Questions to ask possible future childminders (for dd) when meeting/interviewing them??

[gerbo]

Any advice?

I'm going to be meeting some childminders soon for my daughter who'll be needing childcare from September, when she'll be 17 months.

She'll be with a childminder for 5 mornings (8am-1215pm) and one afternoon a week, when I return to school (I'm a teacher).

Anything I should ask about in particular? Anyone been sutng about something they didn't ask? And childminders with advice? I'm totally novice to all this!!!! Don't want to leave the meeting and kick myself or wish I'd asked down the road.

Thanks.

Write a list of things you need to ask before you go , but any good childminder wouldn't mind you calling later with any additional queries you had .

I would ask how many other children she cared for & during the times you would want childcare cover , what is the morning routine ie does she have to do a school run with older children , ask to look at her procedures especially on discipline. Any positive feedback from other mums . What activities will she do with your daughter and generally just see if you get a good vibe from how she is with your daugher and vice versa.

Good luck

I would ask questions like how long you been childminding

why you became a childminder

what training have you done (all childminders need a valid first aid certificate)

fees/holidays/sickness

Childminder insurance ask to see certificate

Ofsted registration certificate should be on display

If childminder uses a car ask to see car insurance make sure its business class and driving licence and MOT certificate

Ask to see CRB checks

How many other children she cares for

Ask her daily routine

Does she provide food and what kind of food

What activities she does with the children

Ask to see latest ofsted report

Is there any references from other parents

Ask to have a look around the house make sure its clean

See where your child will be sleeping

do other children seem happy

Are there planty of toys for all ages

Take your child along with you see how the childminder is with your child

Ask to see the childminders policies

Always go with our instincts

Emergency /contingency arrangements

Notice period/payment requirements

Holiday arangements(your & hers)

Ask if she has a portfolio - it might answer questions you had not thought of! That is what most parents who come to me say!

Still take a list of all your questions too tho in case it does not cover everything.

Curtsey of Alibubbles her Famous CM Questions List.

How long have you been working with children?

What training have you had? Any qualifications? Are you part of a network, achieved a quality assurance qualification, look at registration certificate, insurance details, business use for car. First aid must be no more than 3 years old, food hygiene certificate, Certificate in Childminding practice or NVQ 3, Contracts and record forms

Do you enjoy being with children and why?

Can I look around, see the rooms and outside play space? If there is no outside play space - how will you make sure my child gets the chance to play outside?

Where will my child rest?

What kind of food and drink will you give? Can I see a menu?

What will my child do all day?

How do you encourage good behaviour?

Will my child be with a regular group of children? How old are they? How will their timetable fit in with my child?

How will you make sure I know how my child is getting on?

What hours is she open?

How much does she charge?

What about when my child is sick, holidays, days off

What do you do in an emergency?

When was her last Ofsted, can you see the report?

Top 10 Quality Pointers

When you visit possible childcare options, look for these Quality Pointers:

Are the children calm, safe, happy and busy?

Do children play and talk together?

Is the childminder listening to the children and answering them carefully?

Is the childminder friendly and proud of her work?

Is she joining in joining in with what the children are doing?

Are there lots of fun activities planned to help children learn and play? Can children plan some of these activities themselves?

Are there plenty of clean toys and equipment for children to use?

Is the premises clean, well kept and safe for children with a fun outside play area (or will the child go to parks and other places regularly)?

Do parents have plenty of chances to say what they want for their children?

If there are other things you want to know, don't be afraid to ask. Good childminders expect you to ask questions and will be happy to answer them.

Always take up references. You could ask for names of other parents to talk to about the service

Listen to your child and find out more if he/she is unhappy
Always trust your own feelings about your childcare - you know your child best

any advise ?

i,m looking for child care, and seem to have found a good one, however there is one niggling doubt, they have a dog!! silly as it may seem, im not a dog person myself and this seems to a little barrier

any suggestions??

re previous post

sorry am new and posted this in the wrong place , apologies

Do you want a term time only contract and does the childminder do this?