What questions to ask potential childminder...

[supergolden88]

I am meeting with a couple of childminders next week. None have current availability but may have a space for my son in the autumn when he will be 10/11 months.

I have met the childminders at baby groups and already quite like the way they interact with their charges but this would be a home visit.

Any tips as to what to ask?

[Fuschia]

I would probably ask them to tAlk you through a typical day

What do they eat

How does she get them to sleep

What other children does she have And how will they fit together

Then ask about contrCtual stuff re holidays, child with mild illness, child minder illness etc

Notice periods

Ask for referee you can speak to by

[Fuschia]

Phone

[BB100]

Try to ask open questions like: what outings to you do during the week? rather than questions that will probably get you the right answer like: do you go to the park?

What other children do they look after?

What working hours?

How does she make sure she gets a break during the day? You don't want a frazzeled childminder or one that makes them nap for three hours either.

How does she make sure your child will be safe? Childminders do not have to have written policies any more but Ofsted expect them to have a verbal one

How will she make sure your child will have healthy options?

[minder]

Childminders do need to have written policies - safeguarding/child protection is one of the compulsory ones.

Copies of policies etc. have to be given to parents to read, then sign, then they receive a photocopy.

Ofsted do have to see copies of all these.

[MrsAk]

Ask why they wanted to work with children in the first place.

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[The Nappy Lady]

Does she expect you to pay her only when your child is with her, or at all times - i.e. when she is on holiday or when you are on holiday?

Ask her how many holidays she takes a year, and when (as this will have a knock on effect on you and your ability to work).

Does she put the children down to nap in a cot, or in the buggy?

Are there regular play groups she goes to? (Others have picked up on this anyway).

Does she have to do a school run in the morning or afternoon to drop off/pick up other children....AND would she be open to doing this for you later when yours are in nursery or school. If so, will the daily rate change at that point - I think it's normal to charge less for an after school pick up than a whole day. If picking up from a morning nursery session at midday then you will probably still pay the full daily rate.

What are her normal hours - i.e. 8am to 6pm. What is situation if you are ever late - does she charge a penalty for this? Would she be open to you doing the odd early drop off or late pick up by prior arrangement if there was a good reason for it (I've managed a day at the Sanctuary a couple of times with a later pick up thanks to my lovely childminder)!

Hope this helps.

Good to ask all these questions, but I think it often comes down to 'gut instinct' as to who feels right for you, unless there are answers that are outright deal breakers.

M

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