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Original poster

Childminders Club? Maybe Please?

129 replies

KatieMac · 03/11/2004 22:29

As childminders (& often parents) we use this iste a lot and were wondering if (pretty please) we could have a Topic called Childminders club or childminding club.....for us to discuss issues like pricing/advertising/conflict with parents/children/training etc.....I know you have lots of topic - but we think this is different to Going back to work or Childcare topics that exsist......iyswim
Thanks - even if the answer is no

OP posts:
KangaMummy · 06/11/2004 16:58

have you got stair gates?

I have across sitting room, stairs and kitchen.

fire blanket in kitchen

plug guards

cupboard things to stop opening

goosey · 06/11/2004 17:05

Have you got all your policies and procedures sorted out? A brochure/handbook is useful and also get mindees to design their own covers for home/childminder diaries.
I've just had an Ofsted inspection and the inspector was keen on separate hand drying facilities for each child.

KangaMummy · 06/11/2004 17:11

my mindee is only 2 and still in nappies

but what do you mean separate handwashing?

I did have a mindee that has just left after 4 years he was 4½. and I was inspected with him here and nothing was said about that.

Is that a new thing?

goosey · 06/11/2004 17:18

I've got a downstairs toilet/shower room that is used just for the children and I put a clean hand towel in there every morning. This wasn't raised as a recommendation or anything but I was asked if each child had their own hand drying facilities. I will now get some stick-on pegs and stick some laminated pictures or colours or name tags above them so that each child can have their own towel to use. I suppose paper towels would also do the trick but might be expensive and a bit too institutional.
I need to add to my role play resources so need some good tips for inexpensive suppliers if you know of any?
I got a 'good' though so am very happy

KangaMummy · 06/11/2004 17:30

we had a little tikes kitchen from when ds was younger and all the children love that, I recently got a pizza and some new pretend food from ELC.

the inspectors always say how good it is to have girl toys {kitchen}when I have boy mindees BUT we got it for ds and the best or most famous chefs are all men!!! so have never understood that statement.

well done on your good.

Original poster
KatieMac · 06/11/2004 23:25

God - can you imagine the number of towels I'd need...10 (not including family)

That would look SO silly, and I'm currently recruiting....any ideas for a poster.

I might be getting a grant from SureStart to help provide extra under 2 places..so I thought

Owing to a grant from SureStart, from January there will be limited places available at a local registered childminders....etc

But I can't get it to sound right-iyswim

OP posts:
KangaMummy · 06/11/2004 23:29

Why do you want to say about the grant?

What does it do?

I know I am being a bit dim but what is it?

How do you get it?

KangaMummy · 06/11/2004 23:31

does anyone else use latex disposable gloves when changing nappies?

I do and Inspector thought it was a great idea.

bonkerz · 06/11/2004 23:33

bumpity bump!

Wheres our club then!

Am a reg Cm and am currrently at college doing the ICP but find im being taught to suck eggs as already have level 3 qualification in childcare and been a nursery manager and nanny for over 9 years!!!
Did anyone else find this?
Just completed my EDUCARE child protection modules!

Would be great if tech could give us a childminding section!

Does anyone know anything about the scheme for accredited childminders so we can claim the nursery funding grants?

Original poster
KatieMac · 06/11/2004 23:35

Because we are in an area where their is little childcare - there is a possibility of a grant towards an extension we are having. We don't know yet for how much (extension is costing about 24k) and it could be very small £50 or maybe a couple of hundred. But it gives me an excuse to have vacancies - rather than 'I'm not full - I need more money' more 'I'm SO good they are giving me a grant - so let me have your children'

Greedy aren't I

Been using gloves since we started.....officially but it often depends on poo/wee/etc

OP posts:
goosey · 06/11/2004 23:35

I do too - snazzy blue ones that the children find very funny. The inspector did ask if I had any disposable aprons too though! If I'd said yes she probably would have suggested goggles lol.
Will this grant enable you to employ an assistant Katie?

Original poster
KatieMac · 06/11/2004 23:41

Bonkerz - I have started my foundation training (to become eligible for Nursery Vouchers) You need to be level3 and in a network (at least in my area)
It looks like just more paperwork, approx 39 observations over 3 terms at least 6 unplanned long ones, 12-18 short 5 min ones and the rest would be Wow points, (ie child x took two steps, child y counted to 3 spontaneously) entered onto the New Learning Story.

I have 7 children within the age range (or they will be when I get qualified) so that is practically 2 observations each day - I don't know where I could fit them in

It's a nice idea - but I'm not sure it's for me

OP posts:
bonkerz · 06/11/2004 23:42

ALSO if i take on an assistant can i have more children? Can the assistant just register as a childminder from my address and then be self employed herself? Am really interested in having someone to work along side me!

Original poster
KatieMac · 06/11/2004 23:43

I have two assistants one for 3 hrs and the other for 3.5 hrs and 1.5 hrs (to cover when DH (whatever his name is) isn't there)

The 1.5 hr session is twic a month to come in to do craft (as I'm really cr*p)

Gloves and aprons don't really go with the HOME BASED image do they?

OP posts:
KangaMummy · 06/11/2004 23:46

I see Katie sounds brill yes I think you should put it in the advert. sorry for being so dim.

goosey blue gloves sound fantastic, where did you get them? I just have cream coloured ones,

mind you mindee aged 2 years was so excited when I got a new box his job was to take 2 from the box when I was to change his nappy, anyway when the new box was opened his great game was to take lots out and hide them, these were new ones not used he thinks they are really funny too he likes putting them on and says XXXX change nappy.

Original poster
KatieMac · 06/11/2004 23:47

You can employ an assistant - you do Tax & NI (fairly easy)

If you work along side a childminder there are issues with contracts and insurance.

I sign all contracts - take all the money and they (parents) sign to say that DH can have sole charge. I get all the money and DONT pay him

But in your case you would both have to be able to have the others children - so I don't know if you need two contracts or just one and an addendum (like we have)

OP posts:
KangaMummy · 06/11/2004 23:51

DH was registered as a childminder as well but then at last registration inspector said we should take him off reg as he would have to pay the fee, and as husband can be used in emergancy. I only work part time for families from DH school, he is a teacher. I only have one mindee atm. which suits me, she is due baby april 05.

We both do first aid together.

goosey · 06/11/2004 23:53

I got them from the internet but can't remember where. I'll search through for you later. They are latex free as I get an allergic reaction to latex and the powdery stuff they put in the gloves.
If you blow them up they make great cows udders
I'm in the process of getting my daughters disclosure upped to an enhanced from standard so that she can work with me through the xmas holidays and at weekends. She is 17.

bonkerz · 06/11/2004 23:54

i already have my level 3 and am trying to find out how to go about it! Only have 2 children at moment and 2 after crinbo though but paperwork is ok as am used to it from the OFSTED inspected nursery i worked in!

Original poster
KatieMac · 06/11/2004 23:56

Goosey - are you just going to pay her....it will be easier for a 17yo as she can fill in a P46 (as a student) and you can prob pay her cash in hand (as long as she doesn't have any other jobs)
Just add an addendum to each contact 'adding' her in and you should be fine

Mind you - you probably already knew that

OP posts:
Original poster
KatieMac · 06/11/2004 23:58

Bonkerz - contact your local network they have all the info (probably at the local SureStart centre)- here you can't be reg for Foundation Stage unless in the Network (Cos of the support work for you LINK teacher)

OP posts:
KangaMummy · 06/11/2004 23:58

sorry bonkerz I don't know anything about training levels

goosey · 07/11/2004 00:00

Thanks Katie. Yes I will be paying her cash but didnt know about the form so that's a help.
She's great with children and has a gcse in child development.
I'm about to start my nvq3. What are the best tips you could give me all those of you who have been through it already? How easy is it to get to grips with the port-folio and cross-referencing?

Original poster
KatieMac · 07/11/2004 00:01

You see TECH - we should have a topic
So far we have
Working with assistant/other Cmers
Training
Foundation Stage
Gloves
Parents
Advertsing
These should all be separate threads - rather than lumped in together
Less confusing that way
for all the other NEW topics

OP posts:
Original poster
KatieMac · 07/11/2004 00:04

You can download the form from the Inland Revenue site (P46)

I don't have a problem with the NVQ work (or folder or cross referencing it) I just have a problem working a 52 hr week childminding. Running a business from my home. Keeping up with the housework. Looking after my family. Having a life.....etc

If they try to get you to do it in 13 months try to get longer (I've just negociated a 9 month extension)

OP posts: