Childminders: how does Mumsnet help (or, indeed, hinder) you?

[policywonk]

We've been asked by the National Childminders Association to write a short piece about Mumsnet for its magazine, 'Who Minds?'. The idea is to introduce Mumsnet to its readers, and explain that it can be a source of advice and support for childminders.

It would be good to have some input from childminders on the board about how (if!) Mumsnet is helpful to you.

So c'mon, spill... If you don't want to be directly quoted, please say so and I'll paraphrase you

I found the experienced childminders on Mumsnet incredibly helpful - especially whilst registering and before my Ofsted visits. I have been selflessly offered a wealth of information and advice and the Childminder's board on Mumsnet has been a real support network for me.

Honest feedback so quote away (If anything worth quoting! )

i have used mumsnet for ideas for crafts, for support for decisions i have had to take, for advice on gbehaviour management, on meals and fussy eating, on contract disputes and payment of fees, and for inspection preparation.

it is also useful for popping in for a chat with likeminded people who understand the difficulties and the pleasures of your work.

It helps to have other CM's to speak to, exchange ideas, rant to, just to have expertise from others that know.

Support when querying Ofsted or Sure Start, hand holding when your Inspection is due, and brain storming on EYFS ideas.

Hints and tips for making your setting, more interesting, caring, fun, profitable.

One of the main things for me is educating Mums, who may never have thought to use a CM, on what we actually do as a Registered CM, that we are professional trained hard-working people.

Not as we are often portrayed, glorified babysitters who stick our mindees in front of the TV and feed them junk.

I have found it really good for those litttle niggles and questions that we all have from time to time that we need answering. It is also good for "talking" to like minded people. I have also found out information about any forthcoming changes being made to how we work or requirements needed for our on going registration on here before many of my peers at childminding groups/network meetings etc!

always get good helpful and lets face it straight talk from other cms.

Have had help with policy assessments and general support.. excellent..

And have found CM friends from all over the country.

yy to all already said

the use of psuedonyms (sp) means that confidentiality is maintained

For support, it's excellent. There are some very knowledgeable people on here who are always happy to help.

The only downside for me is that it's part of a public forum. Whilst that's a good thing in that mums can see for themselves how we work, I do get tired of seeing childminders under pressure to justify their fees, their practice, their policies, their charging to people who don't understand us and, in some cases, are deliberately antagonistic.

Thanks v much for all of these

Downside - having people accuse you of being on the internet at the expense of the mindees - when they are sleeping and you are having a well earned rest, or are not even working that day for instance!

There s always someone on here who has been through what you are going through and its not easy to find a RL person like that, I find this site very helpful at times when I don't know where to turn. I also have picked up some really good ideas for crafts, activities and general paperwork things aswell. All the CM s in here are always willing to help each other out as they know what a tough job it can be at times and that support is vital.