Good cm, what to look for?

[Klinda]

Hello,

Hope you can help. I am going to meet with a local cm for a look round next week for my 8 mo dd. I have only used nurseries for my ds's so not sure what to look for and what questions to ask.

Any advice?

If you look on the NCMA site there's a list of suggested questions.

If you get the 'feel' for a CM, that's a good sign. Ask to see policies and procedures - perhaps to take away if possible so you can have a good read through. I give a set to all prospective parents at the first visit (have even posted them to parents prior to the visit) to read through.

One that will give you current mindees parents' phone numbers so you can get an independent feel, off the record.

Go with your gut feeling.

Watch how she interacts with your little one.

Dont expect the cms to do what you do for your child, as only you can do what you do.

Is her home child friendly?

What are the ages of the other kids she cares for?

Look at her policiies and procedures

Does she work bank hols? charge for them if she does not?

Does she provide meals? extra cost or included in the cost?

what are the sleeping arrangement?

What is the usaul routine for the day?

Hi Klinda

1. Before you go ask for the Ofsted number and look up the report. If there is anything in the report that concerns you (for example any complaints or areas of improvements) ask what the childminder has done.

1. Ask to see the first aid certificates.

1. Ask to see the diaries for children in the childminders care.

1. Spend time at the childminders, look at the toys, outside play area.

1. What outings has the childminder been on? For example does she look after older children, if so what do they do?

1. What is included/not included?

1. Ask to see the policy and procedures. Actually go through this and read it. It might be boring but a good childminder will have addressed most things.

1. If there are any children when you visit ask them if they like being there?

1. Ask for references/ contacts for other parents.

10. Talk to other childminders in the area. Do they have a view/opinion of the childminder

11. Ask about sleep arrangements and go and see it? Is there a cot etc.

12. What happens if the CM is sick, do they have any alternative arrangements?

13. When does the CM take annual leave?

All the best

Hmmm.
I wouldn't show a prospective parent any diaries, nor would I recommend that the parent talked to other childminders. I hate to be asked my opinion on other childminders, especially if I don't think much of them.

I agree with you malovitt. I would not give me opinion on other cms that were negative but .I would however recommend cm who I thought were suitable. As a cm there are cms I would definately not use myself.

Ask about what training they have.

I wouldn't show diaries or learning journals without explicit consent from that child's parent.

Also, we're advised not to give out our registration number prior to contracts being signed as it can be used to fraudulently claim tax credits. Any CM should be happy to provide a copy of their Ofsted report though but it's only part of the picture.

Remember satisfactory means a CM is doing everything they need to (it's not a poor grade!) - you may find an outstanding CM who does what you want, equally you may find a good or satisfactory one is actually the person for you!

This is the NCMA list of suggested questions

It's difficult. I have used CM for my DC over the years and have been very lucky. My main CM for both DS's were and are excellent. However I nearly used one who seemed OK, but when I mentioned her name to other CM I knew they made faces and although wouldn't say outright not to use her, made it clear she wouldn't be their choice. I think you have to go with your gut instinct if you can, and if things turn out badly you can always give notice. I think if you like the CM on a personal level that is a good start.

Thank you so much for all your replies, really useful stuff.

I'm meeting the CM on Tuesday so will post more if I have any concerns or questions.

Bearing in mind all your advice I think I need to have a think about what my ideal expectations are before I go, because I tend to try and make the best of everything and want to make sure I make a proper informed decision.