Best way to avoid hiring another disaster? Advice genuinely needed.

[newforold]

Hi all,

i have just given my childminder notice. There were lots of issues with unreliability, i discovered last week that she was frequently late taking dd to school (she lives less than a 1/4 of a mile away)and is generally rubbish. (kids are only allowed in the lounge and the telly is constantly on but no toys etc etc).

Anyway, i need to hire a new childminder to start in september. Can you suggest best practice when interviewing as i have clearly got it horribly wrong this time....

Is there specific things i should watch for?

Many thanks.

Normally when you visit a childminder they can show you examples of childrens work (we keep photographic evidence of outings, crafts, etc). You should be able to see toys, books etc and ask to see a copy of their Ofsted report. You could always have a chat with existing parents of the childminder. That would give you a better idea of what they are like.

Ok, thanks.
So is it reasonable to expect a childminder to go the park etc regularly then? One of the issues i have with the minder i have just given notice to is that she literally does nothing. The kids haven't had a trip to the park even in over a yr.

Yes definately ask about what type of activities the children do. Also if she attends any mother and toddler groups, that kind of thing.

My mindees go out every week, to the park, library, story times and toddlers and in school holidays we go for picnics, beach, do all the local tourist attractions, soft play parks etc. Sounds like you need to find a good childminder. Where about are you?

Hi, I'm in essex, near epping.
Dd wil be 8 this summer.

O ooh bit far for me then. Im in Lakes

Bugger! Know anyone abit nearer?