What to ask when interviewing a CM

[notpodd]

I'm looking for a CM for DD3 - the other 2 will little in another life time that involved a full time nanny, so I've never used a CM before. What should I be looking for please?

Someone you feel you can get along with. Somewhere which looks reasonable to you, a home environment which is suitable for your child.

Keep in mind that you don't interview childminders, they are not your employee like a nanny. So you are wanting to find out about what they are providing and see if what they provide fits with what you are wanting.

Talk about arrangements for taking holidays - both you taking holiday and them taking holiday. Talk about arrangements for Bank Holidays/public holidays.
What happens if their own children are ill... do they close, do you still pay?
Ask them about outings they go on, typical places they visit.
Ask about which schools and pre-schools they collect from - may help give an indication of how much time your child will spend travelling to/from places. How do they get around - do they walk/drive/bus etc.
Where would your daughter sleep (I am assuming DD3 is of daytime sleeping age), consider if you are happy with the arrangement.

Like with a nanny it's about finding the right fit... finding the right person who does things in a similar way to yourself.

all of the above

and not to sound rude but an experienced cm will actually be 'intervewing' you back.

i would want to know if I could work with you, if we had the same parenting styles, if I could trust you to pay me on time and regulaly(lots dont).

its about gelling with the parent

And dont forget above all get references from cm, talk to other parents on her books or previous ones so you get the full picture.

do the mindees look happy, do they cuddle her spontaneously, does she smile and laugh with the children and do they with her..

best of luck

The NCMA have a handy list of suggested questions.

And what thebody said - it's a two way process, the CM should ask you questions too. And the interaction between the CM and the children (who you might not see until a second meeting, some CMs prefer not to meet parents for the first time in working hours) is probably more important than the answers to some of the questions - someone can give amazing answers but isn't quite right for your DC, or can give so-so answers but have an instant connection with your DC.

As above have said about them interviewing you, also keep in mind cm's are running their own business so they set their own rules and will not be as flexible as a nanny with regards to things such as holidays as she probably has various families to accommodate, I tell my parents when I will be on holiday they don't have an option as if I tried to please everyone I'd never have a hol!

Thank you - useful insight.