CM CLUB: References from parents

[StrawberrySnowflakes]

Is there a standard list of questions?
i have prospective mindee in july, theyve been round but current cm doesnt stop cm'ing till july.
she would like references so what do i get the parents to answer???

id like to know this too. i want to ask my mindees parents for references that i can keep and show prospective parents.

i dont know how to lay it out?..highest to lowest rating from one to five, actual questions or ask them to just write something??...think question and answers would be best but what would be best to put?

I have three references to show parents. One of them makes me sound like wonder woman. They basically say things like -
Saltire was very trustworthy.
We had no problems leaving our child with her, and wouldn't hesitate to recommend her, she did x,y and z with our child, she took her to x,y and z on a regular basis and our child learned social skills. Our child was made to feel part of the family. etc etc.
One even put about how flexible I was due to parents going on overseas detachments and how i helped their child thorugh that difficult time

I've not got questions or anything. I've just got few references in my file where parents have written what they think of me and my service.

so it was just a letter from them of their opinion on you?

Mine were. There's a couple on my website if you want to get an idea. Personal details deleted of course.

HTH

mine have been just letters staying that the kids were happy in my care and parents had full confidence in me. Some mention by naturally caring disposition (yeah right LOL) others my flexiblity.

A letter is fine, no need for questions IMHO.
HTH

I don't have any letters as non of my parents have move their children from my care, so I just give out my parents phone numbers (with their permission of course!)that way they can ask whatever they like!

Yes, mine are written as letters, saying the things i mnetioned in my other post, plus any other comments.
I think that may be a better approach than a Q&A form for them

i have only had one leave(was friends dd and went to non local school) but i was going to ask present paretns to fill one out as prospective parents are keen to see this kind of thing?

Having had lots of parents promise to write reference letters but not getting round to it I now give out a questionnaire to everyone when they leave -

How long have you used this service
How would you rate this service 0-10 (10 being highest)
Reason for leaving:
What did you like about this service
Do you feel your wishes were taken into account?
Is there anything you would like to see improved at xxxx?
Can other parents contact you regarding this service? If yes, phone/email:-

Name, Date
Age of child on leaving

Please continue overleaf if you wish to make any additional comments.

Everyone returns the form and one mum even filled the whole of the back of the A4 page with nice comments. So I've now got a nice wad of comments to show prospective parents (and Ofsted too).

thanks for that..may do one of those for other aprents, have just emailed friends whose dd just left and aske dher to write one(did her same favour recently!)

SS - those references were written whilst they were here. I asked them if they would mind as I hadn't had anyone leave before, they were happy to help Quesionaire also good idea as I can imagine how easy it is for parents to forget.

just got fab one from mindees mum who left

Is it alright for me to input as a parent?

My minder has started a book and has asked each parent to put in a family photo and write what they like, It looks nicer than just typed references, less formal and the photos are a nice touch. I think she liked to have the photos as a memento if kids leave too (as we are leaving soon)

thats a lovely idea