*****************THURSDAY STAFF ROOM *********************

[ju]

Morning all ! I've put the urn on, just the 1 mindee coming today 10.30. My DP and our boys are in Scotland visiting ILs, MIL's 70 th birthday so they went up to surprise her (FIL in on it so not huge shocks for them, bless). Not back til Sat boo hoo

Morning - busiest day of the holidays today (tho' yesterday was very close)

See you after the weekend?

Morning, looks like my big move was postponed I just cant get packed in time! sunny day here, so I'm not leaving the house!

I've just got the one today too. Most of my mindees are school time only, so i don't work much during the holidays. Monies not too bad though, because I do ad-hoc with one of my schoolies, so that makes him full time during the hols. He's at a footie training centre for 3 days too, so I'm barely looking after him at all! Happy days! Enjoy the sunshine girls while it lasts - next weeks not looking so good.

Hi everyone

Ju - enjoy the peace while you can

Katymac - pleased things looking up for you

MightyMoosh - I've not been around as much lately, you moving house?

Mo - easy money then when at football

Well, today is my first day back since Thursday, had Friday off for my long weekend away and then the 2 sisters I have Mon-Wed were on holiday this week Just the 1 baby as usual today and tomorrow then I'm off til Wed (sisters are going away again tomorrow so I'm not needed til Wed )

Had lady round this morning to sort out contract etc for her baby to start in Jan, that's now sorted. I have a friend (who happens to go on MN so don't want to post this outside the staffroom) who's requested 2 days, knows other people were interested, I've emailed about doing contracts and she's not replied to that but has to other personal emails I've sent. I know she's got lots of stuff going on as just gone back to work and things up in the air, I know she's looking at nannyshares too as seen on nannyshare section. So, I knew all this before but she decided yes, she'll book and pay a deposit, I was worried about taking on a friend but made it clear to her it would be like any other customer, no special treatment. She's been nagging for months for me to give notice to others so I can have her kids as she got it into her head that NOBODY else would do - no pressure there then!!! So, I know she's going through lots of stress and really feel for her as a friend but the 'business' part of me is annoyed that I feel I don't know what she's really planning. I want this contract and deposit soon to know it's sorted, what should I do??? The lady who signed today wanted 3 days but I could only offer 2 and she decided to go with me anyway. IF my friend doesn't want/need me anymore, I want to offer the extra day back to this other lady. Oh, I wish I'd just said I'd never take on friends but it's so hard as she's been in a mess and really feels no one else will do.

Sorry , rant over.

I don't usually get into the staff room, usually too many mindees but only had 2 today and they have just left, only have 2 tomorrow then I am on holiday for 2 weeks, yayyyyyyyy . I haven't had any time off since christmas so am really ready for it, just hope the weather is nice cos we are going camping in Norfolk.

Where abouts in Norfolk FO? We were camping up there last week!

Only one mindee today too, but my dd is work enough! Been out this am at a playdate and then took both mindee (15mo) and dd (20mo) to toddler splash. Good times. Am shattered

You need to explain to her LT, that someone else is interested in the days she wants and she needs to make a decision as well as you. Your friend my be going through a rough time, but it wouldn't hurt for her to let you know one way or the other.

Today has been a day of sorting out Ofsted OCR paperwork, doing lots of washing and then packing dried clothes - as off on holiday tomorrow for a week. Still not sure if I've packed enough, better add a jumper, should the weather change (I'm only going to Wiltshire!).

LT - while they may be a friend, as you say yourself, you need to be business like, so try to handle like the others as best you can. Be insistent on getting the contract done, give her a deadline say by which it has to be returned, else the days she wants will be reallocated. Good luck - hard to be tough with friends.

MMLove - we're going to Cromer, the kids like to go to the beach at Mundsley. Hoping for a nice relaxing week.

Want to pop in for a cuppa (if it rains)

wE ARE ABOUT 3/4 OF AN HOUR FROM cROMER (opps)

We were actually in Suffolk, but only just! In Diss. The weather was fantastic for our maiden camping trip. I loved it, can't wait to go again! Hope the weather stays good for you.

If only I'd asked you where in Norfolk you were last week Katy! I'd have loved to have a nose at your nursery site! We will go back to the site we found and since DH & DD fish all day, I'm free as a bird! I'll mention next time (if you don't mind) and I'll come visit?

No problem - a bit of notice & a meal will appear (well it will save you cooking)

Perfect! I'll let you know. We're running out of holiday time already for this season, unless we have an indian summer and manage to squeeze another one in during Oct half term, but even if its next year, you might be well on your way, if all goes well with your investor!

Oh Katy, can't come for a cuppa with you, if I see your set up I will feel like a right amateur compared to you .

In reply to several messages ago, I'm coming up to London from Newquay for a live-in nanny post, my first in the UK. Problem is, I've been living at home and I've been making a living partly nursery work, partly cardmaking, so I have TONS of stuff here. Big problem-parents moving while I'm away so everything must be packed and put in storage. So I've had to delay start date! No-one to rant to but here, my parents think I shouldnt go/dont want to go. Argh etc.

Feelingold - I only wanted you to come so I can pcik your brains

Well Katy that would take all of 20 seconds !!

Behave woman!!!

I am not SUPER-CHILDMINDER

Well my inspection is due in about 5 months time (my last one was just before the new grading system) and lets say I will be over the moon to get a 'good' grade, never in a million years will I get an outstanding, I disagree with so much that ofsted want us to do, don't think I am a good enough liar to convince ofsted that I totally comply with them . I know I do not do anywhere nearly enough observations or planning so thats me down graded already.
Two of my close friends got an outstanding grade and I admire them for all of their hard work but I am just not an 'outstanding childminder'.
Maybe I should come and see you after all to get some tips

DO come - we can gossip about OFSTED...........have a cuppa & watch children playing in the garden (or on the deck if it's wet)

Think about it anyway.........I could get you my phone number (have you seen my website?) & then you could decide when you get there

Or book a meal here - I had parents asking this week If I could do them a plate to take home