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Paid childcare

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

Original poster

Childminders

31 replies

FlimsySteve · 24/06/2022 18:30

I've contacted probably nearly 100 childminders so far and I'm just exasperated! He has a space in nursery but we'd prefer a smaller setting really.

We've met at least 10 childminders now who have a space for my son but once we meet up suddenly the space is gone. It feels really personal now and the only explanation is that they feel my child is too difficult to look after - he was born extremely prematurely so is delayed with some things (he's 1) and I honestly think they are discriminating against him because of this.

Is this something childcare providers do?

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Original poster
FlimsySteve · 25/06/2022 18:16

Based on comments that one CM made, it's inconvenient that DS can't walk yet. She actually accepted him, i paid to reserve the space and then 3 weeks later said she can't take him anymore. Even at 12 months its within the range of normal for a child not to be walking.

Are they allowed to pick and choose in this way? How to they avoid disability discrimination if so?

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Squareflair · 25/06/2022 13:58

To be honest you may as well ask them why, sure most will probably say oh because of something irrelevant but you never know. My neighbour is a childminder and she has a preference for full time mindees so perhaps that plays a part? Although sadly it would be naive to assume there's no prejudice going on.

Original poster
FlimsySteve · 25/06/2022 13:55

jannier · 25/06/2022 13:38

Don't forget it's a two way interview are you being too demanding? Some people are very specific and inflexible over details which is fine if your talking to a nanny but dosent fit when the child is in a group setting.

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I don't think we are being at all demanding. We're not super flexible on hours - we want him minded 3 days a week, 8-5 or 9-6 ish depending on the CMs hours.

My husband WFH and can end his work day a little early (ad hoc, not regularly) if the CM needs him to, and we explain this to the CMs. We're happy to provide food, and send DS with milk.

I don't think we are asking for anything specific other than that. I talk about the fact he has extra medical/nurse/AHP checkups because of his prematurity but am clear that he doesn't have any health problems.

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jannier · 25/06/2022 13:38

FlimsySteve · 24/06/2022 18:30

I've contacted probably nearly 100 childminders so far and I'm just exasperated! He has a space in nursery but we'd prefer a smaller setting really.

We've met at least 10 childminders now who have a space for my son but once we meet up suddenly the space is gone. It feels really personal now and the only explanation is that they feel my child is too difficult to look after - he was born extremely prematurely so is delayed with some things (he's 1) and I honestly think they are discriminating against him because of this.

Is this something childcare providers do?

Don't forget it's a two way interview are you being too demanding? Some people are very specific and inflexible over details which is fine if your talking to a nanny but dosent fit when the child is in a group setting.

Original poster
FlimsySteve · 24/06/2022 18:42

Joopy · 24/06/2022 18:32

Are you being honest with the childminders before you meet them? Does he need extra care?

He's 13 months old but developmentally similar to a 10 month old, and he requires no extra care than a 10 month old would. He crawls, rolls and stands (with support). He eats solids with some milk and naps 1-2 times a day so not super dissimilar to some 1 year olds anyway! I tell them he was born prematurely before we meet but I suppose I wouldn't necessarily given l give them his exact corrected age.

OP posts:
Joopy · 24/06/2022 18:32

Are you being honest with the childminders before you meet them? Does he need extra care?