Questions to ask a childminder

[Jemma_x]

Were going to visit some childminders in next couple of days and ive got basic questions written down but wondered if you could all tell me things you asked so that i can write it down to ask so i dont forget anything

 

[Mum2b_Claire]

I just chatted generally to her, established that she didn't have others Rubys age because that was a no no to me, and told her about my parenting 'style' and gauged her reaction to it tbh. I told her the kind of things that are huge no nos to me such as leaving her to cry, trying to get her to eat more than she wants, etc. We chatted about her feelings about discipline even though that is not applicable at Ruby's age it will be in the future. Basically I established that she was on the same page as me about looking after babies / children, and then the rest of my questions were just practical things such as...

- Supplying food - what kinds of foods is she ok to prepare / heat up
- What if I am delayed at work and am late to collect her
- How she wants me to make payment and when
- Checked she had a suitable high chair / booster seat
- Asked if she needed me to supply blankets / sheets for the travel cot for naps
- What should I pack in Ruby's bag each day

 

[Nibblenic]

WSS^

I woul also add, where and when will she sleep/rest
What kind of activities do they do?
Do they go to groups/clubs
Does she have any holidays planned and how ds she organise them with you

 

[Laura2919]

Same as above really.

Do you need to supply a buggy or does she have one.
Whether food is included in the price (Some I went to view asked me to bring the twins their lunch)

I decided on sending the girls to a nursery instead, there was more children for them to interact with and the staff were great food and nappies are included in the cost.

 

[Kitten]

I'd also find out about her own kids (if she has any) and how she disciplines them etc. Ofsted-wise they're not allowed to smack or shout at their own children while working as it creates an aggressive atmosphere and other peoples kids don't understand the difference and assume that if they do it to one kid, they do it to all. A lot of childminders ignore this though as it's "their children, their rules" kind of thing but it's something you need to decide if you're happy with/comfortable with etc.