Hiya private post please. Im due back at work in a few weeks after maternity and my 8 month old is going to a childminder. Im getting really worried as hes going to be there for 11 hours 2 days a week and the childminder isn’t offering any settling in sessions! Is this normal? but this seems abit concerning to me. Also theres been such lack of communication and she said she doesnt always inform of trips out which I said I need to know where he is at all times. Has anyone not gone back to work because of childcare, especially NHS. Hes also got epilepsy and other health issues so im obviously more worried when it doesnt seem overly professional 😞 Also, if I seem like im being OTT or silly please say 🤣
Source
Whilst I always offer settling in sessions, you’d be surprised how many parents actually don’t bother with them.
Children can settle really nicely for 2 weeks and then on the 3rd week, novelty has worn off a bit and then they don’t settle !
So sometimes settling in can give you false comfort haha.
I don’t always know where I’m going on the day. My setting is very much child led so if I feel that the outing won’t work that day, we don’t go. In my contracts, it states that I have permission to take them on days out etc, on public transport etc. I always update during the day about what we’ve done etc and at pick up. X
I’m a childminder, settling in sessions are good but sometimes unable to happen if a parent needs to start asap. Always good to meet a couple of weeks before hand so you can go through the contract, and they can talk through how they work.
I would totally push to have a couple of hour sessions before hand.
I don’t tell any of my parents where I’m going till the end of the day. I plan my days on the day with the weather and what age children I have in and I tell parents ay pick up time where we have been and send photos during the day. You have to have full trust in the person you’ve chosen or it won’t work.
Mmmm this is dodgy! Settling in sessions are a must! Permission for trips should be given in writing! Have you checked her insurance, car seats, business driving insurance etc
How daunting for your child to go to a stranger…
Without no introductions
Look elsewhere
Go with your gut . Avoid .
Avoid and look for an alternative
Look elsewhere! As a childminder myself, settle in sessions should always happen xx
Settling in sessions are very important. Id try and find a minder that actually cares for your child putting them first. Any outings apart from walking children to school should be agreed by you if your child is going. Has she asked you to sign forms giving your permission? You certainly are not silly. Has she been trained in how to support your child?
Is she even registered.
Doesn’t sound like it.
There are strict guidelines.
Ring KCC and check it out.
She will be registered if it’s kosher
Go with your gut instinct. I was a childminder for a very long time, settling in sessions happened over two weeks before any child started. Also cared for little ones with epilepsy etc. I’d always tell parents in the morning of our plans, they trusted me so was happy with whatever I decided. Have you signed a contract, been to see her, read all her policies etc?