We need a back up childminder - do you think this will work ?

[Rookiemum]

It looks like our CM is planning to take holidays when we are not, also my Mum will be covering one day a fortnight when CM 1 doesn't work,so I thought it would be helpful to have a back up cm.

There is a nice lady who goes to our mothers & toddlers who looks after two so I was thinking of asking her, but was going to talk to our existing CM about it.

My questions are do you think the existing CM will mind ? I am very happy with her and for the settling in sessions Ds has got on very well.

Secondly do you think the other CM would be interested in an arrangement like that.

I know I will only find out by asking both of them, but i don't want to upset them so thought I would get some invaluable mumsnet advice first.

I can't see why CM1 would have a problem with you having a back-up CM for her holidays etc. Do the two CMs know each other? A lot of CMs have CM friends who can provide holiday cover etc. The one you are thinking of asking to be a back up CM might be happy to help out while she has a vacancy, but she may rather fill it with a 'permanent' child. The only way to find out is to ask.

Of course DOH I should ask CM1 first if she knows anyone, thanks for that stupidly I hadn't thought of it.

She may well be part of a CM group. If she does know someone, it will probably be best for your little one as they can get togther and get to know each other IYSWIM.

The group I belong to are all helping each other out today, coincidentally. CM1 booked 2 days off for daughters graduation. CM2 all set to cover, but her own Mum critically ill, so in steps CM3! The great thing is, as we all know each other anyway, the children are just as happy with any of us. We make the effort to get to know other parents too, so they get to know and trust us. All in all, makes for happy children!
PS. in cast you think I'm skiving off, my 4 are all asleep, and I'm having a coffee break and a virtual chat on MN!

Crikey all 4 asleep at the same time, that truly is the work of an expert CM.

Great idea, I think she does know some other CMs as she was talking about borrowing a double buggy.

We were at a toddler group this morning, so all very tired! I havebeen doing the job a few years though! And I still LOVE IT!

Just to update you blodwen I spoke to her yesterday and she is going to speak to her friend who is a CM and then I am going to speak to the lady I know because she wasn't sure if her friend can do it.
Thanks for your help

My pleasure . Hope it works out for you.

i work within a childminers support group, which as we are Army wives can be a flexable number. (we moved about alot!) All our mindees know each other and other CMs are most of our parents came to us because we work together, Serving Soldiers(Mothers and Fathers) are often away, so partner at home needs to know there is back up if CM away.

Her friend CM is going to do some of the days and then she is doing a day she doesn't normally do so my mum can do a day as well so I think we have just about got January sorted out, phew.

It seems like a lot of juggling but hopefully she will give plenty of notice for other time off and then we can try and work round it.

Wish we had an official arrangement like yours sky24 that would be so handy.