Choosing a childminder - what would you do?

**Sparkly** · 25-06-2008, 02:12pm

I've been struggling to find the right person for my wee man (breaking my heart in smitherines to leave him, but that's another story!).

I'd like someone for 2 half days a week, leading to 1.5 days, then poss 2 days if things get busier.

I found someone that is fabulous, very experienced etc but also more expensive than I was expecting! I didn't have that 'gut feeling' when I first met her - though she was fab on paper but wasn't jumping up and down about her personally. But having met others since I think she's ace.

I'm really stuck as to whether to hold out for someone else more affordable and within walking distance - or just go with her.

She can also help with DD during nursery's 2 month break in time - and one or two afternoon's after if needed.

I need to make a decision fast as she's waiting to find out. Eek

WWYD?

ps I'm self employed & work from home so am fairly flexible timewise

**silverpod** · 25-06-2008, 02:21pm

Well like you when I chose my CM I didn't have that feeling straight away- it was 10 mins of being a bit

for us both, then we did get chatting and both relaxed but like you it was only after I met a few others and evaluated my choices that we had a second visit and went for it. I have to say now I am very pleased and she is great. I know people often talk about 'just knowing' but that feeling doesn't have to happen in the first 5 seconds it could come later.

So it comes down to cost and convenience which are important factors. It would be lovely to not have to consider cost but that is necessary. How much is she in comparison to the others, is it widly out? Also, have you checked what the actutal charges are and how that will work out with you using her? For example, one CM charged a bit more as an hourly rate but didn't in the holidays, whereas the one I have now charges less but I still pay her half in the holidays so it probably works out more similar than it appears. What's included, is food as that will save you time and effort and might make the cost more justifiable.

What's the location issue? Do you need to find one to walk to?

Sorry for all the questions

but hope they might help you work it out.

**silverpod** · 25-06-2008, 02:24pm

oooh, another thing, do you have a DP who is employed and do the employers offer a childcare voucher scheme? Like you I'm self employed so can't take advantage of it but DH's work offers this so we get a bit of help towards the cost. I only use a day a week ATM and the amount we save in not paying tax pays for the childcare, so it only costs us 2/3rds in real money, if that makes sense. It needs looking into as it can affect pensions and other benefits.

**Booh** · 25-06-2008, 02:25pm

Not sure really. And I should be able to help being a CM (can I just say my mindees are asleep at the moment and I am cooking tea!)

How far away is she? And how much more expensive is she? Do you know people who see her out and about at toddler groups etc? (A great way to know what she is really like?) Does she provide food - and is this included, as, from a parents point of view, it is a total PITA packing food for them!

**Sparkly** · 25-06-2008, 03:05pm

She is around £10 a day extra than I expected, charges the same in holidays/if ill and that doesn't include food.

She says she does get out and about a lot though.

It's not that far to drive too, just would have preferred one within walking distance as I know there are a lot in the area, just not with vacancies right now.

I spent over an hour with her (in the evening). What put me off was her criticism of nurseries (inc the one dd is at) and the nursery school that my daughter is going to start in Sep. I guess that's a personal thing, but she did seem v capable and a good cm with excellent refs.

miss moneypenny · 25-06-2008, 03:51pm

The question is can you afford the extra £10 a day? I have to say that in your position then I would go for personality and values rather than cost (unless she was WAY out more expensive). From my own perspective as a CM I prefer to click with a client from the start - if I know we have the same values/views on discipline for example/have a lot in common then we are more likely to have a smooth relationship. My current clients are all really lovely and we all share the same views on bringing up children and they value my role. I did have a family last year who didn't value my role and had a different expecation of what a childminder should be and that made for a bad relationship (which went very sour).

I wouldn't be too chuffed though with her for slating the nursery you are sending your child to!

I know nurseries have some views on CMs and vice versa but I wouldn't voice those opinions to a potential client (I realise that nurseries have their place as I sent my own child to one quite happily for 2 years).

If you like her, she seems better than the competition and you think the extra money is worth it then go for it.

good luck