Arranging a Childminder...what do I need to discuss???

[Jellybellyrbest]

I've used a Nursery for Childcare over the past 7 years. Now I won't need my older two children minded as my hours have changed, but my 9mth old will need to be cared for when I return next month. I've found an ex-employee of the nursery who will be a Childminder for my baby. She's Registered with her own baby of a similar age to mine and her toddler. I'm wondering what I need to discuss with her...my mind has gone blank & I'm worried I'll forget to bring up something important. Help!

if she is a registered childminder she will get you to fill in a contract, make sure you read it and agree with it, will save problems later, query something if you are not sure. check her fees and when you will be charged, all childminders work differently, some charge bank holidays and when they are on holiday, some don't , ask about the kinds of activities, where she goes, groups etc, and check what you have to pay for, some will invoice playgroup fees, travel costs etc.all I can think of at the moment, someone else will be along with more.

Agree with calmly - find out whether she charges for sick days, what her policy is if your child is sick, how much she charges for your holidays and hers (how much holiday you get), whether she charges for months individually or whether she averages it out, notice periods.

This may help:

Alibubbles list of questions to ask

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

I would ask for an emailed copy of their policies and procedures ahead of time so you can read through them - those will answer a lot of your questions.

Well done mindingalongtime , you covered the questions beautifully

Excuse me for asking how long have you been minding?