AIBU to tell childminder itnwas a one off

[Frankthefrog]

Hello I'm mostly a lurker but I need some help! I have had to find a new childminder. I found a new one a couple of weeks ago all seemed great. Over the next couple of weeks I couldnt get a hold of her. She was to take my kids today so I text her to make sure it was ok and she replied to my text asking how she was getting my car seats from me from the boys. I was totally confused my childminders have always had their own seats. I explained I wouldnt have time to drop them off to her as I drop the kids at school and nursery then I go straight to work and its tight as it is. I was late for work today. I also havent filled in any forms although I did try to tell her my ds2 allergies, she said she would have to remember so I text them anyway. Someone else has now told me she takes extras for trips, I have confirmed with her thats the case.

I just feel really uncomfortable with her. Ive found another childminder who has discussed contract etc with I feel much more comfortable with her.

AIBU just to say the ds wont be going next week without more notice? What would I say?

Thanks in advance

[donquixotedelamancha]

"Im worried she will say I owe her notice"

You can't owe her notice- you haven't signed a contract. I don't think I'd feel confident with her either by the sounds of it

[underneaththeash]

I'd say something along the lines of 'thanks for the trial session today, the children really enjoyed themselves, but unfortunately we've decided to go with another minder as I don't think the child seat issue and extra costs for trips will suit us long term'

[Willow2017]

No contract.
No paperwork for emergency contacts, medications, traveling, info about the child, no permisdions signed all of which you have to have in place before the child starts.
No car seats (which she should have mentioned in first meeting)
No organisation.
Chose the other cm. Just call her and say you have changed your mind.

[Frankthefrog]

Thanks! I think she sensed my desparation I dont have family around and childminders are in short supply here. My previous childminder had know her and said she was a childminder for years so I kind of took that at face value but I was uneasy all day she had them today.

[MrsPicklesonSmythe]

Very unprofessional! I've used about 5 or 6 cm's over the years even one terrible one spent an hour with me before the start going through papers, showing proof of qualifications, registrations, first aid, taking child info etc

I've never provided my own car seat and I would trust this woman at all

[fuzzyfozzy]

You’ll be able to find her on the Ofsted website if she’s registered

[AuntLydia]

I'm a childminder and I say on her head be it if she's been silly enough to not do the paperwork. She hasn't got a leg to stand on in trying to enforce a notice period. Be a bit more on the ball with the next one though op - ask to see her registration certificate, dbs, first aid and anything else she claims to have. Get policies and procedures. Make sure she gives you a contract and has paperwork and a process for dealing with those allergies. Any decent childminder will have nothing but respect for you wanting all that stuff before you commit your child to their care.

[Aliveinwanderland]

You don’t owe her anything if yoh haven’t signed. Seriously, don’t leave your children with someone who isn’t professional enough to even collect basic information about them.

[AnathemaPulsifer]

No contract, no forms - just let her know and go with the more professional CM.

[NoCryLilSoftSoft]

If you’ve signed nothing then you owe her nothing.

[Frankthefrog]

She asked for none of that! I made sure she had a text with allergies etc in but I have asked a couple of times to write it down she keeps saying she will have paperwork soon

[NoCryLilSoftSoft]

She’s a crap CMer.

Most (decent) CMers have a settling in period during which no notice is required if either party decides it isn’t working.

[Frankthefrog]

Yea she is registered although I haven't seen any proof of that. I just feel awful she seems nice, but a bit flaky! Im worried she will say I owe her notice I really dont have the money to pay two childminders at the same time

[Aliveinwanderland]

If you haven’t signed a contract then please don’t send them back. Any childminder who will work without you filling out any paperwork at all is definitely not good enough!

What about emergency contacts? Details of their Doctors? Medical conditions? Consent for her to seek emergency medical treatment etc?

[Ausparent]

I don't think you should feel as though you are doing something wrong.

Picking someone to look after your child is a big deal and you seem to have very legitimate reasons for feeling she may not be reliable.

IMHO You can be honest with her and not feel you are treating her badly

[BriechonCheese]

If you haven't signed a contract go with the CM you feel more comfortable with.

[Ellendegeneres]

So wait, is she a registered cm?

[Frankthefrog]

Excuse my typing I've got a poorly boy on my knee

[Frankthefrog]

No contract signed, she keeps telling me she'll have paperwork soon. She eas a childminder before and gave it up my old childminder had heard of her

[Ellendegeneres]

She doesn't sound great. If no contract signed, that's on her. I'd be honest and tell her you lack faith in her ability to fulfill her end and as nothing has been signed part ways.

[Creampastry]

Have you agreed a contract with this childminder? She seems flaky.