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Paid childcare

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

Original poster

can i join you though i'm not a childminder or nannie

29 replies

southeastastra · 14/02/2008 21:40

but after school worker, for occasional moans and advice

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KatyMac · 15/02/2008 08:11

I was close with my titles

BoysAreLikeDogs · 14/02/2008 22:47

SEA you are most welcome!

The science book, 'Why don't penguins' feet freeze?' is fab, explains loads of stuff like 'why is snot green'

The other one was 'Does anything eat wasps?'.

Both published by New Scientist.

HTH

hennipenni · 14/02/2008 22:31

DD want's to do the mentos one too!

KatyMac · 14/02/2008 22:29

Having a massive row with my co-ordinator about snack time

I used to sit in a circle on the floor & give out snack bowls to the children who have snack (eg 14 wk old doesn't - but she is in a bouncy chair & included 9mo - mum only wants her to have meals not snacks yet - so sits with adult being held & out of reach of snack)

Now I have to sit at a table - so baby isn't included & 9mo can reach food which is now on plate and the children choose what they have (except they don't otherwise 21mo would eat it all & one child would only eat raisins - when if she is given other fruit she will eat it)

So it doesn't work for me

Original poster
southeastastra · 14/02/2008 22:24

i have worked with children from 1999. the policies/procedures/educational requirements needed to work with children has gone out of control

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KatyMac · 14/02/2008 22:24

No

My version of free play is that the children can help themselves to stuff - but they have to put something away before getting something else out

But that I can do stuff & they can join in if they want

Original poster
southeastastra · 14/02/2008 22:22

katy you've never heard of deep play?

this is what annoys me with this fp policy that's come along

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MaureenMLove · 14/02/2008 22:22

Gah! Where's his sense of adventure! I've done that too! Didn't kill the grass. Anyway, its early enough in the season for it to grow back.

KatyMac · 14/02/2008 22:21

What's deep play?

MaureenMLove · 14/02/2008 22:20

Oh go on! Its really fun! Do it was DD at the weekend at least! I wouldn't do it with my littlies, but my after school juniors love it!

KatyMac · 14/02/2008 22:20

I want to do the mentos one - but DH thinks it will kill the grass

Original poster
southeastastra · 14/02/2008 22:19

i have to show 'deep play' it's hard in north london when you're based in a school and not an adventure playground. i appreciate when the government is trying to do but they don't listen to the staff doing the job... ever...

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KatyMac · 14/02/2008 22:19

I got it for Christmas - but I haven't read it all (toilet lit)

Have you got What eats wasps too (at least I think that what it's called)
& there is another one about cold feet

hennipenni · 14/02/2008 22:16

Katy, if your DD is like one of mine and loves science (well the experiment bits), there's a great little book about called "how to fossilise your Hmster". It's jam packed full of experiments which can be done at home. DD1 loves it as it also has links to websites where you can watch said experiments carried out too.

KatyMac · 14/02/2008 22:12

Nope Maureen - not in my house/garden...sorry I'm not daft

KatyMac · 14/02/2008 22:11

Today I only had
14 weeks old
9 mo
21 mo (with SDD)
2x 3yo
6yo
10yo

We did pots of flowers & loads of other heart stuff - I just put it all on the table (without scissors - the older ones had to ask for & return them)

3yo fed 9 mo a pritt stick but I got it out fairly quick

MaureenMLove · 14/02/2008 22:10

Right. you need a film canister. Not easy to find these days! You put a piece of cotton wool on the lid and soak it in vinegar, then you pour some baking soda into the canister and quickly put it on to the lid. Make sure you stand back from it! As the vinegar and soda mix, it'll let off a gas and fill the canister, until it explodes and the tub flies off!

Original poster
southeastastra · 14/02/2008 22:08

free play means though that i'm responsible for 40 5-11 year olds running amok and i have to let them sort it out themselves

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KatyMac · 14/02/2008 22:00

SEA - they need to understand that they will only get out of the job what they put in

M - no - tell me more

Mind you they were in awe with the volcano & then i HAD a 10 yo & a 6yo doing gloop - so funny (whole packet of cornflour tho' - I mean that's like 73p not sure I can afford it)

MaureenMLove · 14/02/2008 21:57

Have you done the exploding film cannisters as well Katy? They're brill, but you need to do them in the garden.

Original poster
southeastastra · 14/02/2008 21:56

it's hard katy as we're in different schools each day, and all the staff i work with who are about approx 18 moan about how much tidying up there is to do.

i love the free play thing and agree with it 100% but i have a boss who worries too much and interferes

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MaureenMLove · 14/02/2008 21:55

HOWEVER, since that thread last weekend, it would appear that its frowned upon to moan about clients/parents!

KatyMac · 14/02/2008 21:53

I nly really do free play - I hate struggle with 'opportunities' iyswim

Mind you I did a volcano this week cos DD wanted something exciting

MaureenMLove · 14/02/2008 21:52

Katy! I'm not in charge. If I was, we'd have every drunk off the street in as well!

As far as I'm concerned anyone on this forum is a childcare worker, just by the fact that one assumes we all have kids! The more the merrier I say!

Original poster
southeastastra · 14/02/2008 21:51

i find it hard because we have to prove alot of free play rather than planned activities.

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