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

Original poster

Childminder quandry

25 replies

cece · 02/08/2006 11:58

I am feeling a bit upset this morning.

Last week met a prospective CM for DS who is nearly 3.

She seemed nice and her location etc were all convenient for my part time job. My only concern was that she seemed to be the only CM with spaces in the area. But hey that is how it is sometimes.

However, she gave me her Ofsted number so I could read her report online. At no time did she offer to show me her copy. I didn't think to ask as for some reason I didn't realise they had their own copy (stupid I know).

Anyway I looked on ofsted website and couldn't find the report. I phoned the helpline and neither could they! So they said I should ask her to send me a copy. I phoned her this morning to ask her to do this. Well she was really off with me! That I shoudl bring ofsted down on her back etc etc. She has said she will send me a copy. But then was a bit off when I asked for a phone number of a past parent of one of her mindees to ask about her.

TBH I am quite upset, this has sent all sorts of alarm bells ringing.
Why doesn't she want me to speak to past parents or see the ofsted? Plus her manner was a bit off imo. I am only trying to be sure I do the best for my son! Surely she should expect such checks? Or am I in the wrong here?

Opinions welcome.

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Original poster
cece · 02/08/2006 12:32

sorry a bit long maybe!

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MaryP0p1 · 02/08/2006 12:36

If alarms are ringing they are normally ringing for a reason. Do you go to the local toddler groups? If so ask about good childminders in the area there, its always a good starting point for recommendations, you never know there might be someone registering and has places or a notice period being worked. Its worth a try.

allieballie · 02/08/2006 12:47

I wouldn't give out other peoples phone numbers without checking first because of confidentiality so maybe it is partly that.
Maybe she isn't used to parents being so concerned- I speak as a childminder who has had parents not even wanting to look round my home before taking a place!
If you are concerned though the only thing you can do is trust your own instincts.
Good luck.

Original poster
cece · 02/08/2006 12:54

Thanks, I think the phone number thing she did say she would have to ask them first, which is fair enough. However, it was the defensive manner which has got me worrying.

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Original poster
cece · 02/08/2006 12:55

I have actually made an appointment to meet a different one now to see if it is just me being concerned generally or it is me being concerned about her generally!

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Original poster
cece · 02/08/2006 12:55

sorry concerned about her specifically

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MaryP0p1 · 02/08/2006 12:59

I got what you meant. Good idea.

Original poster
cece · 02/08/2006 13:02

I haven't signed any contract yet with first one so how would I stand by telling her I won't be using her? If that is what I decide.

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MaryP0p1 · 02/08/2006 13:08

Just say I have decided thank you but no thank. She will prefer to know than not to know.

Original poster
cece · 02/08/2006 13:14

OK - have pretty much decided I don't think we will get along. Regardless of how well or not she will look after DS. I thought her manner was rude and she seemed overly concerned about herself rather than my concerns for ds.

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MaryP0p1 · 02/08/2006 13:15

Not a good start for a childcare partnership

Original poster
cece · 02/08/2006 13:19

No, I have been incredibly lucky to have had a wonderful cm for the past 5 years. She came recommended by my bf who had also used her for 5 years. We still talk for hours on the phone. But as we have moved I am now looking for now arrangements and finding it quite stresful!

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MaryP0p1 · 02/08/2006 13:21

Do you work full time or part time?

Original poster
cece · 02/08/2006 13:29

part time

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MaryP0p1 · 02/08/2006 13:30

Is that why its difficult to find a child minder. Have you odd hours?

Original poster
cece · 02/08/2006 13:31

yes it is day and half day mid week.

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CHANGEDMYLIFE · 02/08/2006 13:33

where are you please?

Original poster
cece · 02/08/2006 13:34

Surrey

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MaryP0p1 · 02/08/2006 15:31

It can be difficult but the situation changes all the time with childminders. I'm sure you'll find one you like.

HappyMumof2 · 02/08/2006 16:15

Message withdrawn

Katymac · 02/08/2006 16:20

But Cece had every right to see the report and if wasn't on the website & the minder thought it was then OFSTED (who run the site) are the right people to ring...surely?

Original poster
cece · 02/08/2006 18:19

It wasn't on the website, the council people who organise cm didn't have a copy and they were the people who suggested I ring Ofsted. TBH it hadn't ocurred to me that she would have her own copy! Stupid I know. The thing is she lied and said I offered for you to read it on your visit to me and you said no. Now that is not true, if she had offered I would have read it as that is why I asked her for her number, so I could read it!

I can see she might feel threatened by the fact I phone up Ofsted but I did it in good faith as her report was not on their website. I do not know her, I do not even know someone who knows her. She is a complete stranger to me as I am new to the area. I jsut wanted to check she is who she says she is. It was odd that here report was not on the website so I jsut phoned to ask why?! Not to report her. I can't see how that would get Ofsted on her back!

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FeelingOld · 02/08/2006 22:07

Cece - her report will only be on ofsteds website if she has has one of the new kind of inspections which started last year, I had my last inspection in Feb 2005 and therefore mine isn't on there, so maybe thats why hers isn't.

I keep my last inspection report in my portfolio (along with all of my policies, certificates etc) so it is there for parents to read without them having to ask, like others have said, some parents just flick through information and others read it all very carefully.

Ofsted can be a pain in the a*se so we are never keen to get them involved in anything so maybe thats why she wasn't best pleased but she should let you see her inspection report along with her policies etc.

Handing over your child, which is the most precious thing in your life,is not something to be done without being sure you are making the right decision and I would say if you have any doubts do not go with her, you must feel comfortable leaving your child with her.

Good luck with your search.

dmo · 03/08/2006 09:50

gald you decided agaisnt her she didnt sound right
as a c/m you should be proffessial and offer information to parents, my ofsted report is in my welcome pack to parents (as all good c/m should be)
i also have a file from parents past and present with thank you cards in ect for new parents to look at.
i dont give out pasr or present parents phone numbers (due to confi) but with new parents permission i give my parents their phone number for them to ring you

Original poster
cece · 03/08/2006 16:37

Thanks everyone, feeling much better today. I have been to see a different one and she was lovely. As you say she had a huge portfolio of stuff, policies, reports, references etc which she handed to me staright away. Her house is really geared up to children and obviuosly loves what she does. So guess what my ds is going to her!

I do feel bad about the other one now though so can't win I suppose! I didn't mean to get her in trouble - can't believe I have realy. I was just doing what the local council told me to do when I couldn't find her report.

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