Lazy childminder

Unless the OP has her eyes fixed on her for the entire 2 hours how do we really know that this woman doesn't move? And if the OP has her eyes fixed on her for the 2 hours I would suggest that her time might be better spent paying more attention to her mindees . Hence neither of them sound like they're doing a wonderful job !

But she didn't get up once! I'm astounded people think this is acceptable.

In the OP it said the the 'lazy' CM said 'Don't do that Johnny' so she did intervene when the children did something. The story then changed to make her sound worse.

That's not actually what she said initially, the cm in question seems to have got worse as the thread goes on

The difference with the OP is that the CM wasn't intervening when needed. Totally different scenario.

I'm a nanny knackered, also with a degree in psychology actually. I don't have a 2 hour paid break. I do let the children play independently at playgroup. They know where I am, if they need me they come to me. I sit and chat. I watch them and if I need to intervene I will. I very rarely need to (and often don't need to get up off my chair, words are enough).

Is your nanny allowed to sit down or does she interact with the children constantly all day?

I must add clearly not all childminders see playgroup as a break for 2 hours inc op. I know there are good childminders out there but at shocked so many find this acceptable.

knackeredmother, get off your high horse! the op is not with the cm in question at every group - she only sees her once, maybe twice a week she says. if she truly does not move, then yes, she is being lazy, but most cms do go to a 2 hour group for a 'break' of sorts and some sort of adult interaction!!

do you not get any break at all during the day? what kind of job do you do?

The cm at a toddler group I used to go to were borderline neglectful of their charges. They sat in a covern together bitching and gossiping. The funny thing was I was only thereto find one for myself. Ididfind a tiptop one but not art that group.

Sorry about the choppy post...I am multitasking!

I take it you are a childminder outraged from Leeds and hence see a 2 hour paid break as acceptable. I find this unprofessional.

The op is describing someone who does not move for 2 hours, no intervening or managing squabbles or any interaction with children. I have a degree in child psychology, medicine and a nanny thankyou. My opinion stands, she sounds lazy.

DH and I decided not to send our LO to a childminder after seeing how negligent many of them are while at children's centres.

It took one CM about a half hour to realise that her charges had left the building. Luckily a parent had found them on the street outside ( busy London road) and brought them inside.

I want to point out that I am not implying that all or even the majority of CM are bad.

knackeredmother have a read up on child development, children need time to explore and play independently.

I would recommend that you avoid nurseries, nannies and schools as well. All of them would find a child playing independently in a safe, child-centered environment perfectly acceptable.

I don't think this is acceptable at all op. if I was paying someone to look after my kids I would be very unhappy at this. I don't know any other profession where you expect to sit down and have a natter. Most professionals don't take lunch and would not expect to sit down 'nattering' for 2 hours out of their paid working days.
This thread puts me off ever using a childminder if this is seen as acceptable.

I am sure she would act differently if ofsted came and inspected her at the toddler group. It annoys me when I have to do craft with other people's children because the mums or carers cannot be bothered.

I am a CM and recently in my area, there has been a notice put out to CMs asking them to ensure they look after the children in their care at children's centre groups. There have been numerous complaints about them turning up en masse, and not disciplining the children when they push, throw etc. In my area it is an issue regarding the children's unchecked behaviour

lol, I'm not a CM either and so am not defensive, just thinking about how I am at toddler group. I let my 2yo get on with it, although I do keep an eye on him obv. The other parents most likely judge me dreadfully, but luckily I don't care!

I can see where you're coming from OP. It's ok for this CM who has taken her children out for some fun to allow them to explore and free play, but she should be actively watching them and helping or intervening if necessary. I have some mindees who can get on with making friends and playing all morning and others who need closer supervision, help with painting aprons, etc.

I'd love to be able to sit down all.morning, but I can't see it happening.

I do agree that if she was really lazy, she would not take the children out.

Do you go to the four groups a week? You must do, otherwise you wouldn't know she goes to four a week too. I would kinda think you lazy and maybe a bit unimaginative, churning over old ground again and again. Jus' sayin'.

Now you see the op's judgy attitude pisses me off and is why I only ventured to the local group today after cm for 6 months..... And before anyone asks my two are sitting with me, sleeping while I do this. I never took my own dd to any groups but a parent requested it today and I'm happy to make them happy.

But I cannot stand all the judging..... It's enough to make you question your job choice.

I love the kids, they love me, the parents are happy, and love me to.......So why do I feel that I'm in a goldfish bowl?

i just feel op, you are worrying too much. unless you feel the children are being neglected, i would try not to concern myself too much.
everyone is entitled to a break now and again. it's only 2 hours of the day you are seeing this woman for. At least she is actually bothering to go to groups.