DS Starts with CM. No paperwork/nothing to sign.

[WanderingTrolley1]

Went to visit a few CMs. DP and I agreed that we preferred one, so wanted to start DS ASAP.

We were told last week that we'd need to sign something, but nothing has materialised thus yet even though she's already started looking after him. And, no further mention.

I'm new to this, so not sure what's to be expected.

Aren't we meant to sign a contract or something of the like?

Please excuse my ignorance and hope someone's able to offer so,e advice.

TIA.

Her insurance may be invalid if you have no contract. Definitely a registered CM?

did she show you her Registration Form? Insurance docs? Police check form certificate?

I'm in Northern Ireland, so might be different, but here anyone +10 years old needs a Police Check done if living in CM house. when my kids started with their CM she showed me certs for herself, her DH and teen DC.

also, would be good for you to see her policies - on food, transport, discipline etc.

Have you filled in some sort of child record form? That is the bare minimum and without it the childminder is breaking the rules of her registration. Ofsted do not require a contract and sometimes childminders do work without them but it isn't very professional. Have you agreed what will happen with things like holiday and sick pay?

You should be signing something such as a document that states what the agreement is between you. You should have a copy of the document.

Some childminders use pre-printed documents provided by a childminding association, others will create their own.

In law, a contract is formed when someone provides you with a service and you pay for it. So legally I would expect that the contract has started but that you do not know he details of it. You need something so you know what fees you pay, what arrangements are for you or the childminder taking holiday.

Written contract of some form may well be a condition of the childminders liability insurance, so they really should be providing you with something.

If she is OFSTED registered you should have a contract. Not sure otherwise.

Have you asked her?

You don't HAVE to have a contract and insurance is certainly not invalid without one, but most have one as it can save a lot of hassle if there is ever a dispute about the terms / payment.
Have you tried asking her?

Some CM insurance companies do specify contracts and sometimes a specific contract. So .... It could invalidate her insurance, but not definitely.

I am a childminder and all my parents sign a contract before care starts. Also you should sign permission forms ( for outings, going in car, sun cream, photos, emergency medical treatment ) I would speak to your childminder about sorting this out to protect you, your child and also your childminder.

Thanks for your responses.

I contacted her and she said she will have her papers and contract ready for us to see next time.

Thanks again.

Legally she needs to know the details of the child and have contact numbers for you.
She also has a legal duty to know who has parental responsibility for each child, which normally involves filling in a form and taking a copy of the birth certificate
Did you not fill in an enrolment form?

Legally she needs to know the details of the child and have contact numbers for you.
She also has a legal duty to know who has parental responsibility for each child, which normally involves filling in a form and taking a copy of the birth certificate
Did you not fill in an enrolment form?

Legally she needs to know the details of the child and have contact numbers for you.
She also has a legal duty to know who has parental responsibility for each child, which normally involves filling in a form and taking a copy of the birth certificate
Did you not fill in an enrolment form?