to withdraw dcs from childminder?

[Twiceover]

This morning headmistress took me aside to tell me that my childminder had been seen after school loading 6 children into her 5 seater car.

Came home, phoned childminder immediately. She assured me it was a one off caused by her helper being late to pick up and that it would never happen again.

I said ok but have been thinking about it all day and I'm not happy. It shows a total disregard for child safety and I'm amazed anyone would do this let alone a childminder.

I feel I can't trust her. Would it be unreasonable to take the children out without notice?

Thanks all. I was totally appalled initially but then I began to doubt myself and wonder if I was over-reacting. I have withdrawn them now. As previous posters said there were other solutions such as walking or waiting with the children for the helper to arrive. Although it was a short journey, it's still enough time for an accident to happen. And the overall lack of care is worrying. Asked DCs and one said they had twice been in the car without a car seat and the other said "loads of times" so it seems it wasn't a one off.

Am very thankful to the parent and headmistress who noticed this and that they brought it to my attention.

Good God, I really hope you report her to OFSTED. She needs to be prevented from childminding EVER again. Sounds like she's risked her charges lives day after day.

I agree with you for taking them out. I child minded for 13yrs and NEVER took the children in a car not suitably strapped in. Just not worth the risk and I agree also that if you are willing to risk this then what other corners might you cut?

The Head should have reported her!

When you say 6 kids in a 5 seater, do you mean an ordinary car? For some reason I was picturing a people carrier, so just one child without a seat. She actually put 5 in the back? Not good.

I think you have done the right thing, you need to be able to trust the person who takes care of your children and i don't see how you could after this. Also how likely is it that on the only tine she did it she was seen, bit of a coincidence. I think she has done it before b

As a childminder i think you should take them out asap and report to ofsted.

I am guessing the HT didn't see it herself and passed on hearsay? That'd be why she didn't stop it or report it I am guessing

6 children in a 5 seater car? So one in the front and 5 across the back seat!! YANBU

The CM has admitted there were seven people in a car with seat belts for five people. So her insurance was invalid whilst your child/ren were in the vehicle. Check your contract, speak to the council and find new child care.

I'm a childminder. My only mildly mitigating thought was whether it was impossible to get them home any other way and it might have been a one-off panic, but you said it's walkable. And in any case, I'd still be hugely concerned.

Given your later comment one said they had twice been in the car without a car seat and the other said "loads of times" so it seems it wasn't a one off I sincerely hope that as well as withdrawing them you'll be making a complaint to Ofsted? You can phone them on 0300 123 1231.

In those circumstances, you load them in the car and then you wait at the school for your late helper to turn up and take the ones they usually take. You don't even think about driving them home like that. Please report to Ofsted.

There is no way I would ever let my children go in a car without seats. Ever. I would work around it however the situation required. She should have done the same. It speaks volumes. Take your kids out.

Well done for withdrawing them OP. How dare she take risks like that with other people's children?

Do the parents of the other children in the car know too? Presuming of course, they weren't the CMs own

You need to report her