what do/would you look for in a childminder?

[ISwearImNotATramp]

I'm hoping to register as a childminder when my DS is a bit older. All my previous jobs have been in nurseries or as a nanny, but I feel childminding will suit me much better now I have DS.

So was wondering if any of you have/do/would use a childminder, and what you look for? (So I can try to fulfill those requirements)

Thanks :)

Well knowing you're not a tramp would be an obvious comfort in itself

Worra

OP, have a look at the Childminding thread - it is very useful and has lots of info on it.

I like genuine warmth in a person! That would be important to me.

I was worried when my DS started school as he had been allocated a different teacher from my DSs. I went to an open afternoon and chatted to the teacher and she asked about his eye condition and what she could do to help. That got rid of my fears, she was interested!!

DSs DDs

Flexibility and organisation. Perhaps not important when dealing with children so much but very useful when it comes to needing to reschedule pickups, take in things to school, send out bills etc.

I think there are two types of childminder - those who do the job to earn money and those who do it because they love children (of course the two groups aren't mutually exclusive). I favoured one with more leaning towards the love of children and who confirmed when I interviewed her that she wouldn't let on if she saw DD take her first steps.

well you tick one box for me:
I try n probe to see if childcare is a career they always wanted/worked towards or just something they did to enable them to stay home with their own children

also I don't like if they do too too many school pick ups/drop offs, a day spent half in a car seat aint that stimulating IMO

clean enough but not too prescious about it

honest, I don't like to be told that my DS had a fab day EVERY DAY and that he ate/slept loads every day cause I know that's not always gonna be true, so not afraid to say when he did cry lots etc - I really appreciate knowing how his day ACTUALLY was

Age - from my experience of watching CMs at playgrops etc. the older, grandma-aged ladies are the kindest and most caring and most involved. The younger ones sit in groups chatting and ignore their charges.

that sould be Playgroups of course.

The lady I send my DS to is fab, first she has been a childminder for 27 years, so must love the job! Also, she invited me to visit web she had other charges there so I could see how the other children were around her - they loved her! Her house ad garden are pretty much a child's paradise, toys, games, an area outside for messy play, an area where they have planted their own vegetables etc. Most importantly, after a week, my son was so comfortable there, I don't think he even notices now that I'm gone!

Love children
Firm, but fair
Organised, but relaxed about the day-to-day
Fun loving
Energetic
Kind and compassionate
Don't ask for much do I

No pets
No tv (unless rare treat)
Healthy meals (included in price)
Someone who loves, genuinely loves, their mindees
Someone who I felt I could be friends with

Lots of what others have said, but flexibility was also important for me (need part time and term time only) and willingness to discuss fees. I went off a couple of lovely ladies because they couldn't cope with me wanting something outside the norm and "didn't like discussing money"
But of course how they were with dd when we visited was the primary concern

Relationship with the kids
happy to negotiate term time only
takes kids out to groups regularly (some cms seem to stay at home all day every day which seems odd to me)
Well-equipped, plenty of toys
fitted in to dd's routine as much as possible
close to the school we're planning to send her to