Can any childminders please answer these questions for me?

[jamima]

DSD's age 5 and 6 have started with a new CM a few months ago. they have said a few things that I find a bit worrying and wondered what you think?

1. when she picks up her mindees from school (4 of them) DSD age 6 is made to sit in the middle of the back seat with no booster seat. Other 3, all younger, have booster seats though.

2. They aren't allowed a drink until they finish their meal, and if they don't finish meal they don't get a drink

3. DSD told me that when they eat tea they are left alone in kitchen while CM sits eating her watching the tele.

4. childminder got permission for the number of children she looks after based on the fact that her Mother is there working with her but from what I can pick up the mother isn't there all the time.

I am very concerned but am I being unrealistic

that seems odd. children shoud have access to water whenever they ask for it, and its against the law for your dsd to travel in a car without the appropriate car seats/booster seats.
being left alone in the kitchen isnt so bad, but while she siots in frount of the tv????
personally i would start looking for other care. please dont let this put you off childminder tho, some of us are ok.

The car seat thing is not against the law. Where there is not space for 3 seats across the back it is legal for a child over the age of 3 to sit in the middle without a seat. Doesn't mean I'd be happy about it though.

Ok, I'm not 100% sure will have to have a look and get back to you but with regard to the car is that if there are no other boosters available ie all have children on them then as long as he is restained its ok (I will check this!)

Drinks should be avilable at all times (for the older children they should be able to access drinks ie help themselves whenever they want). With holding drinks should not be done at any time regardless of if they have had all their dinner or not - maybe suggest that they are allowed water not juice if haven't eaten everthing, but shocked that some one should be doing this!

As a Cm I usually sit with the children while they eat or potter around near them while they eat doing bits and pieces, so that we can talk about the day, what they want to do next etc

If your cm has permission to have extra children there while mer mum (assistant?) is present and she isn't doing this then she is over her numbers and is breaking her terms of registration - she could go to prsion for this and/or lose her registration.

I will go and look for the car seat info now, hope I've helped alittle

Also, not having a drink until after their meal isn't actually that odd, if a child drinks loads they will fill up on that and not eat, but they should be given a drink after, whether they eat it all or not.

thanks guys, I have a tendancy to over worry and so wnated to check these things out before I speak to the CM. I'm really dissapointed because she was reccomended to us by another mum for DSD's school.

ah, didnt know about the car seat thing! thanks pillock

you can check her ofsted online so you can see what numbers she is allowed

yes thats definately allowed re the car seat

www.childcarseats.org.uk/law/fromseptember06.htm

im not a cm but im a parent considering becoming a cm, if you provided the booster seat, is there anything preventing the cm from using it? and also is it acceptable to provide a small glass of water for the duration of the meal and provide more after if it is requested. also just another thing id like to mention, i am soo impressed by the passion and committment to providing excellent childcare that ive seen on these threads. i was so put off childminders in my area when looking for DS, none seemed to actually care wether it was a child or a goat that they would be minding. i didnt see one policy or procedure document, so it has restored my faith in childminders that there are so many who care about the children they are looking after.

breaghsmum... I have 44 policies and procedures ... I am glad your faith is restored in us, there are MANY of us that take our job VERY seriously and are passionate about it. I adore the kids I mind and treat them as my own. Have a look at my site here to see what kind of policies need to be covered, altho there will always be some variations of such etc: www.freewebs.com/jenniflowers

jamima... regarding your questions:

1. Not ideal, but not illegal, as mentioned.
2. Load of nonsense... drinks (especially water) should be available at ALL times - standard OFSTED requirement, and a basic requirement I would think!
3. Terrible I think tbh - I am ALWAYS with them whilst eating, do you know how quickly a child can start choking?? I would never take the risk. Plus mealtimes in my home are social times, when we learn table manners etc. too and we chat about our date etc. so I am always there.
4. If her mum is a registered assistant thenthe extra numbers are probably fine, but the assistant has to be there all the time. If she isn't, she is working illegally.

does any 1 no how or where i can access te online self evaluation form i cant seem to find it

i would be very concerned about the 5 and 6 year old
i wouldnt eat my food without a drink therefore would never expect a child to
you should be able to trust your childminder and if you are worried then something isnt right!
the best way to find out if what the children are saying is 100% true is to ask her you will soon no if she is telling the truth.