Questions to ask prospective Childminder

[Swirl]

Any suggestions for things I should ask a potential childminder for my 2 boys (aged 2.5 and 6 mths). Going there in an hours time and trying to jot down some ideas first

1. How does she discipline children.

2. What does she give them to eat. 3. What sort of activities will she do with older child during the day. 4. Will she take the children out and if so, where to. 5. How many other children does she childmind for.

When I was seeing potential childminders, one woman said she just gives them a sausage roll or something for lunch (chav!!) and that for tea, she doesn't have time to do anything hot as she is usually cooking her family's tea, so they get a sandwich!!!!!!!!!!!!! That would be a no, then

Good luck, I think you'll find that if you "gel" with the woman (or man, must be PC)and are happy with her answers, you'll be fine.

Thanks MamaG. Cant believe I hadnt thought to ask about the discipline - pretty important!! Am feeling really nervous. How can any woman be good enough to look after my children!!! Am bringing them both with me to see maybe how they take to each other.

Why did she decide to become a childminder?

What training has she done?

Other than children is there anybody else regularly at the settig and if so are they registered to look after the children

Check registration and insurance certificates

what would she do in an emergency involving herself or one of the children

does she have suitable car insurance cover if taking children out

Hope this helps, and good luck hope shes the chilminder for you and your ds's

Thanks Puppy.....more really good questions there. Have a good list now so am feeling a bit better prepared

Your welcome swirl, another two to think of is how would she go about settling them in, does she try to follow your ds existing routines?