AIBU about childminder and safety?

[Snownosnow]

I’m returning to work in a month and have a childminder booked in to mind my children aged 1 and 3 1/2. I haven’t used a childminder before and don’t know how strict they are. This lady minds in her own home and minds 3 other children aged 4,7,9 and also has children of her own - mid to late primary I’m not sure of the ages.

im very nervous sending the children there and wondering how much I can stipulate. My 1 year old puts absolutely everything in her mouth. Can I ask if she will have all small toys/lego/loom bands removed? If she will make sure grapes are quartered fo all children even the older ones. No popcorn or hard sweets around etc etc. all things I do in my own house. Or would I come across as too uptight and does it matter if I do?

i am uneasy sending the kids to essentially someone’s house and a house with older kids - would a childminder ensure the house is fit for young children or the children are supposed to slot into how the house is. Childcare is very hard to find where I am located and all the people I’ve spoken to say this lady is lovely and kids love her - but does that mean she’s safe too! I don’t want her to think I’m a problem parent before I even begin but then I don’t want to put my children in danger because I didn’t want to appear over the top.

There’s strict training to get a child minding licence. Good cms are amazing and younger dc usually love the older dc and vice versa. The cm will have a plan for the didn’t ages and won’t leave such young children out of her sight. Mention your concerns about how she will manage and say your dc eats everything so she’s very aware (but really that’s normal for age). I’m sure a good cm will have a good answer for you.

if you don’t trust the cm, it’s not the right placement for your dc.

Have you not been to her premises to see it? You should be able to see the setup and check the safety for yourself. If she needs to be told those very basic things you've pointed out then I'm sure she wouldn't pass the requirements.

If you're in the UK they should be Ofsted registered so you should have nothing to worry about. I know outside of the UK childminder can mean babysitter which isn't a true business set up.