I've got some fairly big ishoos with my CM, but it's all a bit awkward - please help!

[bohemianbint]

I suppose it's not the biggest of deals at the moment as DS (23 months) only goes 3 hours a week, mostly, although a couple of weeks ago he went for 2 days, so it's all a bit random.

The problems are:

• the tv is on ALL THE TIME in the background. Even on nice days I'm not sure they even get into the garden.

• they never go out and do anything. In fact am not sure if they do anything when they stay in, I get the impression the kids play with toys or watch tv, there's no reading or activities or anything as far as I know.

• DS is fed in a pushchair in the kitchen and I now find out he sleeps in the pushchair as well. Or doesn't, as it turns out. He was always put down in a seperate room in a cot as he's a bit of a nightmare to settle and will only ever sleep if there's nothing else going on. I also wasn't told that this had changed and had been takign round blankets and his light show thing, thinking that he used them in his cot.

And finally, (and this is the latest thing that has really made me cringe) when we went round last week, it was raining, and DS ran off up the garden. I went after him to take him in and nearly trod in a huge pile of dog crap. Now, I understand that she would no doubt have cleaned it up if the weather was nice and the kids were able to play outside, but it makes me cringe thinking there's probably dog shit residue all over the garden.

The only reason I haven't stopped him going is that she's absolutely lovely, really flexible (will look after DS at the drop of a hat) and DS has been going for about a year and really likes her. As I say, he's not going for long periods, on the whole, so am loathe to shake things up, especially as am due to have another baby any time and don't want to unsettle DS up any more than necessary. When I've asked her about what they do or expressed concern about all the tv she has assured me that it isn't on all the time, and sometimes they just listen to music - but I've been there at all different hours of the day and have never seen the tv off, or seen them drawing, or doing anything.

Am I being too precious about this, or should we look for alternatives? I just worry about the quality of the care he's getting; we are paying for it and I feel a bit shortchanged if all he does is watch tv!

Hello. I was also wondering why your child has been going here for so long?

As a childminder, I think this is awful. However, i do know a childminder that does nothing but let the kids watch tv all day while she obsesses over the housework! So I know it does happen, but it is not right at all.

I am not too sure what you mean about the dog poo, you say she would have cleared it up if it was nice enough for the children to go out, so whats the problem? In a park, people would have picked up after their dogs,they wouldnt have washed the floor or anything? Might be just me being dumb on this one?

I do think you should leave and find somewhere else. In fact, I think you should report her to ofsted.

I wouldn't be happy with what your childminder is doing either. I am a registerd Childminder and always make sure children sit at table or in highchairs to eat. I take them out regularlly for fresh air and exercise, Children need at least 1 hr day of fresh air its proven!
All the children in my care have fun no matter how many hours/days they attend, Where are u based maybe i could help you???

She is registered, I saw all the paperwork before he started going, and initially it seemed alright, and she was very lovely and prepared to do what we wanted in terms of his routine at the time.

It was only subsequently, when things started to come to light - ie the feeding and sleeping situation which I only found out about by accident a couple of weeks ago because of something that she said in passing, that's what's really upset me. If I'd have known sooner I would have probably stopped him going already.

As I'm not working anymore it's no longer vital that he goes at all, in fact, we're stretching ourselves financially to send him. It has on occasion been a godsend to send him there, as we don't really get any help from family, but I think it might have to go by the wayside.

Thanks for all the replies though, it is good to hear I'm not being OTT about it.

Diane - I'm in Manchester, are you anywhere near? You sound much better than current CM!!

have you thought about having a Homestart volunteer www.home-start.org.uk/ or a childcare student looking for experience ?

ok so you wouldnt be able to leave them in sole charge or anything

but someone to play with / read to your son while you relax,or accompany you on outings etc

and for free

x

RachieB - that sounds like a genius plan, I'll look into that asap! Cheers very much for the tip...

If you have your CM's ofsted number you can look up their latest ofsted report online, i think for reasons of confidentiality they are not listed with their name.

It doesn't matter how many hours your child is cared for you want the best care available and sitting in front of the tv is not it, I don't get time to even switch the tv on my house is always buzzing I have a dedicated childminding room which doesn't even have a tv in it I always think that you shouldn't treat children that you care for any differently from your own and I certainly wouldn't want mine watching tv all day, I would talk to her about it maybe there is an explanation, what did her ofsted report say ? we all have standards we have to pass as childminders. does she keep a journal for your little one so you know what they are doing when they are round there ? I have dogs and they go to the park twice a day and do their business there, if they were to mess in the garden I would clean it up straight away even if it was raining and I do rinse with dettol and water even if it's just tiddles, hope that helps.

i childmind and if it were my child i would go with my gut feelings and find him somewhere else to go quickly!!! he should be provided with the best care that puts his welfare first check out ofsted website. she should be keeping a dairy of his activities and care to share with you. All my children have access to the garden and we are always out and about at the park and the beach etc! And as for eating she should provide an appropriate place and the pushchair aint it.
she should display the ofsted poster where parents can contact them:- www.ofsted.gov.uk/parents or phone 0845404040 for futher advice in your concerns!!!!! Ps her ofsted regisration number should be her certificate of registration which she is legally bound to display.