Childminder taking own children out of school

[Msloverlover]

My child minder has sent lots of info through over last couple of days regarding d of e advice about how to minimise infection etc. All good - great to know she is taking appropriate measures etc and we will of course be watching out for coughs and fever. But then she sent another message informing us that she was withdrawing her own child from school and home schooling (not self isolating - no symptoms or contact currently). Ok fine, but my take home from it is that she is basically massively hinting that we shouldn’t be sending our children to her - otherwise why tell us? Makes no difference to me (her oh wfh so presumably can look after her child).

I’m a bit miffed now. What do I reply?? That’s great for you, still sending my son? As far as I’m aware no immunity issues with her child, just a bit worried and have the flexibility to keep her at home. Great, but we can’t do that! I’m going to feel so awkward dropping my son off - like I am doing something wrong. But we’ve bloody paid for it and I have to work! Anyone else had a similar situation?

[kirinm]

I think people are going to have to lighten up and relax the usual rules if you don't want childcare providers to close. I would take it as her just keeping you updated. I'd be happy for my childminder to keep her kids home - if that is what makes her happy - so long as she could keep taking my daughter so I can work.

[BogOffWinter]

Does home schooling means she’s unable to do the usual caring of your child? Woefully ignorant of homeschooling but from what I gather, teaching a child requires your focus on the teaching and not caring of other children?

[cabbageking]

Home schooling means giving up her school place and limits her spaces in the day. This may or May not affect her provision in the future. It isn't about germs and immunity, it is about a life style change. As p p said, how does this effect her focus? Is she educating at other times? How much input is on your child and teaching her son? How is she organising her time? May be fine but you need to ask questions.

[Msloverlover]

Ok yep @eldeeno that makes lots of sense. I was presuming oh was going to be helping but he also has to work I presume. And yes it’s not just childcare but home schooling I guess.

[eldeeno]

I wouldn't assume that at all.

If she's keeping her child at home and home schooling, this has a massive impact on your children, so she has a duty to notify you of this.

However, if it was a long term thing, not sure I'd be happy about it. You're paying her to look after your child, how is she going to do this and educate her child at the same time? How old is the child? Able to work for extended periods by themselves? Otherwise I'd be having a conversation to see how she plans to juggle both so your child is not unduly affected by this.

[Msloverlover]

Ok yeah maybe I took it the wrong way. I hope I did anyway! Thanks

[TwelveIslands]

I wouldn't take it that she was saying that. I'd think she was just keeping me informed of everything she's doing to keep her family and your children safe.

[MadeForThis]

If she didn't want you to send your son I assume she would have said so.

If she's still open, and taking money, then I wouldn't feel bad about sending your son.

She might be looking after her son if ratios allow. Maybe that's why she advised you.