What do Childminders do? And what are the T&C's???

[Elsbells]

I have just posted about needing a childminder and I just want to know what exactly they do; I am NOT trying to start an argument or be cheeky, I really would like some insight as I have only ever used a nursery.

For example, do childminders let their mindees watch telly?

Do they take them on their errands (e.g. weekly Tesco shop)?

Do they take them on outings (park, playgroups etc)? If they have to use a car who provides the child's seat? Does the parent leave money for outings? Can the parent decided how many outings/groups they can afford to send the child to?

What sort of food/snacks can you expect them to do? Is it cheaper to provide your own?

How do holidays work? Do I pay for when the childminder goes away even if I can't mirror it myself and have to pay for temp childcare? Do I pay for when we are away? What about Bank Hols?

How do sick days work? Do I pay for childminder's sick day?

What is the normal "sick policy" for child? If they are a bit grizzly can you still leave them with childminder? Do I still pay for days DC's are sick? Are they allowed to give things such as Calpol?

What is the 'normal' notice period for both childminders and parents?

How do they get paid? Weekly? Monthly (is that worked weekly rate x 52/12m?)

Is there anything else I have missed?

Any information would be great.

alot of those questions will depend on the childmnder hun and the area, it should all be in the contract though, all good questons for your new cm though

We occasionally watch TV, just one programme where we sit and watch then TV off.

I take mindees to the shops, we got to the grocer, butcher, newsagent but not supermarket.

We go to Toddler and Music groups, to the park, out into the woods, outside play every day even in the rain with our wet gear.

Parents pay for the entry fee for activites.

Car seats provided either by CM or parent depending on cirumstances.

Most Cms provide snacks and milk/water.

Some CMs may provide food, you may prefer to send the child with their lunch.

Holiday Pay - most Cms charge for their holidays

Sick pay - all depends on the contract. You may have to pay all or a percentage of the fee if the CM is ill, and when your child is ill too.

Calpol and other medications can be administered with written permission.

If the child is not well enough to take part in activites then generally speaking they are not well enough to go to the Cm. A grizzly child can take attention away from the other children in the Cm's care, but being at the Cm can be a power of good.

Most Cms I know charge by the hour, payment weekly or monthly in advance.

CMs do a lot more than just looking after children while swilling tea and bus A lot of planning and preparation goes on after hours.

HTH

Some more possible questions:
Do they accept childcare vouchers, and if so, which providers are they already registered with?
Do they provide nappies, wipes etc?
What food is provided and is there extra cost?
What happens if you are late collecting, held up?
What happens if you want to arrive later than usual time in the morning?

My answers to your questions,

Nope no telly, not enough time in the day to watch it,
No to weekly shop just odd errand
We go to music class, library, park, drop in,
I provide all ranges of car seat,
I pay for all outings,
I provide all snacks and food required for all children even those with allergies and religious needs,
No pay if I am on hols or ill, Half pay if you go on hols when I am working and full pay if child is ill,
no payment for bank holidays,
Permission to give calpol etc given daily by parent,
$ weeks notice required by both parties or as near as possible, depending on circumstances,
Always paid in advance and take childcare vouchers monthly or weekly,
Parents to provide nappies but thats probably the only thing they are asked to provide.
Like the previous posters say we are all different and have differnt work practices. This works for me and my parents. Ask as many questions as you can and see as many childminders as you can, ask to see certificates and latest Ofsted report, you will know the right one when you meet him/her.

$ means 4, sorry should have read it before I posted.

Go and visit the childminder for a morning (or afternoon) and see exactly how they spend the time with the children, this will give you a good idea of how a normal day goes, and gives you a chance to fully understand the contract.
(Each contract can be slightly different.)

If you are having trouble finding a childminder or just want to find out more about particular childminders the best thing to do is talk to other parents.
Also they are all inspected by ofsted so you can look up reports online.

I found mine through getting recommendations from mums i trusted, and they have been just brilliant.

For me

No - well twice in 5yrs because we were all very poorly

Not really nits & pieces but not a weekly shop

M&T, Music, Play & Priase . I provide car seats No charge ever (but if you want to buy us all an ice cream while we are out that's lovely & it will be another mums turn next time)

All included - Fruit (dried & fresh) toasted teacakes, homemade cakes, prawn crackers & salsa (once.....big mistake)

I have 2 weeks unpaid - if you go away you have to pay to keep the space, if you don't it might not be yours when you get back.

Yes but I provide sickness cover (which is unusual - but it kinda balances out)
Not normal to pay CM sick
You still pay for sick days - but we generally take them a bit poorly (but miserable and needing mum or a temp over 39.5 or D&V - then they are yours ) I give calpol & a/B - but I won't paint calamine on....sorry

4 weeks

Monthly weekly rate x 50/12m?)

HTH

We all work so differently - you definitely need to visit some childminders, and actually ask those questions. Visiting several minders will also help you get a feel for other things that you may or may not like.

I guess it's best to go and see some CM myself (tho there aren't many in my area, I think it will be tough for me) as it really is varied.

Thanks for the tips.