maternity policy

[shipmates]

HELP!! Has anybody written a maternity policy? If so, any pointers would be nice.

For the childminder or a parent?

mainly for the childminder

I've not heard of anyone doing a maternity policy, so don't really know what to suggest!

Is is actually for your own pregnancy, or for that of your minding parents?

for me. will be wanting to have another child in the near future so didn't know if I should have one, incase parents ask.

I honestly don't know if minders have written maternity policies - I'm way past the age I need to worry about such things now! There are lots of much younger minders who are/have been recently-pregnant who post here, and I hope they post their thoughts soon!!

I don't know that I would want to give something out in advance to prospective parents before you are even pregnant, in case you put them off choosing you in the first place ?? I know several minders who have taken only 2 weeks off after having their own babies, and others who have taken several months off (and obviously don't expect all their mindees to come back).

ring the ncma and ask them for advice on this?

know what you mean about putting parents off, but it's trying to be prepared incase they ask me if i have anything in place, and i turn round and so i'm not sure what i'll do. It could sound unprofessional?!

How can you have anything in place, you wouldn't know what children needed care when you take maternity leave until that time happens.
All I would say to them if they ask is give them a brief outline of what you would do.
When I took maternity leave for 3 mths I asked the parents first what they would like done as some had family near that didn't mind covering for the short time and the others went to another childminder(s) that they knew. I also went to visit them during there time with the other childminders.
Sorry it's long.

I wouldn't have a policy as such, I really do think it could put people off because they'd worry. I've never been asked that question but if I was, I'd just generalise and say about cover from other childminders etc etc. Just my opinion but I wouldn't have a policy and don't know of anyone who has?

hi, I took 10 wks off when I had my baby last yr. I done the same as mumlove with some going to other cms and some to their family. Ive never thought about a maternity policy.
Ive now got the opposite situation with one of parents on maternity leave and all she wanted to know while we were discussing it was whether I would take her baby too. Shes not even interested in how much it will cost her once the baby starts as long as she knows Ill keep her a space.
While I was pregnant I said Id help find alternate cover but I couldnt guarantee it as until the time you dont know who will have vacancies or what the family will want, I wouldnt have a wrtitten policy. Also didnt want toput anyone off by telling them I wanted another child.