What to ask?

[Hando]

I have my first meeting with a potential CM tomorrow morning. (not the rude one or the one wanting 4 weeks full pay holiday a year, this is a different one now) We have meailed to make sure she is available for the hours we need but haven't chatted on the telephone as yet.

I've not used a CM before, so not exactly sure what to be asking, so far I have:

Fees, holidays, sick procedures, activities/outings, food, behaviour management (hopefully dd will be perfectly behaved, but handy to know what her thoughts are).

Any others? I am definitely not going to be signing a contract tomorrow as I want to check references, chat with partner and probably meet another CM tomorrow evening before I choose. Will she expect me to sit and sign the contract tomorrow or is it expected that parents will want to think before signing after first meeting?

Also, how do I check her references? Will she give me ex mindees parents addresses to write to or telephone numbers? Or does it not work like that?

All help greatly appreciated.

CM should not be expecting you to sign anything - i actually recommend parents go away to discuss in private even if they tell me they want to sign up as i feel it is important that they have that opportunity to think about all logistics etc.

Its fine to ask for contact details for referances. they may want to Ok passing on of details first but that should not be problem. Most have written referances in portfolio but you will ant to speak to someone too.

All the things you mention to ask about are standard. There is also a very comprehensive list at the parents section of Bromley Childminders association

I have a written terms of service document I send parents which covers all the main areas folks like to know about, if you would like a copy as a guide I am happy to let you have one

I often find parents want to sign straight away, I do reccomend that parents visit a few CM's and find the one that most suits their own lifestyle / values IYSWIM.

You will know pretty quick if the CM is right for you, as well as this as a CM I also like to decide if a potential mindee will fit into our group and some CM's like to do home visits as well so don't be surprised if you are asked this.

Their is also a good list of what to look for / ask on the National Childminders Association website in the parents section.