Newley Registered

[susan]

Hi Everyone,

I'm so pleased to have found this forum!

I'm newley registered with Ofsted, (cert should be here any day now) .

I am really prepared for begining my childminding, I've advertised and had some interest and have a mum coming to see me this week.... but I'm so nervous about my first initial meeting with a parent.

What if I clam up or can't answer their questions or don't know the answers ??? This is the only thing worrying me at present. I know my portfolio and policies are really good as I've spent the last 6 months preparing them whilst I began my DHC before applying to Ofsted. I would welcome words or wisdom and advice please from everyone especially anyone in my area who I could possibly chat if willing.

I've already for this site to be full of great information, well done Pauline, and I just know it's gonna be a life line for me in the future.

Love Susan x

[angeldelight]

Hi Susan

Welcome to the forum glad you like it you will soon become addicted like a lot of us have

Well done on becoming registered too and lucky you having a mom coming to see you that is really good news

Do not panic at your meeting with her if you have prepared your portfolio go through that with her and talk about that and then she will more than likely ask you questions as you go along

Most of my new parents ask things like -
What meals do we eat
What activities do we do
What do you do if they misbehave
How many other children do you mind
Where do they sleep ( if it is a baby or toddler )
Make sure you make it clear what they supply if it is a baby - ie food - nappies - bottles - wipes

Make sure you remember to make things clear like -
Your contract
Your rules
Late payment fee if you have one
Payment in advance if that is what you are going to do
Make sure you have all your permission forms ready

Show parent around the rooms that you will be using
Show them toys that you have explain that you will be getting more resources as time goes on and that you are only just starting out

A daily plan is always a good idea although I am always honest enough to tell a parent I do not use it much it always depends on children's moods and sometimes the weather !

Do not forget to sit on the floor and maybe play with the child so she can see that you interact OK
Leave a few toys / books out for the child to play with

I am sure there is more than that and I am sure the others will come along with suggestions later

I am sure there is another post about this somewhere so if you look around I am sure you will find it

Not sure if there is anyone in your area on here

We are all meeting up in December so you yourself will have been a member by that time for a while - maybe you can join us?
There is a post about it in the lounge under the subject of Christmas forum meeting

Good luck with your meeting with mom keep us posted

Angel xx

[banana]

Angel has given you great advice.

Just be yourself and relax and the rest will come naturally.

Let us know how the meeting goes.

x

[lorraine2767]

Hi

Like before just be yourself, most of the parents I have that come look through my portfolio and then don't need to ask me anything as it is all in there.

I will get easier, mind you I still get nervous and I have been childminding for 4 years now.

Had two sets of parents come on Friday and was still nervous.

You will be fine and good luck.

Don't forget to let us know how you get on

Lorraine xx

[deeb66]

Hi Susan

I can see that the ladies have already given loads of good advice.

Welcome to the forum

Dee

[susan]

Thank you so much everyone, your all so lovely and welcoming I'm really happy I found you all xxxx

[janet]

hi susan welcome, look forward to chatting to you xx

[susan]

You too Janet, Thank you for your welcome

[susi513]

I've been childminding for 6 years & I thought I was getting more comfortable with meeting parents but I got really nervous last week!

Don't worry about being stumped on a question - if you need to you can always say you'll find out what other childminders do and phone/email them as soon as you can. I've had some really bizarre questions, such as "Do you give a discount when they're napping?"

Most parents who visit me have very few questions and frequently they come with NO questions prepared. Very few have come with a clipboard or notebook and these are mostly straight forward questions like those already posted.

I find it helpful to have a checklist of points YOU want to discuss
- hours/days needed. Start date. How long will they need the place for?
- has child ever been to cm/nursery or left with a relative before? How did that arrangement go?
- are they on a waiting list with another cm or nursery?
- why do they need childcare (new job? problems with current childcare arrangement?)
- child's routine - naps, breast or bottle fed, nappies - disposable or washable/potty trained or in training?, meals - are they weaning/what do they like to eat?
- dietary requirements, allergies, health & development, cultural needs
- Names of siblings, pets etc. Any special words eg for toilet
- anything the child is frightened of (had a child frightened of buses once and the mum DIDNT tell me - I didn't find out til we tried to get on one!)
- do they take any medication?
- anything else the parent feels I ought to know?
[last question - would they feel comfortable leaving their child in my care or do they have any concerns or questions?]

[susan]

Thank you so much for your help and advice Susi, I will print your reply and use it as a tool for when my parents come round.

Everyone has been so helpful and friendly I'm already addicted to the forum and look forward to making lots of friends and getting to know you all in the future
xxxx

[rainbowmum]

Hi Susan, I was registered in April, the only bit of advice I would add is to be honest and say you are a little nervous, most parents are on edge too especially if it is a first child, then they too are new to the whole thing! hth xxx

[susan]

Hi Sharon

Thanks for the advice I'll be honest and say i'm nervous and hope they are to that should break the ice...

let you no how it goes ... watch this space

[susi513]

Good luck & welcome!

Another thing worth remembering, is to mention at your ofsted inspections that you have a wealth of support online on the internet support forums you have joined. Also the fact that, if you have an issue eg behaviour of a mindee you can't discuss it with local colleagues cos they'll know the family concerned and it then becomes impossible to discuss without breaching confidentiality. Discussing it here means no-one knows who you're talking about, you know you can seek advice when you need it while still respecting confidentiality and also you get a variety of viewpoints/ideas & solutions too.

My Ofsted Inspector was impressed anyway, she included this as a positive point on my report