Think I've made a mistake - is it too late to back out now I've signed the contract?

[PanicPressiePants]

To cut a long story short I've had problems finding a childminder in my area with vacancies for the days I need.

Went to see a cm who I know a friend of mine used to have a while back, the friend has been away over christmas so I have been unable to speak to her about it.

Anyway went to visit today, and she seemed nice, but I wasn't totally 100% happy (mainly 2 reasons, she doesn't have a cot for ds to nap in - it will be the sofa bed, and she has a huge dog)

Anyway, because I'm in a fix I agreed and signed the contract, thinking she must be ok because my friend used her until her children went to secondary school. Anyway, friend has just been round, and said she removed her children as she wasn't happy with the care they received, always in front of the tv, were bored, no planned activities, the dog was allowed to mix with the children etc etc.

Now I'm in a right state, in tears because the contrasct I've signed states I need to give 6 weeks notice, and even if I did pull out, I've noone to take ds at such short notice.

What do I do?

I think you should ask her to put in an opt out clause whaere in the first two months you can pull out with one week's notice (and so can she). Then, I would say four weeks notice after that, but it may be a bit latte to make that point.

Yes have done the cis list. I have got some numbers further a field but with the traffic in the mornings etc etc it's difficult to get ds to cm and then drive all the way back across town as I only work 2 mins away from where I live! I need to be at work before 8.

Where's her lo going to be when your ds wants a nap ? how old is he/she ? What if they both need the cot at the same time ?!

Message withdrawn

why cant she provide a travel cot? id insist, how much of a faff is it going to be having to change sheets all the time, how long is she going to keep that up for?

I have 2 babies and they sleep at the same time, i put them in the same room but dd in her cot and mindee in travel cot, its easier that changing/washing bedding all the time.

i dont think she intends to dot hat at all..thats a lot of extra work when your meant to be with the little ones.
Shes changing her 'story' to many times saying one thing to you and another to your dp..check out her ofsted report!, se what they say she is required to do?

Do you have a travel cot? I would either lend her mine or buy one, you can get them for about £40 in Argos, and then at least you know your dc is sleeping in own bed, I think it would have been quite ok to have said about the dog with the events of the weekend. I have a dog and he just sleeps all the time the mindees dont really bother with him but he is older. Ofsted didnt tell me I had to seperate him but I said he goes out at meal times and if he is annoying the mindees. You may find that everything is ok, and maybe this woman has changed her ways since your friend used her, she may have had to to keep her registration, best of luck