Cheeky Cs playgroup ????

[Artastic]

Hi all,

Cheeky Cs playgroup has been running for three years and this is the worse autumn term we have had, normally this time of year is always busy at the moment we only have three children with their carers/parents here.

Does any one have any suggestions on what we may be doing wrong or how I can spread the word about the playgroup?

Any private messages with help or advice is welcome!

Thank you

Best Wishes

Annabelle

[StraferJack]

My daughter and I adore our time at cheeky c's and if anyone doesn't know it, google them and go

I doubt you are doing anything wrong Annabelle. If I was guessing off the top of my head why you might be unusually quiet...

All those families that have been going have either moved out of the area or are having another child and coping with that before rentering the world

Many of the people buying in the area recently are paying a LOT more money than those even a few years ago, so they may be less tuned in to playgroups (might have private nannies etc)

Hope things pick up again soon

[hellosailor]

Yes StraferJack is right, I can think of 4 or 5 of us who haven't been recently cos we've just had new babies, it may be that a portion of your regulars are still trying to negotiate leaving the house with two and will be back soon!

[simonethebeaver]

It sounds like a lovely playgroup but it is a bit expensive. ?2 for my six month old, who is likely to sleep through most of the session as it's his nap time, is the same amount that I pay for both my kids at another playgroup.

Obviously you have to cover your costs - I totally get that - but is there any latitude on prices at all?

[Bellenden Belle]

For me it's just slightly too expensive. I'm more than happy to pay a fiver for a class, but ?4 for a drop in playgroup just seems unnecessary when there are plenty of free or considerably cheaper options around.

[SBot]

Hi, yes it is slightly too expensive. I am a nanny and a mummy. We attend a playgroup on a Wednesday which is free of charge, children get juice and biscuits, adults get tea and coffee. They have a story time and then singing with a chap who plays the guitar. Maybe if you had a scheduled singing time and/or storytelling maybe 20 mins before the end?? And yes cheaper would be good.

[gebbjane]

For me the issue is price too, I go to a couple of other playgroup type sessions one which is free and another which is a ?1 charge per family and the kids get fruit and snacks. I went to cheeky c's once and the session was no different to the others I go to minus a bit of singing.

[Pickle]

Agree with the others. I go to 3 playgroups a week, the most expensive is ?2, with juice, biscuits, tea, coffee etc included.

[StraferJack]

Blimey. I know times are tough but money is the issue?

Out of interest, how are the free or cheaper place paying for things like heat, light and those free juices? Or Insurance? Supervision?

Have they been going long? Genuinely interested to know how they survive

[Pickle]

Two of the three I attend are church run groups, so there's an element of funding by the church (I think). One in particular is in a lovely modern space (Honor Oak Baptist Church), with three people running it who are members of the church. Clean, modern toys, great value for money.

I have no problem paying more for a "structured" group, like Little Bubbles, football etc, but like my play groups to be a bit more cheap and cheerful, especially as for most of it there's a chance my daughter will sit on my knee sucking her thumb :)

[canela]

Yes, money can be the issue. I only went once as, like other users have said, if I'm going to pay ?4 for something then I'd rather it went on a class as I can only afford one such outing a week. There are so many free things to go to, or the park, libraries etc.

I don't think playgroups need supervision as every child should be supervised by their own carer. Insurance should be covered by the organisation that runs the premesis. And, yes, lots are run by churches etc as a service for the community. I think they don't really lend themselves to a business model.

However, it sounds as if the group has a lot of regulars that are just out of the picture for a while...

[Bellenden Belle]

And there are plenty of free playgroups run in Children's Centres. Use them or lose them. I went to Ivydale's on Monday and their singalong at the end was better than many of tHe ones I pay for.

Four pounds as a one-off might not seem a lot but if you are planning activities for 5 (7!) days a week then all those fees add up.

[Artastic]

Hi thank you all for your comments they are really helpful, it is a shame about the price it hasn't changed in two years so maybe this round of parents price is a problem where as last years it was fine?

Unfortunately I'm a 22 year olds girl I nanny and work at a pub which funds the art clubs and playgroup that i have set up.

When I set up the playgroup there were only church playgroups which seems they must of changed now but before they were cold, toys filthy and not very nice. Parents really liked the fact that there was not a schedule or specific time to attend so no stories or songs, and appreciated the proper coffees and cakes that were on offer. I based my price on crystal palace one o'clock club which use to charge over ?4.80 per child and ?4 per sibling.

It seems like price is an issue and i feel so stupid for starting the playgroup now as I am still yet to cover my cost, I thought the greendale hut was great it is cleaned daily has carpet and is a good size with a car park and free parking near but now with such high rent as its an hour before and after to set up and pack away to still pay I am going to have to close the playgroup as there are now much more cheaper alternatives.

I am glad to know it is not something I am doing wrong just the price which is out of my control.

I will be closing the playgroup after the february half term unless we get a sudden big demand.

Thank you so much for taking the time to post.

Best Wishes

Annabelle

[verds]

Hey Annabelle - we'd forgotten about Cheeky Cs a bit, but came along today and it was just right for my nearly two-year-old who was thrilled by the variety of toys on offer. (The poor, deprived second child!) It's a bit pricey if you take two, but I don't mind paying that price as it's well organised, not too crowded and hassley and the coffee's nice. We'll be back and hope it does get a big demand and keep going.

[simonethebeaver]

Hi Annabelle

Please whatever you do, don't feel stupid. Good for you for starting something up and having the energy and enthusiasm to keep it going.

Are there any ways to cut your costs at all? Could you use a cheaper venue maybe? Or provide cheaper refreshments? (Cakes are great but not essential!) You have a group of parents keen to find activities and I'm sure there are ways to tinker that might help.

[ZoeG]

It is the money for me too. On my days off there are 2 free activities available and one that is just ?2 so they will win I am afraid. I agree with the person earlier ?4 for a one off but when it is each week these do pile up and add on only getting a part time wage then these things do matter. I am not bothered about whether there is coffee, snacks etc... it is the price....

[Tmarr]

My son and I love Cheeky cs and would go more often if it wasn't too expensive. I have to agree with the rest. Hope this helps Annabelle.

Tori x

[etta166]

Most of the playgroups I go to have the parents help set up and clear up. Maybe that could help you cut your costs if you didn't have to rent the extra hour either side for that?

I agree with the other posters, I found it quite expensive compared to the other playgroups in the area.

[izzybob]

Hi there. I was sorry to see this thread as I thought Cheeky Cs was really popular! In fact, the reason we haven't been is that when we came before, I found it really hectic and my son who was quite little at the time was just a bit overwhelmed by it all. It may be worth readvertising for those that have forgotten about it or are new to the area?

Not sure if it would work, but adding in even 20 mins of singing could be really popular?

Hope things turn around for you.

[MrsC]

Sorry to read this Annabel,

We've been coming since you opened and we love it! Great space and toys for kids to play with, and big enough so I could sit with all of my other Mummy friends and have a catch up over coffee, great! Also, found it one of the better groups for having 2 kids, especially when no2 was a baby, can easily find somewhere to feed whilst keeping an eye on on the other tearing around. It's not free but I make yours my only paid for playgroup, as like others have said there are lots of free groups around so I feel it all balances out.

I also had no1's birthday party there and was fab!

I'm a supporter and would be very sad if your had to close, good luck and hope things turn around in the NY

[MrsC]

Hi Annabel,

Are you open tomorrow?

Thanks

[Artastic]

Hi Mrs C Sorry we are not on until 13th!

See you then

Happy New Year

Annabelle