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Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

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Original poster

Went to see a CM today ...

7 replies

stereo · 17/01/2011 22:46

who I liked and would be very happy to leave DS with - caring, out and about every day to groups, cooks all own meals etc.

However, I had a couple of reservations about two things - an apparent lack of appropriate toys for a baby and also that the TV was on when I arrived (CM currently minds 2yr). My big thing is always making sure DS (10 months) has something to occupy him - however simple - and am worried that the above may possibly indicate that the mindees are left their own devices more than I would like.

I guess my question is - does eveything have to be perfect about a CM to go with them or should I listen to my reservations? I liked her and think she is very capable but didn't think 'yeah she's the one!' Is this enough?

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cat64 · 17/01/2011 22:54

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PinkCanary · 17/01/2011 23:05

Having a good feeling is very important.

If she's not looking after a baby right now then it's not surprising there are no relevant toys. They could be stored away, or she might not have room to keep unnecessary equipment. A good Childminder will source necessary resources once she knows that your child is contracted.

And re the TV it's likely that she turned it on to keep the 2 yr old occupied so she could talk freely with you. Why not ask her what her tv policy is? If she does have it on more often then you could share any concerns before you sign a contract.

As a Childminder myself I'm more than happy to answer any questions a parent has, no matter how daft it seems. It's really important that Childminder and parent have a good relationship so don't be afraid to ask.

Scarfmaker · 17/01/2011 23:12

I would also have reservations about telly on when meeting up with parents and a 10 months old for the first time.

To me it wouldn't create a good first impression.

My husband has the telly on from 7am to check on travel/news but I nag him to turn it off as can't bear distractions for children arriving.

Even if a 2 year old likes watching something on the telly, I would have something else ready for him to engage in if I knew a parent was coming.

anewyear · 18/01/2011 10:06

I have a small box of 'baby' toys I keep available and not packed away, personaly if I had a prospective parent coming to visit, I would have this out to keep said baby amused, so parent and I could talk,

The T.V, well If you were to come here Bettween 9 - 3 there would normally be no telly on,
But as I have only after schoolers at the moment, and 2 boys of my own, the T.V goes on when they come home from school, age appropriate of course. the children take it turns to watch their favourite programmes.

I also a craft activity or colouring books etc going on in the dining room for those who dont wish to watch T.V.

Just a few thoughts.

Tanith · 18/01/2011 20:50

I wouldn't be too worried, to be honest.

You say she's out and about every day at groups. Clearly then the TV isn't on all the time.

I think it does show that the childminder is relaxed and honest in her approach if she had the TV on while you were there so you could see realistically what her day involves.

I had a child ask me if she could watch TV right in the middle of my first Ofsted inspection. The inspector was fine about it.

domesticslattern · 18/01/2011 21:00

The tv will mean she was able to talk with you while the 2 yr old was occupied,no?
The TV was also on at my CM 's home more than I wanted. However, she also had a lovely way with children, and seemed genuinely loving and caring, as well as responsible. This was clear from the way that her other mindees interacted with her. I suspect in the great scheme of things that is more important. I would ask outright, if if worries you, when in the day will my LO watch tv? You may find with all the activities etc it is not occupying large amounts of time, even if if is regular.
And no, you probably won't find someone absolutely perfect in every way.

hoops997 · 19/01/2011 17:47

That was one of the things that I looked for and asked about when I went to visit my CM, I have a big thing about the TV, she said it's a resource she uses for older children (after schoolies) certainly not 2 yr and babies............

This would have definately put me off if the TV had been on when I was there........

I wanted my DS to have time interacting with other children and not plonked in front of the TV, she should have had some toys out for you too, sdoesn't hurt to keep a few rattles in a box does it?

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