New childminder

[solitudehappiness]

Going back to work and met new childminder who seemed lovely. 20 years experience, written references, clean home etc.
But, she doesn't have any other children atm to look after.
Should I go with my instincts and leave lo and see how it goes or is it strange a c/m with 20 years experience has no lo's?

Not necessarily.
I am a childminder. On occasion I suddenly have children who have been happy and settled move...either to school or to playgroup or out of the area. It often happens that they are all similar ages.For example, currently i look after only pre-schoolers as I have 4 primary aged children of my own so no before or after school care. All these children will go to school next year and I will immediately have 3 places available for each day.

it's financially nerve wracking!

If you like your CM and she fits you and your child's needs then I would go with your instincts. I think your relationship with her will be much more important than anything else.

Thats great foolonthehill Thank you :)

It is a little bit strange that she hasn't got any kids to look after... what reason did she give for this?

I can understand if she only likes having one or two kids to care for and maybe they started school or nursery. If possible could you speak to another mum who has used her previously?

I am also a child minder...Ask her the question. I have been asked all sorts of questions...I am not offended at all...

I also think trust your gut instinct... If you need to ask more questions go back again..

The children she was looking after moved house. I saw references printed out which I read. Should I ask to contact her old clients? New to this

You can ask her to ask them if she can give you their details....she cannot give their details to you without their agreement (I'm sure you can see why!).

However, if she has written references, is registered and inspected by OFSTED, has all the necessary paperwork (Paediatric first aid, safeguarding children certificate, Ofsted report, registration number etc.) it seems a lot. You might find that she does not have their new address (I wouldn't have addresses for people who had moved away, strictly speaking she should have deleted all digital records of addresses and tel nos etc after she stopped looking after the children (Data protection))

If you have a local children's centre or toddler group they may be able to tell you about her informally.

Do you believe her? If not then I would run for the hill's...Also do look up her Ofsted review..see what you think..

do you know how long ago the last faily left..Is it just printed off or printed and signed?

Thank you all for your input. Saw her again today and she gave me phone numbers of two mothers who used her and have since loved away or whose children went to school.
Saw her ofsted report and other documentation which was all up to date.
Feel a bit cheeky ringing the mothers, but want to make sure lo will be ok.
CM mentioned going to children's centres and toddler groups and also visiting a friend who is also a CM.

As I'm new to this I'm hoping I've not missed anything.

I'm obviously nervous leaving lo and going to work, and just want the best without being ott. But, want lo most importantly to be happy and safe.

If you need to then do ring...This could be fantastic if she has no others one to one care while tiny so long as they make sure LO is socialising too...

Do you think you would be worried no matter who it is....Sometimes just listen to your heart..you have checked paperwork then either trust this woman or not.

Can I suggest you go and meet another childminder so that you have something to compare to ....

You contract should have a settling in period for both of you so if it isn't working you can leave