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Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

Original poster

Lazy childminder

82 replies

brightpinkleggings · 08/02/2013 12:59

There is a childminder in our village who is possibly the laziest person i know. She comes to toddlers/clubs, unloads the kids, sits on her bum and doesn't move all the time she is there. Apart from the odd 'don't do that Johnny', she ignores the kids, who end up seeking attention from others. It makes me so cross that she is classed as 'good' by ofsted. If she is this lazy at toddlers, what is she like at home?

OP posts:
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ReetPetit · 08/02/2013 14:34

say something to her then!! or discuss it with your network co ordinator...

Fightlikeagirl · 08/02/2013 14:36

As a cm, you know your mindees and how much interaction to give at toddler groups, my 3 yr old uses this time as a break from me!! She runs off and plays and only comes back to me when it's time to go which is great so I can then give my two youngest ones lots of attention. Maybe someone might see me and think I'm neglecting her but I'm not, she wants the independence.
If this cm's mindees are needing help from others though then maybe she should be interacting more but I'd just say something light to her like "think johnny needs some help over there". Definitely don't report her unless you have any concerns over the children's actual safety.

Greensleeves · 08/02/2013 14:38

Defensive? Over what? I'm not a childminder Confused

As a parent though, it's actually the schoolyard bitching that gives you a bad name. If you find her sitting having a cuppa "embarrassing" then don't go.

OutragedFromLeeds · 08/02/2013 14:39

Give the Daily Mail a call OP. I can see the headlines now 'Childminder its down at playgroup shocker!'

Won't somebody think of the children.

ReetPetit · 08/02/2013 14:40

lol Grin

Original poster
brightpinkleggings · 08/02/2013 14:42

Well that told me. Maybe i'll have a go at putting my feet up next time seeing as how acceptable it seems to be.

OP posts:
ReetPetit · 08/02/2013 14:44

yes,try it op - it might help your stress levels Wink

Original poster
brightpinkleggings · 08/02/2013 14:47

Why do you think i'm stressed? I love being a cm and get satisfaction from doing my best for my mindees wherever we are.

OP posts:
ReetPetit · 08/02/2013 14:52

i just feel op, you are worrying too much. unless you feel the children are being neglected, i would try not to concern myself too much.
everyone is entitled to a break now and again. it's only 2 hours of the day you are seeing this woman for. At least she is actually bothering to go to groups.

badtemperedaldbitch · 08/02/2013 15:06

Now you see the op's judgy attitude pisses me off and is why I only ventured to the local group today after cm for 6 months..... And before anyone asks my two are sitting with me, sleeping while I do this. I never took my own dd to any groups but a parent requested it today and I'm happy to make them happy.

But I cannot stand all the judging..... It's enough to make you question your job choice.

I love the kids, they love me, the parents are happy, and love me to.......So why do I feel that I'm in a goldfish bowl?

BoysAreLikeDogs · 08/02/2013 15:38

Do you go to the four groups a week? You must do, otherwise you wouldn't know she goes to four a week too. I would kinda think you lazy and maybe a bit unimaginative, churning over old ground again and again. Jus' sayin'.

Original poster
brightpinkleggings · 08/02/2013 16:14

No i dont. We usually do 2 groups. I dont want this to turn into a slanging match, just air my frustration but i obviously see things very differently to most of you. Sorry if i have offended you with my judgeyness.

OP posts:
HSMMaCM · 08/02/2013 17:02

I can see where you're coming from OP. It's ok for this CM who has taken her children out for some fun to allow them to explore and free play, but she should be actively watching them and helping or intervening if necessary. I have some mindees who can get on with making friends and playing all morning and others who need closer supervision, help with painting aprons, etc.

I'd love to be able to sit down all.morning, but I can't see it happening.

I do agree that if she was really lazy, she would not take the children out.

FunnysInLaJardin · 08/02/2013 17:11

lol, I'm not a CM either and so am not defensive, just thinking about how I am at toddler group. I let my 2yo get on with it, although I do keep an eye on him obv. The other parents most likely judge me dreadfully, but luckily I don't care!

Titchyboomboom · 08/02/2013 17:16

I am a CM and recently in my area, there has been a notice put out to CMs asking them to ensure they look after the children in their care at children's centre groups. There have been numerous complaints about them turning up en masse, and not disciplining the children when they push, throw etc. In my area it is an issue regarding the children's unchecked behaviour

Mrscupcake23 · 08/02/2013 20:58

I am sure she would act differently if ofsted came and inspected her at the toddler group. It annoys me when I have to do craft with other people's children because the mums or carers cannot be bothered.

knackeredmother · 08/02/2013 21:04

I don't think this is acceptable at all op. if I was paying someone to look after my kids I would be very unhappy at this. I don't know any other profession where you expect to sit down and have a natter. Most professionals don't take lunch and would not expect to sit down 'nattering' for 2 hours out of their paid working days.
This thread puts me off ever using a childminder if this is seen as acceptable.

OutragedFromLeeds · 08/02/2013 21:12

knackeredmother have a read up on child development, children need time to explore and play independently.

I would recommend that you avoid nurseries, nannies and schools as well. All of them would find a child playing independently in a safe, child-centered environment perfectly acceptable.

Snusmumriken · 08/02/2013 21:27

DH and I decided not to send our LO to a childminder after seeing how negligent many of them are while at children's centres.

It took one CM about a half hour to realise that her charges had left the building. Luckily a parent had found them on the street outside ( busy London road) and brought them inside.

I want to point out that I am not implying that all or even the majority of CM are bad.

knackeredmother · 08/02/2013 21:27

The op is describing someone who does not move for 2 hours, no intervening or managing squabbles or any interaction with children. I have a degree in child psychology, medicine and a nanny thankyou. My opinion stands, she sounds lazy.

knackeredmother · 08/02/2013 21:29

I take it you are a childminder outraged from Leeds and hence see a 2 hour paid break as acceptable. I find this unprofessional.

Snusmumriken · 08/02/2013 21:29

Sorry about the choppy post...I am multitasking!

bamboostalks · 08/02/2013 21:31

The cm at a toddler group I used to go to were borderline neglectful of their charges. They sat in a covern together bitching and gossiping. The funny thing was I was only thereto find one for myself. Ididfind a tiptop one but not art that group.

ReetPetit · 08/02/2013 21:32

knackeredmother, get off your high horse! the op is not with the cm in question at every group - she only sees her once, maybe twice a week she says. if she truly does not move, then yes, she is being lazy, but most cms do go to a 2 hour group for a 'break' of sorts and some sort of adult interaction!!

do you not get any break at all during the day? what kind of job do you do?

knackeredmother · 08/02/2013 21:33

I must add clearly not all childminders see playgroup as a break for 2 hours inc op. I know there are good childminders out there but at shocked so many find this acceptable.