Childminders

astonsmummy

Hi
Following on from my discepline in nurserys thread, i have decided i want to take DS out of his nursery, the last straw was yesterday afternoon when i went to pick him up and he was outside playing, which is fine, but all he had on was trousers and a T-shirt, no jumper, no coat, he has been a bit poorly for 2 weeks now, runny nose, cough etc.
Even the carers had coats on!
I'm taking him out straight away, i didnt even want to leave him there yesterday and i've not sent him in today.

Anyways, i'm now going to consider a childminder, i have got a few names off the childcarelink website and will be phoning them later on today, does anyone have any tips what to look out for etc, also do they usually ask for fees up front?

Threadhead

I'm sorry your little one had such a rubbish time at nursery.

I am a childminder. My advise would be to make appointments to meet the childminders who have suitable places (preferably when they have other kids). Have a chat with them, have a look at how they get on with the kids, make sure you are happy with the cleanliness, and state of the toys. Ask what kind of things they do through the day. Its important that you get on with the childminder, as well as your son.

Most childminders will ask for the week/month's pay in advance. As you are hoping to start straight away, you shouldnt have to pay a deposit or retainer.

Any thing else you think of, you can pm me if you like.

Oscar

Definately see a few. You will get a feel for what you want. Make sure you see any pets they may also have and ask how many children they care for at a time and ages etc. I also avoided childminders with teenagers for fear they would be able to take them out in buggys and leave outside the local store etc. Ask too about how she gets around? One childminder I spoke to said that she took the children(numerous, and more during school hols)on a bus, to a sports centre where she did gym work and deposited the children in the creche!

Threadhead

Oscar wrote:

Definately see a few. You will get a feel for what you want. Make sure you see any pets they may also have and ask how many children they care for at a time and ages etc. I also avoided childminders with teenagers for fear they would be able to take them out in buggys and leave outside the local store etc. Ask too about how she gets around? One childminder I spoke to said that she took the children(numerous, and more during school hols)on a bus, to a sports centre where she did gym work and deposited the children in the creche!

Thats illegal!!!! :eek: If you are childminding, you are responsible for the children, and cant "give them away" to someone else, ie creche! Wow, there really are some dodgy childminders about! Are you also saying that the childminders own teenage children would take the childminded kids out on their own? Also illegal (unless the teenagers are registered too).

A childminder is registered for a max of 6 kids, of which 3 can be under school age, and one of the pre-schoolers may be under 1 year old. I think there may be an exception to this if the childminder works together with another childminder.

astonsmummy

Thanx guys, i've spoke to one lady, i'm going for a coffee and chat on thursday.
There is a list of questions i should ask on the childcarelink website, i have 2 more to call at the moment, they are the only ones who will be covering over the xmas holidays, if they arent suitable i'll just have to take more time off over xmas as i dont want to just send him anywhere.

jo1967

My sis is a childminder and she always encourages parents to visit & leave their child for a couple of hours (no charge) just to see how things go (on both sides). Like the others said childminders are responsible for their charges & can not be left with anyone else, when sis's OH worked shifts he registered too so that he could be of help & be involved when home.

Social services will have a register of approved childminders.

Check the minder of your choice has all insurances in place, emergancy routines (sis has a fire escape plan etc). Also what fees cover - food, trips to playgroups etc.

Making sure your kids are happy & safe whiulst working is one of the worst things when you are a parent! I was lucky my mum was at hand!

Hope you are sorted soon.

kelloggs36

Hi, I used to be a childminder and have also had a childminder when I went out to work.

I looked at the list and rang around to see who had spaces and then made appointments to visit them, with my daughter.

Something just felt right with the one we chose - my daughter absolutely loved her! - it isn't necessarily something you can put your finger on, but trust your instinct. Clearly you need to ask specific questions about their policies on such things as discipline, lost children, payment of fees, holidays etc.

Depending on when you need her/him to start you may need to pay a retainer. The fees will vary from person to person as will their policies on holidays and payment whilst children are at school etc.

Good luck

kelloggs36

Oh and check their OFSTED report and their insurance to ensure that they are up to date etc as it is illegal to practice as a Childminder without being Ofsted approved and registered with the Local Authority. They will also have full CRB checks too.

scoobydo_2

Hi I'm a childminder too I have teenage kids and they love me doing this job and thats important as they have to get on with the minded children . We all work differantly I prefer the babies and little ones and don't like before and after schooler . But I don't see it as a down side some parents like the fact that theres no rushing to do school pick ups and drop offs .
I always tell parents when they ring to enquire or come round to me that they should meet other minders as they will click with the person who they and their child choose . You have to be able to talk to your minder and vice versa .A network minder is good as they are regularly visited and have to maintain very high standards of care they also have un anounced visits to ensure quality care is being provided.
Also seeing the minder at toddler groups as you can see them when they are interacting with their kids .
Good luck and pm me if you need any further advice .

Rachie_B

:eek: astons mummy thats awful :mad:

as for childminders yes,go and see as many as you can and ask to see all the relevent paperwork etc

Ask about settling in period,fees,policies etc

have a look here for a list of Qs to ask http://www.bridgendchildrensinformationservice.org.uk/index.php/for_parents/questions_to_consider__1/questions_to_consider

Good luck and let us know how you get on

mad_bad_spender

Hi there, I am also a childminder and feel sorry for your situation. I would ask the childminders if they have a settling in period. With me for the first four weeks the parents are allowed to break/end the contract without notice or penalty. This allows the parents and myself the time to see if we are both happy and comfortable with each other. The reason for this is that sometimes children may not get on or you may not feel comfortable with the parents or they may realise they are not happy with you. After this four weeks notice is required from both parties.

I also ask parents to drop the children off for a short period of time(unpaid) and then increase that time to help the child settle in before being left for a full day.

All childminders now have to have a lot of policies such as behaviour policy , no smacking, no smoking policy, and should have permission forms similar to what the nursery should have had. (photos, videos, pc, outings etc)

Like what others have said trust you instinct!! And write yourself a list of questions to ask so you dont forget.

And just to put a different light on it*there are nightmare parents out there as well* I as a childminder am NOW careful to ask the parents plenty of questions.