What to look for

[tiggerblue10]

Morning all,

I'm currently seeing a few childminders and have yet to make a decision on which is best. As a first time mum I would like to know from some of the more experienced mummys in AB who have used childminders what kind of things to consider before making the final decision.

Thank you

[ljdksa]

Ask them what activities they do and the ages/number of other children they have at the same time as yours. Also, some will pick up from local schools and preschools, some won't. May also be worth asking about their holidays, as you'll have to make alternative arrangements then. I think your child is still a baby(?), but I would also ask how they discipline children that are misbehaving.

In the end, you'll go with whoever you feel most comfortable with, who has a similar outlook to you. Good luck!

[tiggerblue10]

Thanks ljd, I never thought about the discilpline aspect of it. Lt Tiggs will be 10 months when he starts with the childminder. I will also ask about their holidays.

The first lady I saw doesn't have any other children to look after but has 2 of her own who are 3 years and 18 months old. She cooks all meals from scratch and provides healthy snack which I like the sound of.

[ljdksa]

That sounds good. Company will be good for him and he'll have fun. But with only three he should still get the individual attention. She should really carry out discipline according to your wishes anyway, but will definitely help if you and she are likeminded.

[tigwig]

Hi tigger I am a childminder and I think you just have to go with your gut feeling. I care for 2x now 2yr olds who were 6 and 12 mths when they started with me. I think I hit it off with both parents immediately, one on the phone before we even met. Trust your instincts and how your baby is in their environment. Also look at all of their policies and make sure all that aspect of it is fine. You have mentioned the food too, I have menus which I give to parents. Ask about the daily routine and whether she is in contact with other childminders. I personally go to groups almost everyday and am in a network with other childminders which was a godsend on fri when my baby was taken into hospital. Knowing others like me means the children in my care dont just get to know me but the other minders so in the rare situations like I had or illness there would always be someone else to turn to for alternative care. Definitely ask about holidays and sickness too. Good luck and feel free to ask any further questions.

[tiggerblue10]

She gave me a list of all the places they go to in the week. She also grows her own veg and encourages children to help with this. She sounds ideal at the moment. I'm seeing another one on Friday.

[tiggerblue10]

Thanks Tigwig, yes it will be good if she is part of a network. I'll find out. She lives near my parents which is ideally what I am looking for so easy access for my dad if there is a problem. My dad will look after him for 2 days per week.

[tigwig]

Forgot to add as well see if you can read her latest Ofsted report. Childminders are graded satisfactory, good or outstanding. I would read the comments that the inspector made more than focussing on the end grade as unfortunately paperwork can be why some childminders are downgraded and that alone doesnt mean they are not good.

[tiggerblue10]

None of the family smoke and they don't have any pets either Pinki. She showed me around the house and there are several safety elements around and proper sleeping facilities.

She showed me her portfolio which looked pretty good but how do I go about getting her CRD checked and seeing her Ofsted report?

[tigwig]

I would just ask her. Her CRB check may not be up to date though. Its a bit silly how they work really because you need one before you start childminding but then arent required to update them! I mean really you could have a clean one then the day later commit murder so I dont think they are very good. In regards to her report we are supposed to show parents them so she shouldnt mind showing you hers.

[tiggerblue10]

Thanks Tigwig, I'll to ask for the Ofsted report next time I see her. Although I'm seeing another lady on Friday I really like the one I've just seen. Her house is very clean and the fact that she cooks all the food rather than junk food has really drawn me towards her. She and her husband are originally from Spain and talk a lot of Spanish which may be good as another language although I don't know how long Lt Tiggs will stay with a childminder for.

[annie0000]

It would also be worth asking if she has any letters of recommendation from her previous parents. I was happy to write one for the childmonder we used when my son was a baby.

[tiggerblue10]

Thanks Annie, will do.

[tigwig]

Yep she sounds good to me anyway and it seems like you have made your mind up already. I imagine that when you see the other one on Fri it should confirm it (or confuse you further lol)

[tiggerblue10]

Oh gawd, I hate being confused Tigwig! Lol

[tigwig]

Me too! By the way am I right in thinking you have a cat called Tigger too? Hence our similar usernames.
Let us know about the childminder too.

[tiggerblue10]

I have 2 kitties called Tigger and Blue or as I call them Tiggywinkle and Bluey Pooey! Lol

I will let you know what I decide (if I can decide that is!!!).

[jamxtart]

Ofsted reports are also availble to view on the internet, you can check out the childminders that your going to see on Friday to, and also check certificates ie pediatric first aid and food hygiene aswell as any qualifications eg NVQs or similar.

[tiggerblue10]

Thanks Jam. I'll google Ofsted reports and see what comes up. I did see a portfolio of all the certs for the lady I saw last week. She also had a 1st Aid cert and she still studying at weekends too.