Wednesday Staff Room

[southernbelle77]

Morning all!

Nice early opening today as I'm up and about bright and early!

Two mindees and dd this morning - any ideas what we can do, in the house? Need to stay in as the trampoline is being delivered today and I don't want to miss it again (missed it yesterday already!) but don't want them all to get bored and start being silly! Don't want to do cooking as did that on Monday!

Thanks

Cold and frosty morning where I am, about -2 outside right now.

I'm on sick duty, as have 2 ill children. Opening toddler group today, as couldn't get anyone else to do it (anyone got any tips on getting parents to take their turn in opening up/packing away toddler group?).

How about doing craft of some type - sticking cardboard boxes together for example?

It is cold isn't it!

Thanks Nick. I was thinking of doing some sort of sticking, although didn't know what we could make!! Got a few boxes and things, although not too much so need to be inventive!! will go and raid the arts supplies! wAs thinking that might let them paint some pictures of fish and make a fish tank! Any other ideas??

Morning. Nick, what used to work at our group was that no one got a drink or biscuit (including parents/guardians!), until all the toys were put away for singing time!

We used to have play first, then everyone helped put toys away and the children then all sat at the tables and were given juice and a biscuits. Parents could then help themselves to a hot drink (because all the kids were sitting down). Quick clear up of juice cups and then all sitting on the mats or chairs for singing and a story.

Got any paper plates SB? If so, they could either make a plate garden or their favourite food on a plate.

Hi guys - am a bit miffed that no one has paid me on time this month. I only have two full timers left and both pay monthly. Both haven't paid. Annoyed as it takes so long to clear and one pays in vouchers which takes ages. I feel like because I have two pay months left they are all taking the piss now. ARGH. Particularly after I went crazy for mother's day for them. SO annoyed!

Off to toddler group at some point today am or pm session. Just made yummy cheese straws with them and it's only 9 am!

Ooh that's a good idea Mo. Will make sure I get some paper plates in and do that another time! Decided on the fish tank idea for today as got the bits to do it! Go have been busy covering the boxes in black paper. They will then paint the inside, stick bits in and then paint the fish and I will hang them in later when they are alseep!!

Sorry you're having problem again Crace. I had a few issues with payment but nipped it in the bud quickly! Have now made myself be assertive about it and if I don't get it the day it is due, I ask that evening for it the next day otherwise no minding! Firm but fair!

Right, I'm waiting for the postman and then I'm off to tell my parents its all over. So, so, sooooo flipping nervous about it. Support and positive vibes needed please ladies!

Thought I'd pop in whilst I have one napping and other playing nicely in front of me.

Belle - fish tank sounds fun

Nick - hope you don't catch the 'lurgy'

Crace - it's not to do with Feb being a short month is it? I've had that before! If not then time to get tough - easier said than done, I know.

Mo - sending your way! You'll feel so much better once it's done. Believe me, I was nervous about telling them I was pg and hoped they'd still want to stay/come back. At least you've made a whole career change decision, they'll be sad to loose a fab childminder but sure they'll understand! How are you telling them? Phone or face to face? Good luck

crace - missed your and didn't want you to think I was leaving you out!

Face to face, hopefully. I don't want to phone first and tell them I need to speak to them, so I'm going round there in a minute. If they're not in, then I'll think again, but I think I will panic them even more if I phone ahead! I never go there, so they'll know somethings up. The after school one, I will invite in tonight. The other two already know and were no problem, I knew they would be fine anyway.

Oh, they are local are they? Well good luck hun!!! Let us know how you get on!

Yeah, only 2 mins round the corner. I don't know why I'm waiting for the post really! I'm taking it, regardless of whether I get the confirmation today or not! Just putting it off for another half hour, I suppose!

Mo - go do it NOW, you'll not feel any better by putting it off!!! Get it done with then come home and relax and have a cuppa! Honestly, no point waiting!

I'm off now to get things ready for group (if mindee wakes up in time). Will pop in later to see how you got on!

Ta love, I'm on my way!

Hi all

A quick hello, waiting for mindee, other two are still poorly.

Thanks LT, did feel rather left out!

Back from toddlers, had three of them in a double buggy. DD was supposed to walk but fancied a ride and she squeezed in between the other two. So cute. The looks I got from people however..

Mo, you done it yet? It's hard I know, they will be happy for you try not to worry x

Hiya Nick! Hope kids are ok..

SB - how exciting - when does the new trampoline go up?

Hiya Boys!

LT - what happened with 4 hours a week baby?

Good luck Mo. Hope it's going ok

Hi LT

Not sure when the trampoline is going up Crace! Will have to see how hard it is and then see how many people we need round to do it

Hi Boys

fish tanks pretty much made now! Just waiting for last bit of paint to dry before finishing it all off! Mindees finally being quiet (after all being VERY noisy for a while!) and playing with the aquadraw!

God love the person who invented the aquadraw! You should have a put up trampoline party - you provide the beer and they provide the labour!

good morning everyone - had a mindee free morning - off to pick up from nursery now - just one mindee today and ds - so nice and quiet

Tis done! One more to go after work tonight. Phew! Obviously wasn't as bad as I thought it would be! She wasn't in the first time, so I had to txt her anyway. When I arrived later, she said, 'so, are you giving up?' She was fine about it and actually said she wasn't happy in her job and maybe it was meant to be for her too. She's thinking maybe she shouldn't be working at all! I've pushed her to make decisions that she should have already made! What a relief! I have said that, I can and will help out on odd days during the holidays if necessary, but it will be purely on a friends basis. She probably won't ever ask, but it made me feel better!

I also told her all about the new rules and how I probably would have been Poor rated by Ofsted next time round, because of the lack of paperwork and she actually said, 'that's why I choose you!' Her actual words were, 'another minder I saw was so clinical & her house was covered in posters, and your house looked much more loving and family orientated.' Just shows you, parents aren't all keen on the rules either!

Good afternoon everyone. busy today - drop in this morn which seemed invaded by other cm's from other drop ins that weren't on for some reason. too many people and lo's which meant not enough cups to go round and some of us regulars didn't get anything! mindees missed out too! not good. organsier wasn't there today so us regular cm's were running it! couldn't really turn them away!
anyway. we survived.
well done mlove on making a decsion and telling parents etc. are you counting days yet?
hope the rest of you enjoy the rest of your day! putting my feet up for well earned rest now while both mindees sleep! i need sleep.............................

Sleep, sleep... what's that again? I need a nap too. Today is GORGEOUS!!! We've been out in the garden, kids running around while I have been sweeping off the deck so it doesn't all come back in! Neurotic, me?

Glad we did am toddler group so could spend the afternoon outside, it is so beautiful out, french windows open and birds singing. Sigh... I love spring!

Mo, I knew she'd be alright about it! I am sure you just did her a massive favour about deciding what to do about work.

Speaking of, I ran into one of the c/ms meant to cover me while I am on ML and she said that the parents hadn't phoned or been to see her and she had someone else cheque in hand and is taking them on instead. Honestly!! What can I do for these parents?! I can't do anymore than I have, ie. finding them replacements but they refuse to do anything! ARGH. Oh well, 8 more weeks on Friday and it's their problem. I just wish it didn't make me feel so guilty!

Alibubbles is in the staff room as she has two 15 month olds and a 1 year old all asleep! She has had time to do her profile.

Hi ali! You know of course we are all checking out your profile!

what a quiet week for me, just the one mindee again today, we've been in the garden,walked to the shop, and looked at the new lambs in the field, and chased pigeons across the criket field, he's asleep now, bless.