What to look for on a childminder

[chilled7up]

I've just started to look for a childminder for my 3yr DS. What should I be looking for on a childminder and what should I ask? I never used one and apart from the obvious I don't know if there's anything else I should be looking for and asking. Thank you in advance.

When we met our CM a lot of the questions sort of went out the window (we still asked them, obviously) because it just felt right - lovely woman, lovely family, we had a gut feeling that we were very comfortable with her looking after DD and that she would be well looked after.

Off the top of my head, some of the main questions we asked were...

• could they write a daily diary of activities and food
• what was a normal day's food
• what activities do they usually do, what groups etc
• where would your child nap (if they still nap, sorry don't know if a 3yo still naps!)
• what was there flexibility if there was a hold up
• how many other mindees do they have
• do they have a lot of their own children's friends around after school
• do they take childcare vouchers
• I guess for a 3yo, what sort of discipline would they use, will they follow yours (i.e. naughty step etc)

And of course ask to see their qualifications, OFSTED report, insurance certificate, and whether you can get testimonials from other parents.

Good luck - but we were so worried about interviewing and it really felt like an easy decision once we had met her!

Thanks! I'm in the same boat so have jotted these questions down too!

Just found this list of questions too....

How long have you been working with children?

What training have you had? Any qualifications? Are you part of a network, achieved a quality assurance qualification, look at registration certificate, insurance details, business use for car. First aid must be no more than 3 years old, food hygiene certificate, Certificate in Childminding practice or NVQ 3, Contracts and record forms

Do you enjoy being with children and why?

Can I look around, see the rooms and outside play space? If there is no outside play space - how will you make sure my child gets the chance to play outside?

Where will my child rest?

What kind of food and drink will you give? Can I see a menu?

What will my child do all 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 hours is she open?

How much does she charge?

What about when my child is sick, holidays, days off

What do you do in an emergency?

When was her last Ofsted, can you see the report?

Top 10 Quality Pointers

When you visit possible childcare options, look for these Quality Pointers:

Are the children calm, safe, happy and busy?

Do children play and talk together?

Is the childminder listening to the children and answering them carefully?

Is the childminder friendly and proud of her work?

Is she joining in joining in with what the children are doing?

Are there lots of fun activities planned to help children learn and play? Can children plan some of these activities themselves?

Are there plenty of clean toys and equipment for children to use?

Is the premises clean, well kept and safe for children with a fun outside play area (or will the child go to parks and other places regularly)?

Do parents have plenty of chances to say what they want for their children?

If there are other things you want to know, don't be afraid to ask. Good childminders expect you to ask questions and will be happy to answer them.

Always take up references. You could ask for names of other parents to talk to about the service

Listen to your child and find out more if he/she is unhappy
Always trust your own feelings about your childcare - you know your child best'

~~~ End of Alibubbles list of Questions ~~~