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Original poster

How to judge a CM starting out?

28 replies

lazyhen · 30/04/2008 18:52

Hi all - in my continuing quest to find childcare for when I return to work I have been calling lots of CMs on Childcarelink website. I called one lady who I'm going to visit who is starting out at a childminder (her webpage says she has 20 years childcare experience - not sure what in)

How do I tell if she's any good if there are no other children there yet???

This must happen alot as people qualify I suppose?

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nannynick · 30/04/2008 19:23

Go with your gut.
When you visit, you will get a quick impression of the place - for example, it may be very child friendly, or the complete opposite! Have a general chat and see if your views regarding various things matches - some may like messy place for example, some may want to get out and about exploring the neighbourhood. Think about any issues you have had to deal with recently and see if the CM would have dealt with them in a similar way - perhaps things such as a child refusing to do/wear something, children fighting, food habits etc.

llareggub · 30/04/2008 19:17

The CM that cares for my son had just started out. I spent time talking to her about her views on childcare. Her children were also there and I could tell a lot about her from the way that they interacted with me and each other.

They seemed like lovely, caring children and I was happy for my son to spend time there.

References are all well and good but no one is going to give you the name of a referee who is likely to give a bad reference, are they? Trust your gut instinct, it is usually correct.

I don't care for Ofsted reports, either.

justaboutwaiting · 30/04/2008 18:53

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.