Within the childminding process does anyone contact your GP?

[eenybeeny]

I hope not. My GP seems to really dislike me and I have been being treated for mental health problems - which are, for the record now resolved. I had severe PND - my DS is almost 23 months now and I can honestly say I am very very happy and well adjusted. I do still take AD's.

I am in the process now of becoming a minder and I worry if they get a statement from her she will say I am a loon.

No, never heard of anyone having anything like that.

oh good - my very very very unreliable acquaintence told me it happened and I got worried. MUST STRESS I am totally stable and (if I do say so myself) very good with little ones. I just had an awful time after a traumatic pregnancy and a prem baby etc I was very down for a long long time.

You do have to get a medical form filled in by your GP that you then post back to OFSTED.

I didn't have to do that (registered 6 years ago).

you do have to get a health form filled in, but pnd is not normally a huge issue (hey there would be no childminders ) as long as it's being treated you'll be fine

I am in the process of registering and did have to have my health declaration done by my gp. You can ask to see if first and the inspector discusses it with you and notes what you say, pnd should not be a huge issue. My inspector stated that there was acutally very little that would affect your application and if something did then they would work throught it with you eg by only registering you for 1/2 children.

Health declaration form with statement from GP can cost between £120 and £0

You might get a referral to the OFSTED Occ health team (who are lovely)

I am really worried. My GP tried to get me diagnosed as bi-polar but I have been seeing a psychiatrist who does not think I have that and feels I am now all back to normal. I havent been actually depressed in about a year but my GP always talks to me like I am on the verge of a nervous breakdown. (she is known in the village as being a total nightmare)

I am just scared. I know this may sound corny but I have wanted to be a childminder for the longest time and its finally all happening and going so well and I worry she will ruin it all for me.

My GP here is charging me £95. I am worried about my Fibromyalgia being an issue, but I wouldn't worry about the PND, I ahd it and both OFSTED and the CAre Commission weren't bothered,as long as you mention it.

is there another gp at the practice who could sign your form for you?

yes, you have a medical form to be filled in by your GP.

My GP wouldn't sign my medical form without recommending an Ofsted medical (broke my wrist and thought it was a lifting issue)

I had to go back to the hosp to get consultant to sign me off - then attend ofsted medical - it was nothing, a breeze

But he was concerned that I had been anorexic in the past (nearly 20 years ago) I spoke to him about the triggers for this and he was satisfied that it was not a current issue.
He was specifically concerned that anorexia and bullemia have been linked to incidences of munchausens by proxy (sp) syndrome.

If your GP wont sign you as fit for childminding there are things you can do, perhaps you could ask your Psychiatrist to write a letter to your GP saying that she/he feels you are mentally well in her/his professional opinion.

oh, crap writing, by 'he' I mean the Ofsted medical examiner.

Practice receptionist filled in mine (wrong but that's another thread!) and the GP only had to sign it. Not sure if he even actually looked at it. As someone else said, as long as you're upfront and honest about it then I'm sure Ofsted will be satisfied.

Sorry to put a dampener on things eenybeeny but I have had recurrent issues with anxiety and OCD and the registration process took forever for me because of it

Despite my health visitor and practise nurse writing directly to Ofsted to say that my ability to care for children - my own and others had never been in question, they contacted my GP over and over for more information.
The problem was that because my anxiety was under control with drugs, I hadn't had cause to see the doctor for 18+ months so my Doctor was reluctant to comment on my mental health.

In the end Ofsted made me an appointment to be assessed by a physciatrist (sp) at the nearest Priory hospital to me.
All went well at the appointment and the physciatrist made a recommendation that I only mind 2 children under 8. This was ok with me as two of my own DC's were under 8 anyway.

I hope your previous PND isn't a problem for you but if they decide it is, voluteer yourself for a medical to save time.

Hi eenybeeny, sorry to hear that you had a really hard time but great to hear that you have come through it all . I found with Ofsted as long as you are upfront with them, the only thing that would stop you being a childminder is if you were seen to be a threat to children, which by your posting, doesnt seem to be an issue. Can I just say that you can query the amount that the doctor charges to complete the form. My doctor originally asked for £65. I shot the receptionist my best 'hacked off' face and she lowered the charge to £20. Big difference eh! Anyway good luck with your future career.

I registered in 2006 and yes, they went directly to the GP for a reference.

I am in Scotland, so this was the Care Commission rathre than OFSTED. I don't seem to be able to open your profile, so not sure where you are based.

My GP didn't charge me for this service

hmmm mawbroon can you open my profile now? I am in Essex.

I spoke to DH about this last night - he doesnt think it will be a problem. But I really feel my GP dislikes me. She once directly lied and said that I had said that I was thinking of harming DS. This is when he was around 3 or 4 months old and I was really really struggling. I was furious and put a complaint in writing as what I actually said was that I felt I was isolated being alone with him all the time and I wanted some company. BIG difference there! She is very dramatic. At least that is on my records, that I set the record straight.