Childminders- what do I need to find out?

Hey! Download the Childcare app (it’s a black stick drawing of a person with a white background) you can look through profiles and look at reviews. If you update your profile - they can also reach out to you.

@Amy amazing, will do, 😊

I don't know much re. Qualification checks, etc. But definitely find out what's provided and what isn't, such as nappies, wipes, food, etc. As you may find it works out a lot more expensive if you're providing a lot on top of the hourly rate. We needed a lot of hours, 9 per day, 3 days a week, and a nursery with pretty much everything included (only have to send in formula and a bottle) worked out cheaper than childminders in our area x

@Shannon we get some free hours which would cover us so Im guessing it wouldn't cost us extra thankfully. Nursery isn't the right thing right now x

Look at their ofsted rating especially around safeguarding etc

If anxious maybe try a Nursey as they is more regulation and staff etc xx

My little girl was with the childminder from when she turned 1 for nearly 3 years (has just started nursery) & now my little boy is going there. We love our childminder so much, so if you find a good one, it will definitely reduce your anxiety. Yes, they should invite you to their home so you can see the setting/garden & how they operate. Our childminder provides all food, we just have to supply nappies (she supplied wipes, nappy bags). Do they ever take the kids out for the day? Do they have any school pickups/drop offs? (you’d just have to be mindful of dropping & picking up your little one around these times). Or maybe you don’t want them in and out the car so much 🤷🏻‍♀️ How many other children in their setting & the ages. Better to have kids similar age I think. If your little one still takes a nap, ask to see the sleeping area. How flexible are they? Mine is happy for us to switch days if she has the space & doesn’t mind us dropping early or late if changing pick-up.

Would also ask about the funding - in most cases the government funding doesn’t cover their hourly rate, so they may charge a “top-up” fee which they’ll probably advertise as a supplement.

Also, ask about holidays - ours takes off four weeks a year which she gives plenty of notice of and recommends that we go away the same time if possible. It’s likely that you’ll still be charged when you don’t attend to go on holiday as they are still working. Mine also charges for bank holidays when she doesn’t work - so if you can avoid Mondays that’s handy 😂

Ask about their childcare background - ours was a manager at a nursery for years prior to having her own children, so she’s very familiar with how they set their days and still structures the kids days like that, and does age appropriate activities.

@Jade nurseries make me anxious in other ways haha x

What do they do for discipline/correcting behaviour

Some childminders are registered with ofsted and some with agencies Experience how long have they been working with children First aid Yes most childminders do invite you for a visit you could then go through questions you have, ask availability, opening and closing time, holidays, fees What you are required to provide ie: - nappies, wipes, cream, meals I am a childminder and ex nursery worker please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions x

I'm in US. But they should totally invite you to their home and they should ask you lots of questions about your child. It's a more personal experience for childcare. You'll probably like it better than if you use a big daycare. Child minders are more flexible with schedules usually and more flexible if your kids need special accommodations.