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Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

According to my DD, she spends the whold day watching TV at her childminders!

157 replies

mummyloveslucy · 17/06/2011 21:01

Hi, my 6 year old daughter is home educated and has recently started going to a child minder one day a week. I asked on facebook if anyone knew any good CM's and a friend of my husbands family mentioned her daughter, who used to be a nursery nurse. She's only in her early 20's but I didn't feel we could really say no, so we though we'd give her a try. I sent my DD with a big bag of things to entertain herself, eg pens, paper, puzzles, books etc. When I picked her up she was asleep on the sofa. The CM said she'd been good etc. When I asked her what she'd done, she said watched cbeebies and a DVD. She didn't do any drawings or play with any of her things either. I noticed that the TV has been on every time we've visited, and if it's on, DD will watch it. She has an 18 month old daughter who DD has become very fond of, but no other CM children.
I'm not sure wether to say something very tactful to enquire about what she's been doing there, just carry on taking her, or what? I find these things really awkward! I don't mind her watching a DVD or some TV, but 6 hours worth is just too much. She goes on a day that's usually a chill out day, but even so, I usually encourage her to play games, read to her and involve her in what I'm doing.
Am I asking too much though?

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
mummyloveslucy · 17/06/2011 21:47

Thanks Nick-Nacks! Grin I think I'll use your first suggestion. Wink

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mummyloveslucy · 17/06/2011 21:45

Thanks cat. BooHoo- I do work nights, my daughter also has special needs which can be quite demanding. She isn't naughty, but it can be very draining.

When she was at school, she was a nightmare! She came out of school ready to explode! Since she's been at home she's like a different child. She's happy, calmer and far more relaxed. She's also comming along very well accademicaly and socially.

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NickNacks · 17/06/2011 21:39

Say you need her reg number for tax credits.

When she can't give you one then just say, 'Oh mistake on my part but i really can't afford this without help from tax credits so i'll have to look for someone registered'

OR

'Look you're shit. And frankly for £25 I expected a lot more than to have to provide my own activities (which you haven't bothered with) and the TV shoved on'.

Either of those work?

NonnoMum · 17/06/2011 21:38

Why don't you just send her to school for one day a week? At least you know then it'll registered/inspected/stimulating/age-appropriate/educational/value for money/sociable...shall I go on?

pinkthechaffinch · 17/06/2011 21:37

If you phone up your local surestart they will send or email you a list of reputable local childminders

BooyHoo · 17/06/2011 21:36

why were you desperate? surely if you home eductae that means you dont work out of teh home. why were you so pressed that you didn't have time to aske if she was registered?

all you have to do is say, it isn't working out. if she is anyway in it for teh chidlren she will understand taht not all CMers are suitable for all children.

cat64 · 17/06/2011 21:36

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mummyloveslucy · 17/06/2011 21:33

O.k, I know I went about this the wrong way, but was desperate to find someone. I will go and see the registered CM's and see which one I like.

What should I say to the CM she's with? I don't want to cause her and her family to fall out with us, so if I just start questioning wether or not she's registered, she'll say "why didn't you check before?" (and I know I should've!) I know this is a huge cock up on my part, but if you have any advice for getting me out of it, I'd be greatful.

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WhoWhoWhoWho · 17/06/2011 21:24

Hmm let me re-phrase that.

You go and see all the registered childminders in your area.

KatyMac · 17/06/2011 21:24

Sorry I meant babysitting at their house is illegal

BoysAreLikeDogs · 17/06/2011 21:23

I think you will have to massively adjust your expectations if you are going to continue using unregistered care

KatyMac · 17/06/2011 21:23

Which is illegal

WhoWhoWhoWho · 17/06/2011 21:23

Well said Katymac.

You go and see all the cms in your area. You read their ofsted reports (though seeing them interact with other mindees is more illuminating than an ofsted report IMO), you read their references, you look at their training logs and their policies. You look around their setting at all the toys and resources they have and you watch how they interact with your dd.

cat64 · 17/06/2011 21:23

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Grabaspoon · 17/06/2011 21:22

Agree with everyone else - she obviously isn't registered and is basically babysitting at her house for £4 an hour.

cat64 · 17/06/2011 21:22

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NickNacks · 17/06/2011 21:20

Agree 100% KatyMac!!

BooyHoo · 17/06/2011 21:19

sarky, the child is HE at her own hosue 4 days a week but goes to a CMer one day a week.(teh day she isn't HE'd)

mummyloveslucy · 17/06/2011 21:19

I've known her family for many years and I've seen her quite a few times at MIL's house. She was a nursery nurse before having her DD.

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KatyMac · 17/06/2011 21:19

She is a babysitter; this is what babysitters do

Childminders are professional, trained, insured & registered

BooyHoo · 17/06/2011 21:18

erm, are you for real? you bloody well go and see them all!! how do you expect to get teh right person for your DD if you dont go and meet them and see how tehy work? and no it isn't awkward you ask if she's registered and if she says no tehn you keep looking. i can'believe you think it's too much effort to go and visit CMers when it is somethinga s important as leaving your chidl with them.

NickNacks · 17/06/2011 21:18

no but you could have said 'Great, is she reg'd with Oftsed? No? OK well I need someone who is so thanks anyway!'

SarkyLady · 17/06/2011 21:17

I'm confused.

How can she be being home ed at an unregistered childminder?

mummyloveslucy · 17/06/2011 21:16

Of corse I care about her! Angry Which is why I thought it'd be good to have someone that we know rather than sending her to a stranger.

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NickNacks · 17/06/2011 21:16

You don't think she's registered???

What exactly do you know about her?

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