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Original poster

Is my CM over her numbers and general advise please

30 replies

Needanewcm · 09/01/2014 13:07

Hello,
Have name changed to post this.
I have a lovely CM who my DD adores. She has been with her for 9 months now but I have become slightly worried about a few things, firstly that she is over her allowed numbers.

So yesterday I drop DD off and these are the children she has there.
DD (age 2)
Her son (age 3 but was at preschool in mornings so not actually there)
Boy (4 but only there in mornings when her son is at preschool)
Boy (4 but only there 9-3)
Boy (age 1 there until 3 apparently but often there later I've found - it was her being strange about the hours he was there that got me thinking she might be over)

Does her son count as a full place even if at preschool?
It seems a lot of under 5 year olds.

She had a friend there who I could see was feeding a child, but I don't believe this is a helper - I've not been informed of that fact and would want to check all the checks had been done etc. Would she have to tell parents if she had a helper?

I also worry that the tv is always on. I understood it would be on in mornings and eves as there are quite a few before and after schoolers - I am fine with this. However I don't really want it on all day and it has been the few ties I've recently picked DD up at "odd" times. Is this normal? What do other CMs do?

Finally, what outings do most CMs do? At the start we were told they would do various groups, outings etc. I would say she goes to one group a week whilst my DD is there, and once or twice to a soft play. Fully appreciate that the weather has been bad but I'd expect a trip to the park or a walk in the local field/ garden each day. I think the high numbers of young children are stopping her getting out and about, and the various pick ups and drop offs (9, 1 and 3) prevent activities. Again, is this usual?

Don't want to be super fussy but really considering looking elsewhere for childcare. Only thing stopping me is that my DD does seem to love the CM. Just not sure she gets the time/attention she should with so many other young children.
Do you think these are normal things?
Thanks!

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minderjinx · 09/01/2014 13:32

Assuming you are in England, her own son would still count even if at preschool, and she would usually only be allowed to have three under school age.

Could the friend be either an assistant, co minder or even the parent of one or more of the other children? If so, she could well be within her numbers. I think it would certainly be good practice to let parents know about taking on a helper, but I'm not sure it's a regulatory requirement.

Also, if she would not normally have had all those children at once, but some sort of exceptional circumstances meant they were there, that could be allowed, but it would have to be something unusual.

I think you need to ask the question and gauge from her response whether it is in order but she has not communicated with you, or whether she is breaking the rules. I suppose either way, if you do not find it a good environment for your child, you need to find an alternative.

wednesdaygirl · 09/01/2014 13:17

Art- a child can be only counted as over 5 once in school doing 10 sessions a week

wednesdaygirl · 09/01/2014 13:16

Her son cannot be counted so she has 2 available places for c/m children or 3 at a push but she has 4 deff over numbers

Artandco · 09/01/2014 13:15

Usually 3 under 5 I think. However she can get exemptions for extra. I'm assuming her own son and one 4 year old cancel themselves out if he's not there. And a 4 year old who is approaching 5/ the term before school I believe can be counted as a 5 year old.

So prob not over

SoonToBeSix · 09/01/2014 13:12

So she has four under fives at any one time, yes that's too many you are only allowed three under fives.