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

Original poster

waiting for a place

32 replies

mogwai · 14/08/2005 00:19

I am considering an ofsted-registered childminder for my DD when I go back to work in february. She will be seven months old at the time.

I have met a childminder who is willing to keep a place open for me. She initially said I would need to pay a retainer, which is reasonable, obviously, but it turns out that the retainer is a full months childcare costs - ie, I will be paying as though my child was in attendance.

If I am to pay for my child to be in attendance for the next five months (almost £1600), even though she will be at home with me, I think I ought to be able to leave her with the childminder for a few hours on the days I am paying for, so that I can get some housework done, or whatever. It hadn't been my intention to leave her with a childminder before february, but I think I should have this option if I am paying for the place.

However, the childminder will not take children below the age of 6 months. Apparently, she once looked after a child who had colic, which was problematic.

I'm not sure whether it is standard practice for a childminder to charge full costs to retain a place, and I feel concerned that she is happy to take the money every month, yet will not look after my DD on the days I am paying for.

Any thoughts??

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Original poster
mogwai · 19/08/2005 15:09

just to update, I managed to negotiate half rate for the next five months and the childminder will also take the baby for the odd day if I need it, once she's 3 months old. Bliss.

Very happy with this arrangement, and the minder is lovely

Thanks for your advice, it was really helpful!

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ThePrisoner · 18/08/2005 22:00

Mogwai - have you given up on all of us now?? Hopefully, you haven't posted because you are so busy contacting some new minders. I think it is really hard to choose a minder for a baby, because you can't ask how they feel about a particular person.

How did you get on with your visit with the childminder you may have? (I still disagree with the arrangements she requires re. retainer/availability though).

If you see any others, you could ask if it's possible to have an informal chat to any of the other parents or previous parents, just to help you decide.

HellyBelly · 18/08/2005 10:12

PMSL (again) at ThePrisoner - The advantage of us oldies is that we are so senile that if we have a bad day, we've forgotten about it by the next day ...

Yes, can imagine a right mix of people and yes, can imagine some youn uns like me do stop once their little ones have grown up - atm I can't imagine doing that as I love my job and get attached to the kiddies!

Wonder if we have put her off childminders now?!

ThePrisoner · 17/08/2005 22:11

Only ended up on county group because I stuck my hand up for permission to go to loo!!

Much as I enjoy my job, I'm making more of an effort to restrict how much of my weekends are taken up with it (not very successfully).

alibubbles · 17/08/2005 22:04

Message withdrawn

ThePrisoner · 17/08/2005 21:58

Alibubbles - not planning to (are you?), or I'll end up volunteering to take on yet another job in the minding world! I keep telling myself that I'll get a grown-up job one day ...

alibubbles · 17/08/2005 21:51

Message withdrawn

ThePrisoner · 17/08/2005 21:40

Alibubbles - no, I am not the Sussex lady (is this something I should worry about??!)

HellyBelly - wasn't offended by your comments!! I know zillions of childminders - and they're a mixed bunch! I've heard a few negative comments about the "young 'uns" anyway (who maybe do it whilst own children are small and then give up as soon as they go to nursery!!)

The advantage of us oldies is that we are so senile that if we have a bad day, we've forgotten about it by the next day ...

Mogwai - I expect you've been put off having a childminder now because we're all mad!! ??

HellyBelly · 17/08/2005 08:07

Sorry again - you all do a GREAT job and sound LOVELY!!!

alibubbles · 17/08/2005 08:01

Message withdrawn

HellyBelly · 17/08/2005 07:38

PMSL at The Prisoner's comments

I'm really really sorry I offended , I don't have much experience with this as you'll know from some other threads and was only commenting on what I've heard from several parents who've been.

I think it must just be some people in our area, unfortunately the ones who do it for the money and not for the love of children give others a bad name I only mentioned that as that's all I had heard from parents.

EVERYONE - PLEASE IGNORE MY PREVIOUS COMMENT, I'D HATE FOR LOVELY LADIES WHO JUST HAPPEN TO HAVE FALSE TEETH TO MISS OUT!

Sorry

ThePrisoner · 16/08/2005 23:38

How about starting a new thread about old, wrinkly, incontinent childminders ... if only I could remember what it is I wanted to say ... where are my pills ... !!

goosey · 16/08/2005 22:59

PMSL My ds goes to a childminder just like you and he absolutely THRIVES. I have been minding myself for just 2yrs and am also old and incontinent but am eager and professional and love learning all about child development etc

ThePrisoner · 16/08/2005 22:54

Hey HellyBelly!! I'm an "older" (ish) minder and started doing it after my own children started school. I have also been minding for 12 years.

I just want the world know that I take my job really seriously. I've completed (and passed) the whole CCP course, have taken advantage of many training courses etc., work as a mentor to other new minders, am on our county childminding association and am the local vacancy co-ordinator (that's my cover blown for all the local minders to know who I am!!)

I work long hours, do a guilt trip when I book my two week summer holiday because I know it causes care problems for families, but try to offer a good service.

I would hate to think that anyone would be put off by the fact that I'm over 30 (well, 40 then)!!!

The children aren't frightened of me so long as I keep my false teeth in, don't beat them with my incontinence pads, and I'm as capable of pushing buggies whilst negotiating kerbs with my zimmer frame as anyone else!!

HellyBelly · 16/08/2005 10:04

BTW, have all the minders got vacancies showing? Just in case you didn't know, there is an option of minders with vacancies at the moment so you don't get the ones without. However, this list doesn't mean it's up to date info and it could change by the time you need someone.

Just thought I'd mention it.

blodwen · 16/08/2005 09:38

Try not to be put off by a long list. At least you should have plenty of choice! As you have a few months, try as many as possible. You will be able to tell from the first phone call, not only if they have a suitable vacancy, but if you like the sound of them (don't be put off if they ask to ring you back - quite common as very busy, and often prefer to talk in the evening when they can concentrate). Visit as many as you can. Explain (on the phone) that you would like to do a preliminary visit just for half an hour at their (and your) convenience, preferably while they have minded children with them. You will be able to tell in this time if they are the right person. Take your baby with you, and see where she feels happy. Good luck.
ps. I agree with the other childminders about the full fee retainer. I would also charge half fees and be more than happy to care for the child in that time.

HellyBelly · 16/08/2005 09:06

Do you mind whether it's a younger or older person?? If you have a preference then you could judge how old by how many years experience.

I've only been registered since May and have heard some stories from the parents about previous older minders who have childminded for years and are no so good. This DOES NOT mean in general older or more experienced are not good, not at all, just things people have said about newer minders being fresh and really wanted to do things well.

Oh, I really don't know how to help, just thought I'd tell you some thoughts from other parents I have!

You could also ring your local CIS (number should be on website) and tell them certain things you want from your minder, where they live etc etc. and they will give you details to make your list shorter IFSWIM.

Good luck!

Original poster
mogwai · 16/08/2005 08:36

blimey

there's loads of them. Don't know where to begin really.

Worryingly, one of the women on the list for my local area was the head of English at my high school. She has retired now. She is an absolute horror, used to hang outside the staffroom smoking, always reeeeeeked of ciggies.

So now she advertises a smoke-free environment. Bet she's out the back sneaking a quick drag. I wouldn't leave a budgie with this woman - seriously. How the heck do I choose one?

OP posts:
HellyBelly · 16/08/2005 08:21

Good Luck

Original poster
mogwai · 16/08/2005 08:20

thanks again

yes, she wants to charge me full time for five months. I'm going to see her tomorrow so will let you know how it goes

And thanks for the link, I'll look at it now

OP posts:
LIZS · 14/08/2005 16:56

As she wouldn't consider taking her until she's 6 months old anyway then I wouldn't think it reasonable for her to charge as if she would in the meantime. Perhaps it could be argued for the month before she actually starts but even so I would have thought only a proportion/deposit reasonable unless you actually used the space. Does she have an under 1 already attending ? I think she can only have one at a time unless she has special terms so if that clashes with your dd's time she could be charging twice for the one space.

Twiglett · 14/08/2005 16:48

do you mean she wants ONE month's pay for a retainer for 5 months? or she wants full pay across the 5 months .. if the former then I think its fair, if the latter then I wouldn't go with it

feelingold · 14/08/2005 16:46

I would definitely look on the link hellybelly has given you, just put in your town and a list will come up and give some of them a ring. I certainly would speak to and go and see a few more before committing to paying out such a huge amount of money. You may find another childminder who you like better as well as save yourself some money at the time you need it most.
Good luck and I hope you find someone really nice.

HellyBelly · 14/08/2005 15:02

You can call your local Childrens Information Service for a full list but most of the details are on the net - childcarelink

The only ones not listed are the minders who don't want their details shown on the internet.

HTH

Original poster
mogwai · 14/08/2005 14:06

thanks for your thoughts, this is all very useful, I'll think about what you have said. The full fee will be hard for us to find with me on maternity pay.

It's not my only option, no, but she does seem good and comes highly recommended. I had the baby's name down for a nursery place, had put her name down when I was 6 wks pregnant and telephoned the nursery every month, but it turns out they will not have a place for her until she is two years old! This was a bit of a nasty shock - they didn't mention this to me when I phoned them every month

I would have been happy with the nursery in question, but have not found another one I like. I might look for other childminders if this turns out to be a non-starter. Where would I find a list of them, you know, ones who have places available?

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