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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

going to see a childminder tommorrow

11 replies

slinkstar · 15/02/2007 13:07

What do i ask and do i check references etc i mean what is the way you go about getting a childminder? Do they usually do a settling in period, how long is it. what should i expect.
i'm very nervous about leaving my 8 month old baby with a stranger, but its only for 3 hours a week at first- will she mind that?

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JolieGirl · 15/02/2007 13:14

Hi - I just started in January leaving my 8 month old with a childminder. I would ask about things like food (does she prepare home cooked food - mine does), does she expect you to supply her with nappies, sun cream, formula etc. What does her normal day look like, her routine, how can she ensure your LO's routine can be followed (or not). Where will you child sleep? What other children does she mind? Does she have a car seat or do you need to supply one? Same for pram. Settling period I think varies - mine did a free 3 hour session the week before I went back to work. You should also expect her to supply you with references, check them - especially those that refer to her experience with babies. What will she charge if she is ill/on holiday, what if your baby is sick are you expected to still pay? What about paying for bank holidays etc. Does she charge for late collections? Does she have flexibility on her hours ie if you needed her to have your baby overnight for example? By the way I don't think I asked any of these, my C/M led the discssion and covered it all but then she is fab!! Ooh one more thing - ask if you can you see her latest Ofsted report. GOOD LUCK!!

SillyBillyBee · 15/02/2007 13:23

You should ask to see their OFSTED registration certificate, public liability insurance certificate, car insurance certificate if s/he will be using a car. You should check s/he has had 1st aid training.
All childminders work differently. When parents come to see me I show them my portfolio, which has all my certificates/insurance details in. I show them around the areas which they children play/sleep etc. Be sure to ask any questions you want to, don't wait to be told. I would rather parents asked anything they want to, rather than feel they can't.
I do offer a settling in period of 2/3/4 weeks if the parent wants one but if they don't thats fine. You may find that you will be charged for the full hours in the early weeks even though your baby is only there for a few hours. I usually charge for the hours the child attends for the first two weeks then start to charge for the full hours.

Original poster

slinkstar · 15/02/2007 13:25

wow thanks- thats just what i needed! i was a bit lost with it all really.
ill be writing all that down and memorising it

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Original poster

slinkstar · 15/02/2007 13:29

sillybee- whats the full hours mean- do you mean you charge the whole day even though baby only goes 3 hours, is that usual? if so that would be rather expensive for me.

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SillyBillyBee · 15/02/2007 13:31

Half my post disappeared then but looks like JolieGirl has included the rest.
Don't bother memorising your list, just take it with you and read it there and then, I wouldn't mind if a parent did.

SillyBillyBee · 15/02/2007 13:37

An example: A parent asks me to mind their child for 2 full days and a morning a week. If they choose to settle their child in slowly, for the first two weeks I would only charge for the hours attended and would then charge for the full contracted hours as I cannot care for another child, because those hours are taken by this child.
Is that what you meant by you only needing a few hours a week to start off with?

Original poster

slinkstar · 15/02/2007 13:54

well the thing is i am going to uni so i will only need 3 hours a week until June and then 4/5 hours a week October-February and then 6 hours a week February-June 2008.

Is this too little to ask for?
Ive tried nurserys and they all have 2 full time day minimum policys which would have me spending £100 a week when i only need 3 hours care. and there are no creches nearby either.

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SillyBillyBee · 15/02/2007 14:04

Personally I'd do those hours, some childminders do have a minimum no of hours per week or per day (like the nurseries you're talking about), others don't so make sure you ask about this.
I don't know your circumstances but can you get help from the university or if you're working as well as uni, tax credits? I'm sure you've already checked this out but just wanted to mention it.

Original poster

slinkstar · 15/02/2007 14:29

Unfortuantly i will be part time uni so won't qualify for any grants from LEA- although i will be applying for it just in case they have a change of heart.
I'm not working either as i don't think i could fit it all in.
i'll ask the childminder about minimum hours when i call her tonight before i go over tommorrow as it will save me a trip.

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SillyBillyBee · 15/02/2007 15:12

Thats a shame, I've had a quick look and found surestart who may be able to advise if there is anything available funding-wise, here . Unfortunately although I've helped parents with tax credits I don't know the systems for university students. Hope you don't mind me looking for you, I just find it annoying that some people can get help and others can't.
Good luck

Original poster

slinkstar · 15/02/2007 22:14

thanks sillybee ill be looking into that I have just booked to see another childminder too.
i'll let ya know how it goes tommorrow
am printing my questions now

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