What tips/advice on finding a good CM

[jackiebrown]

What questions should I ask?
What Should I look out for?
What do I pay upfront?

Any advice from CM/Nannies wpuld be really appreciatred.

I'm a first time mum leaving my 6 month old ds for the first time and despratly need help!

bump bump bump

not ignoring you. just lurking because i need to know the same information.

Lets hope we get some help dragonbutter!

personal recommendations good
check out your local Childminding Network
ask about typical day, activities, food, other children (meet if poss)
take you baby with you and see how they interact

i spoke to loads yesterday. found one with the vacancies i need and arranged to go round and meet her.
now i wish i'd asked if she had dogs, because i know this will be a no-no for my 3.5 year old.
she sounded nice on the phone but i don't know what i should be finding out really.

does she have a standard contract for you to sign?
settling in period
notice period
holidays (inc public holidays) paid or not?
notice for time off (you and her)
eating and sleeping (esp if your child has a particular routine)
ask about training, esp first aid (shoudl be up to date)
ask to see certificated and latest OFSTED report
safety: child locks, stairgates, secure garden?

(am not CM but use one for DS)

Thanks Effieperine.

I haven't even plucked up the courage to phone dragonbutter so your better than me!

Don't want to phone yet because I'll feel like an idiot not knowing what to say.

i just called and asked the basics:
whether they had the vacancies i need,
fees
where they were (needs to be between DS1's nursery and my job)

actually the conversation flowed into what they do on those days and what to do about food.

i was recommended by another childminder. is that a reliable recommendation?

Don't worry! I good childminder will put you at ease even on the phone!
I know that when I'm rung, first we establish what days and times are needed, to see if I have space - if not, we say goodbye. If I do have space - I generally explain about other children I'm caring for, and a brief synopsis of the routine for the day.
I suggest a visit - very informally first for a coffee, and take it from there.

Always go with your gut instinct. Visit a few, but don;t get bogged down or else you can't remember who said what!

Let me know if I can help any more.

Sally x

I guess the best recomadation you can get is from a parent who uses the childminder.

But I don't know anyone who uses a childminder so I'm going on instinct.

Alibubbles list of questions..

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

Don't worry about not knowing what to say. Most CM's would know that first time parents looking for childcare are not too sure what to say.

I have a portfolio which explains about me and my childminding service, what I offer, rates, policies etc. I've usually found it answers most questions prospective parents have and sometimes, some that they have not thought of.

Phone a few and ask to meet them. You will get a feel for them and see if they are the sort of person you would like looking after your DC.

Good luck

Thanks for such a comprehensive list Shoshe. That really helps.

nice list thanks!

Its not my list Ali wrote it ages ago, I just cut and paste it for my parents when they get posted as its such a great list.