CM - May I ask you a question?

[Greatfun]

I am thining of using a CM to look after DD (will be nearly 4) and DS (will be 17 months) when I return to work later this year. I used a nursery for DD so this is all new for me. I have been recommended someone who I see when I pick DD up from nursery. I noticed yesterday that in addition to her normal 2 little ones from DDs nursery she had 4/5 older after school kids. My only concern is how DS and DD will be looked after if the older kids are about. I didnt expect her to have so many. Can you tell me how this works for you. Also, when should I try and book a CM. I need someone from Sep. Would it be too early to speak to her now?

I mean thinking!

A childminder can have 3 children under 5 and 3 between 5 and 7. This is normal and for a good childminder shouldnt be a problem. The children will probably be in the same room and busy doing arts and crafts and mixing with each other with the CM interacting with them all. No different really from pre-school or nursery. The older ones tend to amuse themselves most of the time with little support so I wouldnt worry about your DC not receiving enough attention .

You should speak to her now and get a feel for things. Things change quickly for childminders especially in this current economic climate and children can come and go frequently.

Put your mind to rest and speak to her with regards to her setup and perhaps have a visit to see how she works.

Hope this helps

Thanks. I have been watching her for a while seeing how she interacts with the children. She kisses them goodbye at the nursery door which I think is really nice. I will speak to her soon.

Or the older children play with the younger ones - developing their play in lots of ways, with role-play, construction & pencil control being good examples