Questions to ask potential CM?

[Eglu]

Have found a cm with spaces rather quicker than I expected, and am going to visit tomorrow.

I've always used nurseries in the past. Are there any specific questions I should ask?

I'm sure you will get lots of more useful replies but off the top of my head:

Typical food & snacks

Where will they sleep?

Typical day - does she have CM groups etc they go to each week

Ofsted report

What are the arrangements for dropping off/picking up - how flexible with times etc

How old are the other children

They may show you a diary of one of the other children if they have checked with the parents which should give you a good idea of what activities they do

How does she/he discipline

Mostly though look at how the CM interacts with your child - I was so pleased when she gave my ds a cuddle and a kiss and he responded really well to her. What I found at nursery was the lack of cuddles (not a judgement about all nurseries just the one our ds went to first) and I really wanted a CM who made my ds feel part of the family and loved.

Our CM feels like a much loved auntie and if he's unwell she texts or phones to see how he is. She communicates with us about any problems, but also keeps us informed with how he is doing and when he's done something positive.

Hope it goes well.

Thanks pirateparty. That was just the kind of thing I was looking for.

Obviously how she gets on with DS is really the most important thing .

You're welcome. How did it go?

It went really well. She is a lovely lady and DS2 liked her. Am probably going to go with her. It's only for 6 months until he starts nursery.