Meeting a potential minder - what questions to ask?

[ZeroMinusZero]

I'm meeting a potential childminder this weekend and I don't really know what to talk to her about, being a bit of a newbie to all this mothering malarky. Can anyone suggest a few questions I should throw at her?

Is there anything you wish you'd known about your minder before you went with them?

?How long have you been working with children?
?Why do you enjoy being with children?
?Have you undertaken any training for your job?
?Do you have any qualifications?
?Can I see the rooms you use for childminding?
?Do you have any outside play space? (If there is no outside play space, ask how they will ensure your child gets the chance to play outside i.e. local parks).
?Where will my child rest?
?What kind of food and drink will you give them?
?What will my child do during the day?
?How do you encourage good behaviour?
?Will my child be with a regular group of children? How old are they? How will their timetable fit in with my child?
?How will you make sure I know how my child is getting on?
?What happens if my child is unwell?
?Do you have a welcome pack/leaflet that tells me about your service?
?Can I see your Registration Certificate/Care Commission Annual Inspection Report/Public Liability Insurance Certificate?

Taken from the SCMA's website. Remember don't throw the questions at her, just ask :)

Other questions i would ask that are not on that list are to do with fees, what are your fees? What about on parents holidays? What about cm holidays? When are fees due (weekly, monthly, 4 weekly, in advance, in arrears?) and how? (cash bacs cheque?) Notice period on each side?

HTH

Thanks Polly! Most useful :)

You're welcome. Did you go for your visit yet? How did it go? x