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Original poster

I've got some fairly big ishoos with my CM, but it's all a bit awkward - please help!

59 replies

bohemianbint · 24/07/2008 11:50

I suppose it's not the biggest of deals at the moment as DS (23 months) only goes 3 hours a week, mostly, although a couple of weeks ago he went for 2 days, so it's all a bit random.

The problems are:

  • the tv is on ALL THE TIME in the background. Even on nice days I'm not sure they even get into the garden.

  • they never go out and do anything. In fact am not sure if they do anything when they stay in, I get the impression the kids play with toys or watch tv, there's no reading or activities or anything as far as I know.

  • DS is fed in a pushchair in the kitchen and I now find out he sleeps in the pushchair as well. Or doesn't, as it turns out. He was always put down in a seperate room in a cot as he's a bit of a nightmare to settle and will only ever sleep if there's nothing else going on. I also wasn't told that this had changed and had been takign round blankets and his light show thing, thinking that he used them in his cot.

And finally, (and this is the latest thing that has really made me cringe) when we went round last week, it was raining, and DS ran off up the garden. I went after him to take him in and nearly trod in a huge pile of dog crap. Now, I understand that she would no doubt have cleaned it up if the weather was nice and the kids were able to play outside, but it makes me cringe thinking there's probably dog shit residue all over the garden.

The only reason I haven't stopped him going is that she's absolutely lovely, really flexible (will look after DS at the drop of a hat) and DS has been going for about a year and really likes her. As I say, he's not going for long periods, on the whole, so am loathe to shake things up, especially as am due to have another baby any time and don't want to unsettle DS up any more than necessary. When I've asked her about what they do or expressed concern about all the tv she has assured me that it isn't on all the time, and sometimes they just listen to music - but I've been there at all different hours of the day and have never seen the tv off, or seen them drawing, or doing anything.

Am I being too precious about this, or should we look for alternatives? I just worry about the quality of the care he's getting; we are paying for it and I feel a bit shortchanged if all he does is watch tv!

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KIOOSES · 12/08/2008 17:21

i childmind and if it were my child i would go with my gut feelings and find him somewhere else to go quickly!!! he should be provided with the best care that puts his welfare first check out ofsted website. she should be keeping a dairy of his activities and care to share with you. All my children have access to the garden and we are always out and about at the park and the beach etc! And as for eating she should provide an appropriate place and the pushchair aint it.
she should display the ofsted poster where parents can contact them:- www.ofsted.gov.uk/parents or phone 0845404040 for futher advice in your concerns!!!!! Ps her ofsted regisration number should be her certificate of registration which she is legally bound to display.

happyfaceschildcare · 04/08/2008 16:48

It doesn't matter how many hours your child is cared for you want the best care available and sitting in front of the tv is not it, I don't get time to even switch the tv on my house is always buzzing I have a dedicated childminding room which doesn't even have a tv in it I always think that you shouldn't treat children that you care for any differently from your own and I certainly wouldn't want mine watching tv all day, I would talk to her about it maybe there is an explanation, what did her ofsted report say ? we all have standards we have to pass as childminders. does she keep a journal for your little one so you know what they are doing when they are round there ? I have dogs and they go to the park twice a day and do their business there, if they were to mess in the garden I would clean it up straight away even if it was raining and I do rinse with dettol and water even if it's just tiddles, hope that helps.

phoebebouffet · 03/08/2008 23:28

If you have your CM's ofsted number you can look up their latest ofsted report online, i think for reasons of confidentiality they are not listed with their name.

Original poster
bohemianbint · 26/07/2008 11:22

RachieB - that sounds like a genius plan, I'll look into that asap! Cheers very much for the tip...

OP posts:
RachieB · 26/07/2008 11:17

have you thought about having a Homestart volunteer www.home-start.org.uk/ or a childcare student looking for experience ?

ok so you wouldnt be able to leave them in sole charge or anything

but someone to play with / read to your son while you relax,or accompany you on outings etc

and for free

x

Original poster
bohemianbint · 26/07/2008 10:51

She is registered, I saw all the paperwork before he started going, and initially it seemed alright, and she was very lovely and prepared to do what we wanted in terms of his routine at the time.

It was only subsequently, when things started to come to light - ie the feeding and sleeping situation which I only found out about by accident a couple of weeks ago because of something that she said in passing, that's what's really upset me. If I'd have known sooner I would have probably stopped him going already.

As I'm not working anymore it's no longer vital that he goes at all, in fact, we're stretching ourselves financially to send him. It has on occasion been a godsend to send him there, as we don't really get any help from family, but I think it might have to go by the wayside.

Thanks for all the replies though, it is good to hear I'm not being OTT about it.

Diane - I'm in Manchester, are you anywhere near? You sound much better than current CM!!

OP posts:
Diane73 · 25/07/2008 22:00

I wouldn't be happy with what your childminder is doing either. I am a registerd Childminder and always make sure children sit at table or in highchairs to eat. I take them out regularlly for fresh air and exercise, Children need at least 1 hr day of fresh air its proven!
All the children in my care have fun no matter how many hours/days they attend, Where are u based maybe i could help you???

chloemegjess · 25/07/2008 21:03

Hello. I was also wondering why your child has been going here for so long?

As a childminder, I think this is awful. However, i do know a childminder that does nothing but let the kids watch tv all day while she obsesses over the housework! So I know it does happen, but it is not right at all.

I am not too sure what you mean about the dog poo, you say she would have cleared it up if it was nice enough for the children to go out, so whats the problem? In a park, people would have picked up after their dogs,they wouldnt have washed the floor or anything? Might be just me being dumb on this one?

I do think you should leave and find somewhere else. In fact, I think you should report her to ofsted.

Turniphead1 · 25/07/2008 19:38

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

RachieB · 25/07/2008 19:25

apparently registered ?! did you not see her paperwork before signing the contract?!

TBH i am really wondering why you put your child in her care in the first place!?

apart from her flexibility, what exactly is she offering you / your child?!

yes its only 3 hrs he is there, but if she doesnt have activities / books etc he must still do the same if he is there all day ? ( ie watch tv!)

i would look for somewhere else for definite

xx

bigdonna · 25/07/2008 18:39

sorry we have small table inside and out for activities or eating,also have highchair and booster seat with tray ,she could pick all these things up cheaply

bigdonna · 25/07/2008 18:37

i am cm cant believe she has no tables for activities,where do they do playdough,painting,sticking drawing,cooking.i do have tv on sometimes but normally to wind the kids down before lunch or tea.does she ever do anything with him!!!!to be honest we did not do any activities today but walked to shops to buy water guns to have water fight in garden,played on trampoline,read books (my 9yr dd read 8 books to them)oh and played football .only work 9-3.

Original poster
bohemianbint · 25/07/2008 15:38

They don't do any of that.

OP posts:
amidaiwish · 25/07/2008 14:01

but what about a table for general activities?

  • drawing, play doh, etc... where can any of the children do that?
Anna8888 · 25/07/2008 12:10

Ripeberry - just because in other cultures it is considered within the realms of civilised behaviour not to eat off a table does not make it OK not to eat off a table in our culture.

Original poster
bohemianbint · 25/07/2008 10:37

Ripeberry - I think they do all just have teas on knees all the time. I do have a booster seat, which is supposed to attach to a chair, but it has a tray on it, so I might see if I can send that. It would mean he'd have to eat with his legs straight out on the floor but it's not the end of the world I suppose, and at least he would then have a tray to rest his food on and be able to feed himself...

OP posts:
Ripeberry · 25/07/2008 10:26

At our ICP (childcare traingin) they said that lots of childminders don't have tables because as a familly they usually eat off their laps .
But that CM should have a highchair at least, lots of people in other cultures eat sitting on the floor so a table is not a high priority.

Original poster
bohemianbint · 25/07/2008 10:22

imananny - funnily enough, what you suggested is exactly what happens; he does go from 9-12 unless he ends up having to go for the whole day, for whatever reason.

OP posts:
imananny · 25/07/2008 10:15

apart from the lack of table and then no sleep issue if you are happy with rest of care then agree not worth rocking the boat at the moment and wait till baby is born

what time does your ds go there - can you change the time like i suggested and maybe go in the mornings and then you can pick him up, have lunch at yours on a table and then have a sleep in his bed at home

Original poster
bohemianbint · 25/07/2008 09:59

Thanks for all the feedback.

Apparently she is registered!

DS was 12 months when he started going, and I thought at that age the one to one attention and quieter (than a nursery) setting would be better for him. However, a year on I'm thinking he'd probably really benefit from going to a nursery or something like that, even just one day a week, so that he could mix with more kids (CM doesn't have many, oddly enough!) and actually do stuff like painting, making things, playing out, etc etc.

Food for thought. I might wait until the dust settles after this baby, keep it to 3 hours in the meantime, and look into options.

OP posts:
JenniPenni · 25/07/2008 00:47

She is providing a rubbish service imo... I am surprised that a childminder does not have proper facilities, activities and routine etc....?

Your kid (and you!) deserve better and there are MANY excellent childminders out there!

Sidge · 24/07/2008 21:58

I might be overreacting a touch, but I'd run for the hills!!!!

If this was his granny watching him for a few hours a week I wouldn't be bothered, but for a registered childminder to be doing so little I would be looking elsewhere.

I had a similar experience with our first CM - she 'minded' DD1 but did nothing else. I made the decision to send her to nursery instead at the age of 2 and she just blossomed, her speech took off, she was having so much more fun and getting a lot more exercise and fresh air. (DD that is, not the CM!)

Moomin · 24/07/2008 21:52

Well I can only speak from my owm experience: I've used nurseries and one CM and the CM wins hands down every time - she's an absolute gem who takes real pride in her job and the care she gives. She got an 'Outstanding' Ofsted last year. She would be horrified if she read these remarks about your CM: her standards are very high, she loves the job and all the children in her care are sooo happy. dd1 and dd2 adore her.

RachieB · 24/07/2008 21:48

moomin i thought the same!

though i know of some parents who choose day nursery over CMer, for this very reason ....

KaySamuels · 24/07/2008 21:45

My ds could find danger in a padded cell moomin, so I imediately thought of him and grinned when I read that! Children belong outdoors in my opinion, otherwise they get like caged tigers!

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