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Paid childcare

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

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Original poster

Do I give childminder another chance

16 replies

WhatILoved · 07/09/2014 21:02

Ok here goes. I found a childminder I reallyliked three months ago and she was very nice to keep a place for my child without retainer fee. We had done a couple of settling in days when one day I turned up at her place as arranged and she wasn't in. I called and texted but no reply. Called/texted/whatsapped for 12 days. Mega worried as start work in few weeks. So 3 days ago I arrange visits to nurseries etc and on saturday sent her a letter saying hope all ok (I assumed something bad had happened), but I need to find alternative childcare. Annoyingly this recorded delivery letter will arrive tuesday. Then this eve I get a message saying sorry but her new phone contract messed her phone/number up. Thing is I could see last logins on whatsapp and was repeatedly online.
What should I do? I don't know what to believe!?

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

GiveTwoSheets · 07/09/2014 21:05

Go with nursery if you have found one. She didn't explain why she wasn't in though?

gingerbreadroll · 07/09/2014 21:07

Doesn't explain why she wasn't in and why she didn't then ring from another phone. Or write. I would avoid like the plague...

playftseforme · 07/09/2014 21:09

For this to work, you need someone who is totally reliable. This childminder has already proved she isn't.

MrsJK · 07/09/2014 21:10

Did she offer any other explanation as to where she was when you called in?! Sounds very odd to me - stick with your new place

grandmainmypocket · 07/09/2014 21:15

Nursery.

Original poster

WhatILoved · 07/09/2014 21:16

No she didn't I feel quite upset and am dreading the conversation with her. Just need to WOman up! Thanks for replies x

OP posts:

tippytappywriter · 07/09/2014 21:17

12 days! I would have expected a call that evening. New place all the way.

NoSquirrels · 07/09/2014 21:20

No - no more chances! You need to trust someone 100%, you can't start a childcare relationship feeling mistrustful.

I've had great reliable childminders, but I wouldn't use someone who'd disappeared halfway through settling in period. At best, even if the story is true (and it stinks, if you ask me!) Is it's very unprofessional to only have had your contact details in her phone and nowhere else. What about paperwork, had you not filled any in?

Don't give second chances to someone you barely know when it's your child to consider.

glenthebattleostrich · 07/09/2014 21:22

I'm a childminder and i keep in regular touch with new parents, after all trusting someone to look after your child is a big step.

I would definitely find alternative care, she sounds pretty unreliable to say the least.

I ensure there's a contract in place before new children start settles and it has all the parents contact details on, as per Ofsted / welfare regs, so even if there's a phone issue I can contact parents.

Original poster

WhatILoved · 07/09/2014 21:24

Yeah she had every possible way to contact me written down... not in phone. I just wonder why she did it.

OP posts:

Moreisnnogedag · 07/09/2014 21:25

Wow. Definitely not. 12 days?! Not a chance would I trust her to look after my child. Id just tell her that there's no way I could proceed at this stage.

NoSquirrels · 07/09/2014 21:27

Don't dread the conversation, OP, you don't need to speak to her at all. You've sent a letter she'll get on Tuesday, doesn't sound as if you'd signed a contract, and the childminder hasn't even bothered to call you, only messaged you. No need to contact her or reply to the message, imo. Bet she won't keep trying to get in touch with you!

hollie84 · 07/09/2014 21:30

No, I'd forget her and find a nursery place. You don't have a contract or owe any money so no need to speak to her imo. If she calls you say you have found alternative care now.

HSMMaCM · 08/09/2014 07:34

I might not notice my phone wasn't working for a couple of days, but not 12 days!

scarletforya · 08/09/2014 07:37

No way. Don't touch her with a barge pole.

adp73 · 08/09/2014 16:24

Have you signed a Contract with her? Have you paid a Deposit?

If you have you need to check very carefully under what terms you can break that Contract. Also you may loose your Deposit.

I know it sounds unfair when you have seemingly been treated very poorly.

She should not have done settling in sessions without a Contract, permission forms and medical info forms all signed.

Just because your phone Contract goes up the.. is no excuse not to contact you. She could have used a friends phone or emailed you or even popped a note through your door.

I think you have done the right thing by looking elsewhere but please don't rule out childminders for every bad one there are many many more very good ones out there.

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