Problems with childminder

[LadySnotAlot]

Hi,

This might sound totally flaky but I think I'm having problems with my childminder.

It's only the end of our first week with her after my returning to work.

She claims that she shouts at the children when they stress her out and many parents have mixed views as to whether or not they would leave their children there. However, the parents who do leave their children there are very happy.

So as not to reveal myself too much I can't go into massive detail but there was an incident involving the police, the minder (drunk) and a neighbour regarding the provision of childcare one evening this week. (no children in care at this point.)

Today my child fell asleep in minders care (only one as no other children go friday) and childminder also fell asleep. When minder awoke my child was awake and minders 14 yr old son was playing with my child. Should I let this bother me?

Oh dear

CM should not be asleep on the job, ever.

There is no need to shout at the children, stress is no excuse.

Can you give notice and find another?

she sounds like a loon

Personally, I think that you should listen to your instincts about this childminder. You clearly don't have a good feeling about her and you should acknowledge that gut feeling/ instinct and not ignore it. And if yuo feel that way, how are you ever going to feel totally happy leaving your child in her care?

Do you have any other childcare options that you can explore?

how do u know this? did she tell your or your dc?

in a situation like this i think you have to trust your instincts although i certainly wouldnt nap whilst i was caring for someone elses child my 14 yr old son is more than capable of amusing and taking care of a small child- hes never HAD to do it but on occasions ive been looking after other children he is very competent(under supervision) and i have no doubts in him at all-point is if shes registered this shouldnt have happened.

on the other hand she might just be a bit unorthodox and you may be very happy with her honesty and care- if thats the case id closely monitor her if you have a doubt then you have a duty to your dc to find alternative care.

CM shouting, falling asleep on the job, incident involving the police...... enough said really. If I were you I would be looking for another CM.

Thanks Izzywhizzy. The reason I've been a bit reluctant to get uptight about it so far is that she has an absolutely glowing ofsted report, has been doing it for years and is by far the most qualified minder in our area. Almost every pointer is outstanding on the ofsted report and her facilities are excellent. I also felt assured as she has co-minders work there and I happen to know one of them.

As we live in such a small place I think my childcare options are relatively limited. I wanted to send my child to the local nursery but by the time I've paid the money out I'm left with hardly anything myself.

Yes it's not the fact that her 14 yr old son was playing with my child. I'd seen the drawings he'd done with her. It's the fact the minder shouldn't have fallen asleep.

My child isn't old enough to tell me anything. She's not quite two and doesn't say much! the minder told me she had fallen asleep so she's been honest with me.

I'd run a mile/

Yes that's what I feel like doing. I've just paid her up until the end of the first week in May too and am worried that if I back out now she won't give me my money back.

I've just signed a contract to say I'll give her two weeks notice.

shouting, falling asleep on the job, incident with police while drunk...do you think she is drinking on the job too?!

Quick, get out!

Run for the hills!!

Just because she's got a glowing Ofsted report, doesn't mean she's a good CM. Really.

I have childminded for 12 years. I have been full the entire time and all my parents came to me, via word of mouth or recommendation. All of my parents gave me a glowing report for Ofsted. Ofsted however, only gave me a satisfactory report, because my paperwork wasn't perfect and they came on a day that I didn't have any mindees!

Hi Lady SA. I hope you find some other arrangements that suit you. Re: the nursery- have you explored options like using childcare vouchers or getting some help via the family tax credit? It could help bring the cost down to a more manageable level.

Well done for following your instincts and giving in your notice and good luck!

Run. Run like the wind! We mummies have good gut instincts about these things I think.
Our CM had years of experience, and was actually good most of the time, but a few 'niggles' in the back of my mind, and then a couple of 'clangers' confirmed what I had always known - time to take baby out.
So just do it! After all, you are paying for peace of mind too, and it seems you are not getting it.

I'm a childminder, I think that is shocking! I would have serious concerns if it was a colleague of mine I would report her/him.

I think it is serious cause for concern. If her DS hadn't been there, would could your daughter have got up to, was she safe?

I would have taken my child out by now. I have taken my child out of a nursery for less. I also believe that OFSTED should get off their backsides and investigate.