CMs, dos and don'ts

[meiinlove]

Could I ask some advice from childminders and people who use their services about dos and dont's? I'm fairly new to the UK and where I come from childcare is usually provided by quite regulated daycare/nurseries or within the family. Now I'm looking at finding a childminder for my two little ones and would like to prevent major faux-pas due to said ignorance. F.e. I just read a thread here about it being really not done to arrive earlier than the contract hours and that would never have entered my mind as a major issue, since I would have assumed I'd pay for the extra time. Can you think of more practical things like that?

pay on time
Keep your child home if they're ill
If you have a problem, talk about it
Don't be afraid to ask for an update meeting

Remember that your CM probably has other children's needs to take into account - so don't just assume you can turn her routine on its head, especially at short notice, and try to be punctual (though not early!), unless you know she has no plans to run an activity or make an outing.

I also second raising any little niggles immediately so they can be addressed before they become huge issues - this goes for both parties.

Oh and be contactable - nothing more stressful than parents who turn their phones off/leave them at home etc. when a problem or question crops up.

Contact several cm's and ask many questions .
Get an admissions contract, this will outline everything.
children ratio's are set by ofsted.
Always discuss all concerns and queries on a regular basis.

If you are going to be late - phone
Pay on time
Talk about stuff when it happens
Don't assume anything - check it out

Send enough stuff - spare clothes, wipes, nappies, cream, in the summer put suntan lotion on before you arrive, pay on time, when your child is ready talk about potty training and understand the cm has other children and potty training is hard when you have 3 under 5's to look after so be realistic do as much as you can at home and don't expect the cm to do it for you also don't try it too early - it's not a competition not every child is ready at the same age you will just clean up accidents for longer, potty training should take a week if it doesn't it's not time imo.

AGree with LMG about everything except suncream, if you come to me please don't put it on.

Which is why I put the 'don't assume'

Every childminder is different

yes all of these

communication is key

OP you are very lovely to be thinking of this

If you have even a slight worry talk to them.

Do not be afraid to look elsewhere for childcare if you are not happy with your childminder and do not be afraid to speak up if you have any concerns at all. Transparency and communication are key to a good relationship with a childminder

Be wary of new to the job childminders. I've had 2 and one put one of my children in a LOT of danger.

Also childminders are now increasing their prices to silly amounts so try and barter if you are putting more than one child into their care.

In total I've had 4 childminders and 2 have been fantastic, 1 has been too new to the job and as her own child was younger than mine wasn't prepared for the difference in developmental stages, and 1 was just dangerous and shouldn't even be in charge of her own children let alone others.

Pot luck really!

Talk about the nitty-gritty contractual stuff, eg payment for holidays / sickness on both parts, retainer fees, payment for any times Dc are atbpreschool, in advance.

One thing that I've learnt recently is even if you have told parents of your holidays in a newsletter or something do tell them again before you finish your last day when you are returning.
I recently found this out after we recieved a text while in bed saying that a mum was going to be late that morning (tuesday) we had said in the newsletter that we were starting back on the wednesday.

As it happened we were able to look after the child in the afternoon as we only had a bit of preparation to do anyway.

Read your CM's policies and procedures, and make sure you query anything you don't understand before you sign the contract.

Keep your expectations realistic. Your CM will follow their own schedule regarding activities and things, they may be able to go to some activities you'd like your child to go to but if it's not convenient then they won't!

Remember that you don't employ a childminder, they are self-employed and you have a contract with them. You're not the boss

Don't pay late - CM's have bills to pay too!

Don't collect late without OKing it in advance with your CM (as far in advance as possible!) - as with turning up early, it's not just a case of paying for the extra time but about sticking to your contract. Your CM may have other children due to arrive just after your collection time which may then put the CM over numbers, or you may be keeping them from their own family time and they may charge you a late collection fee (which can be quite high!)

It is lovely of you to think of this though :)

I would say to CM's too don't disappear when you're due for a mindee/parent to turn up.

Nor should you turn up late for the school run :o

Thanks for all the very helpful tips. I feel less awkward now. I found a chidminder that I think fits our faily well, but will go back for a second talk to discuss the issues raised here. And thanks BoysAreLikeDogs for the compliment :).

Where on earth did she/he disappear too NearlyMrsCustard