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Original poster

Questions about childminders

5 replies

MamaJoon · 02/03/2020 09:18

I'm worried about a childminder that lives near me and questioning if she's operating correctly.

Childminders can you advise??

Firstly she has 8 children for the school run, 6 primary aged and 2 preschool. Is this too much??

Secondly she had stopped to talk to someone and 4 of the children were not with her, I passed them 2 minutes later climbing on someone's fence by a busy road.

Thirdly I have seen the children run straight into a road in front of a (thankfully) slow car and she was no where in sight.

Now I understand children run off but has she taken on too much?? I'm worried one of these children are going to get hurt.

Thanks

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LowcaAndroidow · 04/03/2020 21:36

Number of children are fine if she has 5 under 8s and 3 over 8s.

They should be in her sight or hearing at all times though.

School can't do anything about it, she is self-employed. If you report her to Ofsted they will probably contact her about it though.

SMaCM · 04/03/2020 21:21

It sounds like she is within her ratios, but not keeping the children under close supervision. I would suspect there is not a lot the school will do about it, but they might be able to let the childrens' parents know what you have seen.

Original poster
MamaJoon · 02/03/2020 11:47

My son said at least 3 of the children are in year 4 so 8/9 year olds. He was the one who commented on them being so far from the minder today. I just make mental notes.

I know her name to report to ofsted but as I've never used a childminder before I wanted to get some opinions on this. She lives near me and takes children to the same school as mine attend.

Would reporting to school be an option?

OP posts:
Looneytune253 · 02/03/2020 10:24

She can have 6 under 8 at any onetime and this is a very strict rule so yes it's worth looking into if the children are all under 8 (some may be over 8 in primary though). Yes the other points are valid too as they need to be within sight and/or hearing at all times apart from the actual safety dangers so prob worth a mention to. Do u feel able to have a chat with herdirectly? Or better write a letter and she'll need to respond properly. Or you could have a chat with ofsted if you know her name perhaps

Fundays12 · 02/03/2020 09:21

I don’t know about ratios of children they are allowed but the other things are seriously alarming. I would be flagging that with ofsted or care inspectorate (Scotland) depending on where you are.

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