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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask if this would put you off using the childminder?

212 replies

Writerwannabe83 · 02/10/2014 19:30

Me and DH are currently in the process of searching for a childminder ready for when I return after Maternity. Depending on when I go back DS will be 9 or 12 months of age.

I met two childminders last week and neither of them felt right and the idea of leaving DS with them made me feel quite anxious. I told my DH I didn't want to use either of them. There was nothing specific about them that I didn't like but my gut instinct was that they weren't right for DS.

Tonight we met a 3rd one (and her husband and children) and she was really lovely. I instantly warmed to her, the house was really child friendly and there were toys everywhere and lots of stimulating games and activities and I just felt really comfortable talking to her and being in her company, as did my DH.

However, before we left she mentioned she had 6 dogs Hmm There are two poodles, two shnausers (no idea how to spell it) a Doberman and a Bulldog. She showed me where they are kept and they have their own area which although is part of the house they are caged in so don't have access to the main house. It's a nice big space, lots of beds and underfloor heating and they have their own door that leads to their own fenced off and secure part of the garden - they are not able to access the main garden area.

Am I being unreasonable to feel uneasy about the dogs and not send DS to her because of them even though she is perfect in every other way?

My DH thinks I'm worrying too much and he'd have no problem sending DS there. But I just don't know.

OP posts:
Bouttimeforwine · 03/10/2014 10:08

midnight
Maybe I should have said there us a chance they are not. The rest of my post was trying to ascertain that. But 6 is a greater risk than one. I love dogs but unless the op knows these dogs well, it is a risk.

Ionacat · 03/10/2014 10:20

Keep searching and find the right childminder for you. Being honest it is hard enough going back to work anyway without doubts about your childcare. You are lucky to have such choice all the ones round my way are always full! You have to book about 6 months in advance where I live. The one I chose for DD made me a cup of tea and I got to drink it whilst she had a cuddle when I met her for the first time and the other boy who was there was really sweet and tried to make her smile. Her own kids are just lovely and with the other mindees are all just like one family, they all do see each other as brothers/sisters which is so sweet. Even the teenager makes time to play with the little ones. The dog situation obviously bothers you even if it doesn't bother other people so keep looking for the right person and environment for you.

ChocolateWombat · 03/10/2014 10:41

OP, I'm wondering if actually,you are the childminder or someone who would like to childmindwho has 6 dogs.
You have posted lots of times on this thread explaining in detail about how the dogs will be kept in, when they are allowed out etc. Whilst you are saying that you have plenty more childminders to visit, you keep coming back to the dog person and the details of their house and ways they could manage it well. If you really were looking for a childminder and had plenty of choice, I can't really see why you would still be seriously considering the dog person,mor trying to explain to us,why it may well be okay.

I'm sure the dog person is a great person. Im sure their dogs are nice too. I just think that 6 dogs is not compatible with childminding,for all the reasons mentioned above, but mostly the potential safety issues......it is the risk factor. Do the dogs appear in the child minders risk assessments of her house? What do the Ofsted inspectors say I their report about the 6 dogs? The issue isn't IF they are dangerous, but the fact that keeping them away from the children and their behaviour cannot be 100% guaranteed and that is why it is not appropriate and I would question whether Ofsted would ever say this set up is acceptable.

Original poster
Writerwannabe83 · 03/10/2014 10:50

I'm definitely not the childminder, I can't think of a job I would be less suited to Grin

The problem is just that compared to the other childminders I have met she is perfect - like another poster said, are the dogs reason enough to write her off?

I'm only talking about the dogs on relation to the questions other posters are asking me.

Can you access people's Ofsted reports via an online system (ie they are open to public viewing) or would I have to ask the childminders themselves?

OP posts:
Original poster
Writerwannabe83 · 03/10/2014 10:50

I'm definitely not the childminder, I can't think of a job I would be less suited to Grin

The problem is just that compared to the other childminders I have met she is perfect - like another poster said, are the dogs reason enough to write her off?

I'm only talking about the dogs on relation to the questions other posters are asking me.

Can you access people's Ofsted reports via an online system (ie they are open to public viewing) or would I have to ask the childminders themselves?

OP posts:
FuckOffFerret · 03/10/2014 10:51

6 dogs is a pack. So I'd feel really uncomfortable if something went wrong, it only takes once.

Floggingmolly · 03/10/2014 10:57

I wouldn't. Those dogs need way more exercise than they can possibly be getting stuck in an enclosure all day. She's got to be taking at least some of them at a time out with the children.

ChocolateWombat · 03/10/2014 11:03

When you visit childminders, I would be asking to see a copy of their Ofsted report.
I know it can feel a bit odd, when you are trying to be friendly. However, you are looking for a professional service and Ofsted is there to help safeguard you and your children, so you really must look at those reports and also references. You would expect your employer to check up on you, and when you are talking about your precious child, this is so important.
You may not ask at an initial brief look around, but certainly if seriously considering someone, do ask. They should offer you their ofsted report and their safety policies, insurance documents etc.

ImperialBlether · 03/10/2014 11:07

Shouldn't their OFSTED reports be online? You can search for a school's report - can you find a childminder's report that way?

ImperialBlether · 03/10/2014 11:14

Here is the link you need.

The screenshot shows how you make your options.

To ask if this would put you off using the childminder?
Sweetpea01 · 03/10/2014 11:29

I have two dogs of a large breed. The oldest is over 3 years of age and we've had him from a puppy, has never so much as growled or tensed around my young children. Our second is an adolescent and again, has exhibited no signs of stress or fear around my children (fear biting is FAR more common than aggressive targeting).

Even so, I don't trust my children (or my dogs) not to be their natural selves and eventually end up doing something accidentally. This could be falling on top of one of the dogs (which has happened, dog just looked at them funnily Grin ) or something that might be unintentionally painful to our pets. If so, I could hardly expect any animal -however vigourously trained- to not respond to the 'shock' with instinctual behaviour like a snap bite or a growl. It wouldn't be the dogs fault, but it's also not acceptable either.

My dogs are beloved family pets but they are never left alone with my children, ever. Nor do my children even have access to their closed off area if I'm not about. They only see eachother when I am in the room, to supervise. There is not one part of me that thinks our dogs would hurt them, but the fact that in our wildest dreams it could is enough for my strict rules regarding their time spent together.

This CM seems to have a lovely set up, which will very much suit some and not others. As a dog lover, a large breed owner. It wouldn't be for me tbh. I just wouldn't trust anyone to keep to the stringent rules that I do. I know that's not realistic, but a child is a very trying thing, especially to a poor unsuspecting dog.

Original poster
Writerwannabe83 · 03/10/2014 11:43

The link to see the Ofsted reports is brilliant - I'm visiting a friend at the moment but when I get home I shall definitely have a look!!

OP posts:
Figamol · 03/10/2014 11:46

No, I would never use a child minder with a dog. End of. Ive seen too many bites to my kids from my friends 'Oh he's so friendly and great with kids dogs' to ever let them near one without me there. It would only take one lapse from her forgetting to lock them up for your son to be in danger. And don't even get me started on the breeds she has! PS. I love dogs, I had a labrador growing up, but even most vets would agree you cannot 100% trust them with kids.

ChocolateWombat · 03/10/2014 11:48

SweetPea
Very well put.

Our concerns are not that the childminder is not a lovely person. Our concerns are that it is not possible to know for sure what 6 dogs will do, when potentially faced with small children. And it is not possible to be sure that the dogs and children will never encounter each other.
The more I think about it, the more I feel sure that Ofsted would not condone this, because of the unacceptable risk. It needs to be clarified that the childminder is Ofsted registered and was registered at the time of the 6 dogs and was also insured,with the insurers knowing 6 dogs are on the premises. All seems rather unlikely to me.....which unfortunately does then raise questions about the childminder herself.

naty1 · 03/10/2014 11:57

I would be concerned about paddling pool.

Also the poor neighbours in a semi.

Not sure why a CM would have a Doberman.

I think your wording sounded like the baby is already 1.

Couldn't 1 of the owners kids leave the gates open

whataloadofoldshit · 03/10/2014 12:10

Why on earth would you need 6 dogs...

ChippingInLatteLover · 03/10/2014 12:18

I should really try to find your other thread - but... did you apply for the fab sounding job??

It wouldn't put me off but I love dogs.

You loved her, didn't even realise she had the dogs and they were well behaved when you went to say hello. The set up sounds great. People here are spouting a lot of nonsense about what she must/mustn't be doing and about neglect of the dogs or children. Just because some people hate dogs or are unable to organise themselves adequately doesn't mean this woman isn't suitable. There are plenty of dogs who don't get walked in the middle of the day & it's rare to feed a dog in the middle of the day. Water bowls can last all day and the dogs have access to 'their' garden to go to the toilet. There really isn't a lot /anything that they need when the children are there.

However, as you seem very wary of dogs it's probably not the right thing for you to do unless you go back and talk to her. Ask her how long she's had the dogs, if there have ever been any problems and tell her how you feel - you don't have anything to lose by doing that.

Booboostoo · 03/10/2014 12:27

OP given your reservations about dogs in general I don't think any CM with dogs is a good fit for you.

There are some exaggerated responses on this thread about the number of dogs and their likelihood of being aggressive. I've had four dogs, a cat, to rabbits and six horses in the past and all of them were well socialised, friendly and well taken care of.

TeracottaTurtle if the dogs can get through an inter connecting door they can go through a fence, indeed there is even the possibility of any random, loose dog jumping a fence into a CM's garden and attacking children.

bigbabymama · 03/10/2014 15:11

I definitely wouldn't use her, and I'm a dog lover. Having that many dogs isn't compatible with being a child minder. What if the door is accidentally left open?

Nancy66 · 03/10/2014 15:17

nope, wouldn't even consider it.

Original poster
Writerwannabe83 · 03/10/2014 15:29

I can't find her on the Ofsted Register Hmm

OP posts:
NickyEds · 03/10/2014 15:31

Ask her outright about her Ofsted Registration. It is perfectly normal nowadays to see the reports.

Original poster
Writerwannabe83 · 03/10/2014 15:35

The good news is that the Childminder I am seeing next week has a really positive report Smile

OP posts:
Original poster
Writerwannabe83 · 03/10/2014 15:38

Is there a difference between a registered childminder and an Ofsted childminder?

OP posts:
Original poster
Writerwannabe83 · 03/10/2014 15:38

Is there a difference between a registered childminder and an Ofsted childminder?

OP posts: