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Paid childcare

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

Original poster

Why is there a need to 'professionalise' childminding??

35 replies

Twiglett · 06/09/2006 16:33

Just wondering really

When I was looking for a childminder I wanted a warm, loving, confident and full of common sense childminder

I actually was a registered childminder for a while and hated the bureaucracy that comes with pathetically wimpy ofsted people and the whole rigmarole

The people I childminded for were happy I took their children .. we met and agreed that our belief systems were similar and everything was fine

I've considered returning to childminding but honestly can't be faffed with all the ofsted malarkey

Is it just me ... the ICP course was pointless (IMO) the house inspection was daft ...

I'm sure if you want to be seen as a 'professional' its great .. but personally I never really wanted to be seen as a 'professional' I wanted to be seen as someone who loved and was good with children and could look after them lovingly and competently like a friend would

just wittering I suppose

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ThePrisoner · 06/09/2006 22:11

I'm going to write a Cuddles and Attention Policy, and will ensure that each child is allocated the same amount of time on my lap.

Original poster
Twiglett · 06/09/2006 22:00

it is exactly that kind of bollocks that makes me say no every time people ask me if I'd consider minding their children for them ..

happens a lot once people know I used to do it ..

I'm still tempted by the money though

OP posts:
ThePrisoner · 06/09/2006 21:57

I also think that our Ofsted inspections are not what they ought to be.

When Social Services did our inspections, they used a tick chart to ensure that you had socket covers, stair gates, safety film (and covers on your water butts, I am sure!!) Ofsted only ask you what you do or have done to ensure that your house is safe. If you don't mention something, then they don't know about it!

They are hot on written information to prove that you work well - lots of policies (which prove nothing - I ask you, why do we need a Lost Child Policy ... "don't worry, I am a good childminder but just in case I lose your child, here's a copy of my policy to tell you how I will deal with the situation"), signed permission forms from parents covering everything you can think of, and huge slaps on the wrist if you do dangerous things like allowing children to eat blackberries straight from the bush without washing them or share towels when drying hands. I know all the reasons for all of it, but it sometimes smacks of Big Brother Gone Mad.

Someone I know got into big trouble when a child helped themselves (without asking) to some unwashed fruit during her inspection. It's even written in her inspection report.

Parents want their children to have cuddles and attention, not a 53 page essay on How Good I Am.

Original poster
Twiglett · 06/09/2006 21:15

I'm a graduate and I was made to go on a 4 day course and tbh they seemed interested in teaching me how to write a few page essay and ensure that I put sources on the bottom .. honestly .. I am not kidding .. although there was a useful first aid course

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Original poster
Twiglett · 06/09/2006 21:13

trust me the ofsted inspection is just bollocks ... if you have small children then you have allowed for most issues

if you are an honest and caring person who wants to do this to make ends meet

if you are a manipulative sod and only want the money you could swing the ofsted inspection / course rubbish with a minimum of effort

but that's not the point really

again just witteing

OP posts:
fistfullofnappies · 06/09/2006 21:05

Well, parents do want to be 100% sure that all is safe, even stuff that isnt obvious, like covering water butts.
Im in 2 minds about it. On the one hand, childminders will be more respected if they arent seen as just mums making a bit of pin money. On the other hand, one of the best nursery nurses my dd ever had, had no certificates at all, her only qualification was her fantastic personality and experience with her own children.

smeeinit · 06/09/2006 20:22

im in agreement. i think having checks and certain training is absolutly vital. but it has gone too far imo.
common sense and parenthood counts for alot and no matter how many training certificates or quality standard awards you have it doesnt make you a good childcarer!!
i dont know about other cms but i personally feel preasured into doing training that i dont see neccesary just to keep ofsted happy.

LoveMyGirls · 06/09/2006 19:49

i agree too. esp as i have ofsted coming soon and it just terrifies me - even though im doing everything right otoh i suppose its good they check because i might not being doing something i should but i've not known about it or something? and its good we get checked because i bet there are some people who dont do things properly.

zoeuk1 · 06/09/2006 18:11

sorry, im sure the children i mind do feel at home here!!, but i agree with you too twiglett

zoeuk1 · 06/09/2006 18:10

i agree with you. i want the kids to love coming to me. i dont want to have a heavily structured day. i want the children to feel at home when they are here with me.