New to using a childminder

[Steben]

Looking for a bit of help - with my eldest DD we used a nursery so that is more of what I am used to. Going for a second visit with a lady who is coming back to childminding after working for ofsted and in childcare for the past 16 years - but no recent childminding experience iykwim. Lovely house etc seemed engaged and good with dd2. If I have no recent references what can I go on or do I just trust my gut?! Thanks in advance.

have a think about what you want and compare that to what she is offering and see if the two match.
definitely gut instinct after that in my opinion

Did you like her?

Did dd like her?

Did the house gave a good atmosphere?

Can you ask dd if she wants to go there?

Nice house, I did like her and it was a good atmosphere. Dd only 10 months old but she held her and dd seemed v happy. She says she will work to our routines and do the usual early years learning stuff. Isn't taking on any over 3's and not doing school runs etc which I am happy about.

Be clear about what she's doing each day she has DD. A rough timetable shouldn't be too much to ask.

Look on MN about what irks other parents about their childminders - examples I can remember on here are having their friends round for coffee and gossip sessions and not taking mindees to activities when one child is under the weather. If these things matter to you, ask your CM what her policy is.

I think going with your gut is important. But ...

Can you ask around to see if anyone knows her. With regards to references she should have had two for her Ofsted application form. I printed these off and had them in my parent pack.

One of my new parents Asked around about me. But I live in a small town and have lived here all my life. And they are good friends with one of my friends. And knew one of my mindees.

Ask her what her routine will be - toddler groups etc.
I think most CM take the role pretty seriously and don't take the piss with regards to carrying out their own business. Or having friends round. (But socialising with other children or adults can be a positive experience, my mindees love my kids grandparents).

I pop to Tesco to buy stuff for the children's lunch occasionally or go to my local greengrocers to get fruit and veg. It's part of being out and about with the kids and is usually on the way back from a group. Local nurseries emulate this! Including taking the children on the school nursery run.

Ask if she will fill in a daily diary for you so you know what you DC has been doing. Ask how she will plan for your child. Ask to see her policies and procedures.