.co.uk to look at other options she had blocked me and deleted our conversation history. Please exercise caution with Kathryn and if you decide to go ahead wait until the contracts have been signed.

• Overall
• Communication

by Andrea about Katlou84 (Childminder) on 17/01/2026

Response by Katlou84 on 24/01/2026:

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I am so sorry the situation felt disappointing for you and I could not offer your child a space. I wish you all the very best with your childcare journey.