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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Childminder closing due to heat..

103 replies

doneitagain12 · 05/07/2026 09:30

Hello!

I live in the south west, our summers for the last couple of years have definitely warmed up compared to say 10 years ago.

I returned to work 3 days a week - DS is with a childminder on 2 of those days, family the 3rd day.
Since the warm weather arriving, I’ve had to leave work early to pick up DS from the childminder on these two days, she’s now introduced a Heat Policy and is now saying if it gets to 28 it’ll be half day pick ups (12.30pm latest)
We haven’t got family nearby who are on hand to collect him for us while we’re at work, as those that are, are also working. so it’s meaning having to keep leaving work early. My husband works a fair distance away, so it’s usually me collecting/leaving early. And I don’t work in a job where I can leave without causing quite big disruption to other colleagues and work.

The childminder has no air con in place, her garden shelter is basically sheets she’s thrown over a wood pagola, and has one tower fan which does nothing and keeps the kids mostly in the play room which is a conservatory.
she’s also claiming she has health issues and the heat affect these…

before anyone suggests it - we are leaving. There have been some other issues that have factored into this decision but, given our summers are hotter now and we actually get longer than a week of sunshine! It just isn’t sustainable.
But I haven’t been able to get him into his new placement until September as of course most reputable places are now full until then.

But is this normal??

OP posts:
doneitagain12 · 08/07/2026 18:47

kongfumouse · 08/07/2026 13:48

My dc's childminder is the opposite. During the heatwave, she brings out the paddling pools, gazebo, home made ice lollies on tap, lawn sprinkler on, she makes it fun.

This is exactly what the new childminder he’s going to is like!! The difference is night and day - clearly some genuinely love what they do and care about it too!!
Only wish I could get him in there tomorrow!!

OP posts:
doneitagain12 · 08/07/2026 19:13

fashionqueen0123 · 07/07/2026 23:24

28c is just regular summer weather she’s being ridiculous.

If I was a childminder I’d have an ac unit downstairs plus fans.

Agreed!! There are options!

OP posts:
Ineffable23 · 08/07/2026 19:46

I was thinking about the requirement to report, and if it's going to result in ongoing closures, maybe this is where there is an obligation to report:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/report-a-serious-childcare-incident

"events that might affect the condition and safety of the premises or the quality of childcare offered, or lead to ongoing closures (such as a fire or flooding)" as she is telling you she can't make her premises safe?

Report a serious childcare incident

Ofsted-registered childminders, nannies, nurseries and other daycare must use this service to report significant events affecting their childcare as soon as possible but always within 14 days.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/report-a-serious-childcare-incident

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