How to sack a childminder? new one hired

Sagaris

Sorry to hear about your childminding troubles - I'd definately report her to the police, as I'm sure they would be interested in her travelling with children in a car that are not correctly restrained.
What on earth would have happened if she'd crashed? When I was a childminder I was extra careful - what I did with my own children was up to me, but the children in my care were doubly precious (IYSWIM). She shouldn't be doing the job if she can't offer a decent level of care. :mad:

Warriorsith

If you really don't want to confront them, just say you've made other arrangements, ie with the nan, to look after your child as financially you can't afford her anymore.

The once your child isn't there, write a letter stating your grievances, and perhaps send a copy to your local council, surely they'd like to know whats going on in their area?

AnnieH

That's pretty much what I've done, Warriorsith. I have said that nanny is coming over today, and he'll want to spend some time with her. I have drafted a letter, which I'll put through their letter box with the payment I owe them one day this week.

Warriorsith

Great Minds!!!

Remember to post back if their response, if they bother.

Justie

I would tell the childminder why you're no longer using her services - it's not an easy thing to do and I can understand wanting to avoid any confrontation but unless she knows that it's unacceptable then she can never change her behaviour. Also if the first she hears about it is when OFSTED get in touch then she's more likely to feel upset - you've had a business relationship with her for 6 months and if she's failed to meet your standards you should tell her.

Elsiesgirl

She definitely must be reported. Hope you find someone else soon. I'm horrified at what went on, and that's only the bits yopu know about.

AnnieH

Quick update - I've just received an email back from ofsted saying that I might need further investigations into my concerns.
They'll get back to me when the appropriate people have read my email.

2005CLAIRE

When you choose your new childminder ask LOTS of questions.

It's a lot easier to ask questions before you get into a friendly relationship with the Childminder (which inevitably you do).

When you are with the CM for the "interview" don't be afraid to look around the place - ask to go to the toilet, look at the garden and ask to see all the rooms that the child will be going into.


Ask to see their certificates - First Aid, Registration.

Ask if they have been on any courses lately or if they are planning on doing any.

Ask how many other children they care for.

Ask how they plan their day, do they have a routine. Do they get together with other CM at playgroups etc.

Any pets, are they kept separate from the children?

Do the children travel by car, if so ask to see the car - is it road worthy/safe etc.

Ask if they have references and follow them up.

Ask to see their First aid kit.

If your child is under school age ask the CM if they would be willing to fill out a little day to day diary - the CM can fill in when the child had a nap, a poo, eat a little or a lot of food today, had a happy day, was tearful etc etc

Look at the contract that the CM gives to you - if you are not happy with any of it - say so before you get friendly - as it is more difficult 2 or 3 months down the line.

If money is an issue ask when their fees go up (some CM add on 50p an hour once a year - for others it's different).

If you are a meek type of person blame your partner! Take a list of all these questions and say sorry I have to ask all these questions but my husband/partner/mum/dad etc insists on me asking these questions.


I am a ChildMinder and I would be more than happy for a parent to ask me all of these questions.

Child Minders sometimes get a bad press - I often get asked if I'm going to get a "proper" job when my children are grown up a bit - but I am currently studying for a Diploma in Home-Based Child Care - I take First Aid Courses, check my house regularly for Safety problems (broken toys/safe garden/smoke alarms - the list is endless.

I often find that parents are reluctant to "offend" the Child Minder by asking too many difficult questions - possibly because the parent really needs a Child Minder (CM are in great demand).

I tell the parents that they are welcome to come early to see how we are getting on during the day.

If you do start with a new CM talk to them before and after the working day - ask questions - "Everything ok?" - "How has he been, any tears today, if so what's happened"?

Your child is the most thing thing in your life - don't be afraid to ask questions.

You can repay the good work by paying on time, being on time, not taking the child to the CM if they are ill - it's amazing the amount of times I've been told "He was sick this morning but he's fine now (30 mins later)", Remember to keep your details updated (if you change your phone number), cheap little gifts boost the CM's day (even a flower picked from the garden will make a CM feel special - but of course a bar of chocolate does taste nicer) and not hanging around chatting in the CM's time (having spoken to other CMs this and being put in the position of looking after ill children is the biggest bug bear).

Rachie_B

:T fab post claire

Annie that sounds positive! keep us posted !

Threadhead

To be honest, as a childminder, I was up in arms when I read the title of this post; SACK??!! You dont "sack" a childminder, you end the contract (yeah, I'm dead anal!!) However, having read the thread - I hear where you're coming from, and whats happened is terrible.

I'd tell the CM that you're really serious about the car seat issue, and the other previous incidents. I think thats only courteous before she receives a letter from the Care Commission (or English equivalent).

Not sure how the English Contracts are worded, but in Scotland the contracts specifically say that children will be transported in suitable car restraints, so (in Scotland) your CM has broken the contract. IMHO you'd be entitled to say "you broke the contract, so I'm terminating and not paying the notice period"

Good luck finding suitable childcare