when a mindee finishes?

[louise]

Hi, I have a mindee finishing week before xmas. She is the first to leave. What do you do when they leave in way of getting comments? Do you give them a sheet to answer for future parents to look at or ask them to write something?
It going to be sad to see her go she only started end sept. I only have for 3 hours 2 days a week(she starts school full time after xmas) my son loves her coming over. I told her last week that were going to have a xmas/her leaving party. She told me she told her mum she was having a leaving party bless her.
thanks

[lisaurry]

Hi Louise,

Maybe, if it is on good terms (which is sounds that it is), you could ask her if she has the time to write you a reference for your portfolio? This would be nice to keep - and show any future parents.

If not, maybe design a questionnaire?

Lisa x

[miffy]

I'd ask for a leaving reference, although sometimes parents don't always remember to do it even if they say they will so ask in plenty of time and try to get it before she finishes.

Miffy

[cathchad]

HI,
I agree with asking for a reference,i think it also gives parents the chance to say things that they would maybe feel awkward saying to your face...whether positive or negative ,i provide parents with a questionaire yearly,just really to get feedback.
Both of these things are great for your portfolio!!
As for the party...any excuse in this house don't know about you!!!
Good luck
Cath.xx

[helenlouise]

I would ask for a ref which would be good to show future parents.

I just had a child leave after two years which was hard. His mum wrote an amazing letter to the agency ( i didn't know she was going to do this ). I was touched and i shall put it in my porfolio.

Helen.

[susi513]

I used to ask for a reference - everyone always said they would but even when I provided SAE they didn't bother. I think a lot of parents don't know what to write. I now give everyone a questionaire with the letter I send confirming last day etc. Everyone has returned their questionnaires - giving Ofsted, as well as prospective parents plenty of positive comments to read!

The questionnaire lists age of child, reason for leaving, what they liked about my service/what they disliked, what they think could be improved, do they feel their wishes were followed, would they recommend me to other people, & an overall grade of 1-10. Some add further comments on the back too.