Ofstead Childminding page and hiring a CM, what's the done thing?

[theprecious]

Hi there, I am going to start looking for a CM soon so I looked on the Ofstead site to get some info and all the CMs are listed by number not name (as you all know).

So can I be upfront and ask any CMs I talk to what their number is.....or do you think it's rude? What usually happens?

Also as a CM how many times do you expect to met the parents before they decide if to place their child with you?

Am new to this and don't want to annoy the person who may look after my lo!

You can find CM on childcare link website. Do an area search. Phone them for a chat if any seem suitable. When you visit them for an interview they will show you their portfolio which will include an OFSTED report.

Along with what Cece has suggested, if you know anyone who has a cm already, ask her if she can make any recommendations or suggestions. As you will see from the countless recent threads on the subject, just because a cm is outstanding on paper, doesn't always mean she's the best for your needs. The difference between satisfactory and outstanding can sometimes be just a matter of not keeping perfect paperwork! I wish you luck and if you need any more advice, pop into the staff room and we'll be only to happy to help you.

Some childminders are worried about giving their registration number out because there have been parents who have asked for this in order to make a fraudulent claim to tax credit and have no intention of hiring the childminder. Most childminders will be happy to show you/give you a printed copy of the report or give you an email link to their report prior to visiting them.

Most parents make their mind up after one visit to me but I always make it clear I'm happy for them to visit again (eg if they came in the evening and want to come back again to see what its like when I'm minding, or if they came alone and want to come back with hubby or a friend etc). Once a parent has decided to go ahead most childminders have a trial/settling in period so you can start off with short sessions if appropriate, and back out easily if there are any unforeseen circumstances.

cool, thank you all for your replies. It's helped me get a sense of how to do things, and i take on board the fact that you should take the ofstead report with a pinch of salt.

I don;t think an Ofsted report should be taken with a pinch of salt, necessarily: as with school Ofsted reports, they reveal quite a lot of information, some of which is likely to be very relevant BUT as long as you know the circumstances of an Ofsted, i.e. that it's only one day; that general statements are made which may not actually apply every day or all the time and also that they may even portray an unrealistically positive picture as well.

The best thing you can do is go to see the childminder in person - a few I've seen on paper have been absolute no-nos when I've turned up at the house; spend some time there, get a copy of the Ofsted and their portfolio, then take it home if you can and digest the info there before goin back for second visit. You can usually then tell if the Oftsed 'matches' the childminder.

I agree, don't take Ofsted reports completely with a pinch of salt! Gosh, I hope I didn't plant that idea! You must look at them, but just bare in mind not to make a decision purely on the standard of their report.

thank you,

If I am going back to work in May next year, then when should I start looking?

The Ofsted inspection is there to ensure cm's are maintaining the 14 national standards which in turn should give you re-assurance that your child is in a safe, caring, chld friendly environment that will share the care with you and meet your childs individual needs. But as its already been said, the Ofsted inspection and report is based on that days visit, for us its like having a 3 hour interview at what can be the busiest parts of the day, and can be a little fraught especially if young children dont want to co-operate, so look at the report but go with your gut feelings to choose the cm who best meets your requirements. There is no need for you to have the cm's URN (unique ref nbr) until you contract with her, (this is required only if you are claiming the childcare tax credit). Ask to see her portfolio, business policies, testamonials from other parents, ask about a typical day, take note how she respopnds to children already in the practice, happy children are the best reference she can have. Meet her own family and pets, and ask to see the rooms your child will use, but most importantly share information with the cm you choose, the more she knows about your child the better she can integrate your child into the setting and ensure continuity of care. If your going back to work in May start looking now, you can see as many cm as you like before making a choice. If you contract with someone before you go back to work you may be asked to pay a retainer to ensure the place is still available when you want it, but this is something you will discuss at the time. Write yourself a list of questions before visiting cm's we are happy to answer your questions. Good luck with your search, there are 100's of brilliant cm's out there, I hope you find the perfect one for you.

Agree with starcatcher - start looking, as many CMs have to organise themselves a year in advance. You could always go on the waiting list for a couple and they would give you first refusal on any vacancies that come up. Definitely go on your instincts though rather than convenience. If you don't feel completely at ease with this person looking after your dc, keep looking.

excellent advice all - thank you so much. I will start looking, I have a list of questions that I got from someone else's post.

Thanks again, everyone is so helpful.