Any childminders out there that can give me some advice please.
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@Becky thanks for this! You know I didn’t know you couldn’t transfer your hours mid term, if I wanted to start nursery would I have to wait until the next term (January?) 😳 x
They could start nursery sooner but you would have to pay everything until January yes. I believe the childcare providers claim the funding on a termly basis in advance so your current childminder will already have been paid for those hours.
Hey! I agree, this doesn't sound the norm at all. Our childminder doesn't have a strict routine as she takes the children out/does different activities each day, but she absolutely makes sure all their needs are met, they've had lunch at a normal hour, sleep as required etc. We do also have to provide lunch, this is quite common, however our childminder will keep the lunch box in the fridge and also heat food up if required, it seems really odd that yours won't at least refrigerate!!? The only thing I would say is try not to let it put you off a childminder, I used one for my eldest and now my August baby and both have been fabulous. They've had some great experiences which they just wouldn't get in a nursery, trips out etc, mixing with children of a wider age range etc. I know it's not for everyone but both my girls have thrived. Such a shame you've had this experience x
Hi, I’m a childminder 👋🏼 this sounds very strange!! Similarly to Clare’s childminder, we don’t have a strict routine here as sometimes children need flexibility, eg. may not have slept well, may be hungrier than normal etc, and we are also out and about a lot. That being said, our morning snack (light) is between 9-10am and then the children have lunch between 12-1pm depending on naps. No child should be going home without having eaten lunch! I do ask parents to provide a packed lunch, this is due to allergies and preferences, and so that I can spend my time with the children rather than preparing meals. However, all lunchboxes are kept in the fridge and lunches are heated up where necessary. Personally, I work with parents to ensure nap times here are the same as at home, and if there is an occasion where the child wants to sleep at a different time to normal, I will always confirm with parents first as there’s nothing worse than having an overtired child screaming all evening 🙈
In terms of leaving, the notice period will be in your contract - usually it is 4 weeks but you’d have to check the specific wording. If you claim funded hours for your child, there’s a chance you wouldn’t be able to move the funding until next term, due to how the system works. Have you tried speaking to your childminder about the issues you have and seeing if there is a way you can work a compromise? So sorry this has been your experience :( x
Have you found a nursery that you like and that would have space for your child as the ones around me have long waiting lists.
Not a childminder but just wanted to say this doesn't sound normal! She should definitely be giving your daughter her lunch! At our nursery they offer lunch early 11:30 - 12:00 so by 2:30 she must be starving! We do have to pay extra for meals, not sure if that's the same for a childminder, and they also don't put lunch boxes in the fridge - however they have many many more children so it's understandable, they simple ask that we don't put those sort of items in the box. They don't follow our nap schedule (and I have never asked them to), but equally they don't put them all down at the same time like some places. If my son looks tired they either put him down in a cot or he lies down on a mat himself and nods off. If you have a proper contract then the notice period should be in there. The only problem you might have is your funded hours - they cannot be transferred mid-term so you will potentially lose some of them.