Would you have said anything?

[puma86]

ok, so.......... Your child is looked after by a childminder while you are at work. They (childminder & family) have recently bought a puppy from family. During the day when the childminder has children other than her own at home, she keeps the puppy either in a crate or kept behind a baby gate in the kitchen.
What would you do/say if........your child (1yr old) crawled upto the baby gate and stood holding onto it and the puppy managed to scratch your childs face (from under the eye to just below mouth)??

Many Thanks

[sherrardk]

I think I would be torn in this situation. If the child is happy at the child minder's then it would be difficult for him/her to be moved to a different one. However, the child minder did say that the dog would be kept away from the children in her care and clearly isn't. I am not anti-animals but she should keep to her word and ensure that the dog is not mixing with the children (for it's own good as much as the kids'). Accidents do happen but this was an accident that could have been avoided if the dog had been kept away from curious little people.

[joeluke]

If the child'minder' is so lax as to let this happen what other 'accidents' are going to happen to your child while in her 'care'

I'd be looking for a new childminder PDQ

[Eve]

Doesn't seem like a great mix, a new puppy who needs a lot of attention and young children who need to be monitored constantly, doesn't sound very fair on the puppy to be separated off for long periods of the day, especially if crated.

I would also wonder if it would make the puppy more excitable (and like to cause accidential injury) when he is allowed around people if he has been shut off so much.

My initial reaction was the same as yinyangs, I would be interested in the circumstances as to how it happened and the level (if any) of supervision considering the age of the child.

Would it not be more feasible to have two separators eg two separate baby gates with a gap inbetween so there cannot be direct contact between the two?

I feel it is important for children to mix with animals but only under proper supervision to ensure no harm or distress to either child or animal.

My gut reaction is also that it is different when you are looking after a child as a professional service and have made certain guarantees as to how things will be done. As others have said, if this is not being followed through, I would also wonder about whether other things are not done quite as stated. Accidents will always happen but they are way more likely when things are not done properly.

[puma86]

i would love to have stayed home lottie/yingyang. that was originally the plan, but my OH is self employed and his work has dried up at the moment - so i have come back to tide us over and will return to being a stay at home mummy when i can :o)

[puma86]

its surprising how quickly your savings can run dry lol

[LoftyLottie]

I am sorry puma86, I do realise that sometimes we have to do things we don't want to and that not everybody can stay at home with their kids. However, I do think that some people think they can't manage on a smaller income. We really did live on a very tight budget for a couple of years, but it was worth it to be able to be a content Mum. I wish you and your family well and hope it won't be long before business picks up for your husband as you can relax. I am sure you are a good Mum.

I do understand how you feel about the incident but you seem very sensible about it. Perhaps even at this young age, baby will have learned about puppies scratching!!

[yinyang]

Hi puma,

Hope you don't think I was having a go at you or any working mums. I gave up because I worked part time in childcare on pretty low wages and when I checked the price of nursery/ childminder I was going to be bringing home next to nothing each month so we decided I'd just stay home with my two. But like I said, I know not everybody has that option.

Hope the business picks up soon - my husband's self employed too so know that it can be like living month to month - and you get back to full time 'mumming' soon, if that's what you want.

In the meantime, I'm sure your little one is in safe hands, just keep an eye on the puppy situation. You're paying for the care and are entitled to the best.

[bednobs]

i think that if you are not that bothered, don't take it any further. if you OH IS bothered then HE should be the one to say/do something.

[ganesh]

btw puma,love your pet..better keep your kiddy away from it though,don't think a stairgate'll be enough! lol.

[puma86]

sorry ganesh??

[puma86]

oh, and thanks everyone x

[tigwig]

I am a childminder and in my opinion having a puppy would not be a good idea at all. I'm not saying it's forbidden but Ofsted would definitely need to know about it and like someone else mentioned the childminder would have to prove both to Ofsted and parents how to avoid the scenario that has unfortunately already happened. If the childminder had have had the dog when registering this would have had to be done before she got registered. I would say that what has happened would be a reportable incident but that is up to you whether or not you do so. I am not sure it would be necessary as long as your childminder makes effective steps to make sure it NEVER happens again. That is all Ofsted would probably do and the complaint would then be on her file so it could destroy your relationship with her. She should have written an incident/accident form about this which you should have signed when picking your child up. I personally would have been very upset if it were my child and I can fully understand your OH's doubts. I think it depends on your relationship with the childminder where you go from here. If like you say you are 100% happy with her and she reassures you the dog will be kept away and you believe her then carry on. But if you are going to end up going to work and worrying then its time to look elsewhere. Hope your baby is ok and hope that helps and good luck with whatever you decide.

[ganesh]

Sorry puma..just love your avatar and was making a not very good joke!
Good luck with your decision.

[puma86]

Thanks tigwig. i'm quite happy to leave it. I just wanted opinions from others as i didn't want to seem 'too laid back', but it seems most would do the same as I - which is great!

Ganesh - i'm with you know, sorry. bit of a blonde moment :o) although i'm dark haired ( malteser maybe )

[puma86]

''now''