Childminders-Can you please help me with a few questions

[Mala]

My dd(3)goes to nursery at the moment. I am looking for a childminder to look after her for 6 weeks during the summer holidays. I am going to see about 5 at the end of the week. I have a list of questions that I want to ask, but wasn't sure about a few things.

Has anyone looked after a child just over the holidays? My dd will be going 2 and half days. Did it take them long to settle?

When I go see the childminder, is it okay for me to ask to see her ofsted report(will she have it on her?) and also to ask to speak to parents of children who she has childminded(do parents always do this?)

Do you usually charge by the hour or charge a set rate for say 8-6?

Do you charge for Bank holidays and if you are ill?

I have a list of questions I want to ask and then after seeing all the childminders think about my decision. Is it okay to get back to them in a week?

Sorry if these questions sound obvious and ridiculous, I don't want to go there like some overbearing protective parent, but at the same time I do want to check things out properly.

I've had young children come just in the holidays (when nursery closes). The children already knew me so obviously didn't have settling-in problems.

When you visit minders, they should show you their Ofsted reports anyway. Those minders who have had fairly recent inspections will have their reports published on the Ofsted website.

Do ask about talking to current/previous minding parents - I tend to suggest this to new parents anyway.

Some minders will charge by the hour (I do), others may charge a set daily rate.

Some minders charge for Bank holidays, but most wouldn't charge if they are off sick.

Tell the minder you visit that you are seeing several others, and it's fine to say that you'll get back to them later on. (It's really nice if a parent rings to say that they're not choosing you as well, although that can be awkward for you!!)

I think it's much better to have a list of questions to ask. I have a mental list in my head of things that I try to remember to tell parents as well.

Hi im a childminder and from experience when you phone up to say that you are not going with them please be entially honest because it leaves the childminder thinking was it something they had done. As I have had a couple of people come to me and say no and not give me a honest answer, then I have found out from other colleagues the truth and it hurts.

Thanks you both for your replies. I will go armed with my list of questions. I'm off to see a couple of childminders this afternoon, so hopefully it will go well. I will definately let them know either way-I'm surprised when people don't, think it's quite rude.