I have a very good friend who's been a childminder for 30 years, a foster parent for 11 and has adopted a special needs child, after raising her 4 children 3 of which through uni.
She has decided to give up childminding due to all the new checks that the government have bought in. The newest one being checks on her kitchen due to the fact she prepares lunch time meals.
Isn't this just all going to far?
She has prepared food for all her children foster children and adopted child here for years.
She has said this is all becoming to much she has comformed to all the other inspections over the years this new one is just a step too far.
She said soon whereby she was providing an home enviroment, it will be more like a nursery.
I think it is such a shame someone with all this expierance is throwing in the towel.
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Childminding are checks going to far?
Sex God
Childminders have had to comply to regulations such as those for quite some time as our children used to go to a minder after school a number of years ago and she had to comply then..
Quote by Theladyisaminx
The newest one being checks on her kitchen due to the fact she prepares lunch time meals.
I don't know anything about this so excuse the question, Minxy, but -
What are they checking for?
Is it to see if the surfaces are clean, that the fridge is the correct temperature and food correctly placed in it to store the food safely, that the equipment conforms to health and safety standards (no long flexes on kettles, etc) and so on?
I can understand your friend's frustration, but if the above is the sort of thing they are checking on, I think that's fair enough.
Sex God
IMO this sort of question shouldnt need to be asked. Surely the safety and well being of the children should be anyone sends their child/children to the home of someone else to be looked after then as many questions as possible should be raised and answered to the satisfaction of all parties.
It is a shame your friend feels this way yes. But, we have to move with the times. On one hand we say make every provision to safeguard children and on the other hand you're saying enough is enough.. what is it to be? 
It's tokenistic I'm afraid, it's all about 'ticky' boxes as far as inspection services are concerned, but at the end of the day it's about the child's wellbeing and that's what matters not what the carer thinks really.
I think the checking of the kitchen is all about hygiene, we take it for granted that we do this in our own kitchens and I'm sure your friend does it, but these are other peoples kids that are being looked after.
It's tokenistic I'm afraid, it's all about 'ticky' boxes as far as inspection services are concerned, but at the end of the day it's about the child's wellbeing and that's what matters not what the carer thinks really.
I think the checking of the kitchen is all about hygiene, we take it for granted that we do this in our own kitchens and I'm sure your friend does it, but these are other peoples kids that are being looked after.
iv been a registered childminder on and off for over 20 years and have always been subject to these checks, its part of the job to make sure everything is safe for the children
the checks in the kitchen were generally to do with cleanliness and safety, eg cooker guard, safety locks on some doors and drawers
these are the same checks that happen in any day care centre
i have worked in nurseries for about 7 years now but was a childminder for part of this time aswell
originally it was social services that checked but now its ofsted
the checks in the kitchen were generally to do with cleanliness and safety, eg cooker guard, safety locks on some doors and drawers
these are the same checks that happen in any day care centre
i have worked in nurseries for about 7 years now but was a childminder for part of this time aswell
originally it was social services that checked but now its ofsted
Sex God
Quote by danne-gary
these are the same checks that happen in any day care centre
Exactly Danne, if we expect nurseries etc to be checked then the same should apply to anyone looking after kids and getting paid for providing those services in their homes.
I know that sometimes all this seems like bureaucracy for the sake of it, but really would you not rather know that your child was going somewhere that was clean and safe and that the person you were leaving with them was responsible for ensuring the premises was kept that way?
I'm sure the OP's friend may find the checks etc somewhat tedious, but if they are the rules governing the industry in which they work, then they have to adhere to it. They are, after all, being paid to provide those kids with a safe environment.
Nola x
Quote by noladreams30
these are the same checks that happen in any day care centre
Exactly Danne, if we expect nurseries etc to be checked then the same should apply to anyone looking after kids and getting paid for providing those services in their homes.
I know that sometimes all this seems like bureaucracy for the sake of it, but really would you not rather know that your child was going somewhere that was clean and safe and that the person you were leaving with them was responsible for ensuring the premises was kept that way?
I'm sure the OP's friend may find the checks etc somewhat tedious, but if they are the rules governing the industry in which they work, then they have to adhere to it. They are, after all, being paid to provide those kids with a safe environment.
Nola x
i agree...its very important to make sure children are safe wherever they are looked after
Quote by noladreams30
these are the same checks that happen in any day care centre
Exactly Danne, if we expect nurseries etc to be checked then the same should apply to anyone looking after kids and getting paid for providing those services in their homes.
I know that sometimes all this seems like bureaucracy for the sake of it, but really would you not rather know that your child was going somewhere that was clean and safe and that the person you were leaving with them was responsible for ensuring the premises was kept that way?
I'm sure the OP's friend may find the checks etc somewhat tedious, but if they are the rules governing the industry in which they work, then they have to adhere to it. They are, after all, being paid to provide those kids with a safe environment.
Nola x
Yes I can understand what you are saying! But they are to a degree offering a diffent kind of service do you not agree?
In a nursery you could have a number of people using the kitchen but this is a home. She has health and safety checks done, shouldn't the health and safety of the kitchen come under that heading? This is now food hygine inspections too.
Shouldn't these have been carried out over the years while other children have been in her care?
Why now?
And yes it is soon to be ofsted inspected too!
One day we as parents might have the inspectors knocking on our doors to do all such checks to see if our homes are up to standard, and are offering our children the best home enviroment! Who knows
Sex God
Thing is childminders charge money for looking after children and therefore are accountable and are liable for the safety and well being of any and all children they are paid to look after...
SS or Ofsted are simply covering their own arses by carrying out inspections on all those registered with them...
SS or Ofsted are simply covering their own arses by carrying out inspections on all those registered with them...
Quote by Theladyisaminx
these are the same checks that happen in any day care centre
Exactly Danne, if we expect nurseries etc to be checked then the same should apply to anyone looking after kids and getting paid for providing those services in their homes.
I know that sometimes all this seems like bureaucracy for the sake of it, but really would you not rather know that your child was going somewhere that was clean and safe and that the person you were leaving with them was responsible for ensuring the premises was kept that way?
I'm sure the OP's friend may find the checks etc somewhat tedious, but if they are the rules governing the industry in which they work, then they have to adhere to it. They are, after all, being paid to provide those kids with a safe environment.
Nola x
Yes I can understand what you are saying! But they are to a degree offering a diffent kind of service do you not agree?
In a nursery you could have a number of people using the kitchen but this is a home. She has health and safety checks done, shouldn't the health and safety of the kitchen come under that heading? This is now food hygine inspections too.
Shouldn't these have been carried out over the years while other children have been in her care?
Why now?
And yes it is soon to be ofsted inspected too!
One day we as parents might have the inspectors knocking on our doors to do all such checks to see if our homes are up to standard, and are offering our children the best home enviroment! Who knows
Yes but you're missing the point (as I made earlier).. we have to move with the times and things will change today, tommorow and next week. We need to keep improving things because awareness is greater.
As Winchy said, there's superbugs to consider and a childminder's home is no different to a nursery - they both have kitchens and both cater for children.
What if the childminder has a dog? I have a dog myself and if I looked after children I'd be doubley careful and constantly disinfecting floors etc.,
My niece's childminder keeps a daily log book and hands it back to my sister, it has notes of what foods were eaten, toilet visits, updates on bumps, grazes for possible bruise sites. You cannot ever be too careful where children are concerned.
Sex God
Quote by flower411
snip
Firstly I`d have to say that my personal view is that more problems are caused by the attempts to turn homes into completely sterile enviroments.
I think it stops children from developing normal natural immunities and as a direct result we are seeing a rise in allergies and asthmatic conditions.
snip
I tend to agree with this...
When I was a lad (cue Hovis theme tune) things were never as sterile as they are now...
Kids went out and got filthy then ate their sarnies with grubby mits...
Swam in the canal and swallowed gawd knows how much water etc etc and the allergies that are around now weren't nearly as prolific as today....
Granted some of it may be to do with the way we farm and preserve our food but its food for thought none the less...
Sex God
Quote by Steve
snip
Firstly I`d have to say that my personal view is that more problems are caused by the attempts to turn homes into completely sterile enviroments.
I think it stops children from developing normal natural immunities and as a direct result we are seeing a rise in allergies and asthmatic conditions.
snip
I tend to agree with this...
When I was a lad (cue Hovis theme tune) things were never as sterile as they are now...
Kids went out and got filthy then ate their sarnies with grubby mits...
Swam in the canal and swallowed gawd knows how much water etc etc and the allergies that are around now weren't nearly as prolific as today....
Granted some of it may be to do with the way we farm and preserve our food but its food for thought none the less...
I'm with you guys on this. Though I think as things go, the idea of 'natural' development when talking about humans go out of the window. Natural selection and survival of the fittest have already been challenged and over-ruled by the human race. Why not i guess develop unnatural remedies for for the unnatural ailments that we are now seeing its what we are doing anyhow regardless of whether its good or bed.
It seems as though slowly but surely we are all going to have to conform to exact and rigid guidelines. From there we might then start looking at how its possible to grade people! Its a brave new world. Inevitable is the march of time maybe in a few years we will all have to be between certain different weights and heights conforming to guidelines as laid down by those who know better than us.
Quote by Lost
snip
Firstly I`d have to say that my personal view is that more problems are caused by the attempts to turn homes into completely sterile enviroments.
I think it stops children from developing normal natural immunities and as a direct result we are seeing a rise in allergies and asthmatic conditions.
snip
I tend to agree with this...
When I was a lad (cue Hovis theme tune) things were never as sterile as they are now...
Kids went out and got filthy then ate their sarnies with grubby mits...
Swam in the canal and swallowed gawd knows how much water etc etc and the allergies that are around now weren't nearly as prolific as today....
Granted some of it may be to do with the way we farm and preserve our food but its food for thought none the less...
I'm with you guys on this. Though I think as things go, the idea of 'natural' development when talking about humans go out of the window. Natural selection and survival of the fittest have already been challenged and over-ruled by the human race. Why not i guess develop unnatural remedies for for the unnatural ailments that we are now seeing its what we are doing anyhow regardless of whether its good or bed.
It seems as though slowly but surely we are all going to have to conform to exact and rigid guidelines. From there we might then start looking at how its possible to grade people! Its a brave new world. Inevitable is the march of time maybe in a few years we will all have to be between certain different weights and heights conforming to guidelines as laid down by those who know better than us.
I am with the guys on one this one, I couldn't have put it better myself! Thanks guys :thumbup:
I agree absolutely that we try to hard to sterilise our environments, and that this can lead to less resistance.
My kids are always out getting messy- compared to some I know who are actively encouraged to stay in & watch dvd's when they've asked to go & play outside
However, a child who comes from a heavily sanitised home who then goes to their chilminders to a fridge full of Campylobacter is going to be even more at risk.
My kids are always out getting messy- compared to some I know who are actively encouraged to stay in & watch dvd's when they've asked to go & play outside
However, a child who comes from a heavily sanitised home who then goes to their chilminders to a fridge full of Campylobacter is going to be even more at risk.
Sex God
I'm surprised the OP's friend hasn't had her kitchen checked before. I was under the impression it is one of the basic checks any childminder has gone through for years.
My son went to a childminder when he was 7 and I found out some time later that she had been taking him and her other charges to the hospital on a regular basis when she visited her dying father.
I was furious. If I had known she was going to do that I would have moved him - which I assume is the reason she didn't tell me.
The reason I removed my son was she attempted to charge me for Boxing Day, because she charged for Bank Holidays and reckoned that counted. Not that he was going to be there on Boxing Day, but apparently she could charge. As a result he ended up taking himself to school and looking after himself at home afterwards from the age of 8.
My son went to a childminder when he was 7 and I found out some time later that she had been taking him and her other charges to the hospital on a regular basis when she visited her dying father.
I was furious. If I had known she was going to do that I would have moved him - which I assume is the reason she didn't tell me.
The reason I removed my son was she attempted to charge me for Boxing Day, because she charged for Bank Holidays and reckoned that counted. Not that he was going to be there on Boxing Day, but apparently she could charge. As a result he ended up taking himself to school and looking after himself at home afterwards from the age of 8.
Quote by foxylady2209
I'm surprised the OP's friend hasn't had her kitchen checked before. I was under the impression it is one of the basic checks any childminder has gone through for years.
Yes they do.
And to all those who say a child should be left with some natural immunity, I agree, but what about a newborn?
Sorry but a certain level of disinfecting, hygiene etc., should be happening like it would in your own home. These are the checks that are made because let's face it, not everyone thinks like you and I on the cleanliness thing.
in my experience the checks have been going on in the 20 years (on and off) i have childminded
so its not new !
and they dont just check for cleanliness but in my experience it was more about safety such as a cooker guard if the cooker was in a position where children could knock it, locks on doors where bleach etc was kept
when you are being paid to look after someones children you have a duty to keep them safe
if you want to be a registered childminder then you have to comply with these measures
if you google national standards for daycare you can read what all daycare facilities have to achieve
sorry i know i sound "sad" but i work in a nursery (with a brilliant ofsted report) and im always interested in anything about childcare
so its not new !
and they dont just check for cleanliness but in my experience it was more about safety such as a cooker guard if the cooker was in a position where children could knock it, locks on doors where bleach etc was kept
when you are being paid to look after someones children you have a duty to keep them safe
if you want to be a registered childminder then you have to comply with these measures
if you google national standards for daycare you can read what all daycare facilities have to achieve
sorry i know i sound "sad" but i work in a nursery (with a brilliant ofsted report) and im always interested in anything about childcare
Quote by Theladyisaminx
these are the same checks that happen in any day care centre
Exactly Danne, if we expect nurseries etc to be checked then the same should apply to anyone looking after kids and getting paid for providing those services in their homes.
I know that sometimes all this seems like bureaucracy for the sake of it, but really would you not rather know that your child was going somewhere that was clean and safe and that the person you were leaving with them was responsible for ensuring the premises was kept that way?
I'm sure the OP's friend may find the checks etc somewhat tedious, but if they are the rules governing the industry in which they work, then they have to adhere to it. They are, after all, being paid to provide those kids with a safe environment.
Nola x
Yes I can understand what you are saying! But they are to a degree offering a diffent kind of service do you not agree?
In a nursery you could have a number of people using the kitchen but this is a home. She has health and safety checks done, shouldn't the health and safety of the kitchen come under that heading? This is now food hygine inspections too.
Shouldn't these have been carried out over the years while other children have been in her care?
Why now?
And yes it is soon to be ofsted inspected too!
One day we as parents might have the inspectors knocking on our doors to do all such checks to see if our homes are up to standard, and are offering our children the best home enviroment! Who knows
If I hear those words one more time!!
Minx as you are aware we live in a crazy world where common sense has been taken away from a a lot of people, as obviosly this Government feel we need " looking after ". Of course checks should be done if you are looking after children but...where does it end? Will they be checking that the toilet paper is soft enough? Or that the childs shoes are on ok? Dont want them falling over their laces. :shock:
It is madness and the health and safety brigade have nothing better to do to occupy their time! I am all for providing a safe enviroment for children but can't these people see some sense sometimes? Its a shame Minx, as your friend sounds like exactly the kind of person people need to look after their kids. But another one hits the road, all for the sake of European laws and the Monday morning brigade, with nothing in their in box! :shock:
Sense and commonsense seem to have left the building, but nothing suprises me anymore in this country. :shock: All the checks achieve is that on THAT day everything is ok, but what about the next day? When you have an mot on your car it only means your car is legal on that day, the next day your brake light could go and you are illegal. Its the same with child care to a degree. Checks are only as good as the people doing them.
Sex God
Quote by kentswingers777
Or that the childs shoes are on ok? Dont want them falling over their laces. :shock:
Well I for one wouldnt want to have to get a phone call at work to say my child is in A & E because some incompetent child minder hadnt checked to see if shoe laces were tied before said child tripped up on concrete paving slabs and ended up with a broken nose or any other injury for that matter. Im also pretty sure a child minder wouldnt want to be sued for negligence either so yes, it is wise to check that childs shoes are ok and laces tied to avoid accidents
Quote by helnheaven
Or that the childs shoes are on ok? Dont want them falling over their laces. :shock:
Well I for one wouldnt want to have to get a phone call at work to say my child is in A & E because some incompetent child minder hadnt checked to see if shoe laces were tied before said child tripped up on concrete paving slabs and ended up with a broken nose or any other injury for that matter. Im also pretty sure a child minder wouldnt want to be sued for negligence either so yes, it is wise to check that childs shoes are ok and laces tied to avoid accidents
Omg I have heard it all its that word SUED!
Would you sue a childminder if that was the case?
What would happen if the child was in my care a friend of one of my children I had back for tea!
I tell you what it makes you wonder!
Let me say at our school we used to have a once a year open event where all the children put on a show in the summer out in the playground, all the children took part, they held shows for the parents to watch in the afternoon and one in the evening for the working parents. Because one year one child had a bit of sun the parents complained and tried fighting to sue the school because sun tan lotion wasnt apply to said child. (the parents were there at the afternoon performance) The school have banned all such shows now.
Another I have been Chair of the friends of our school for 4 years. With some of the money raised wanted to purchase playground equipment (skipping ropes, balls and such like) but was told if we provide them were could be sued if a child fell over whilst they used things that we provided and it was up to the parents to provide such things and take responibly for them.
What are we doing to this country?
To few people spoil things for so many!
Rant over!
Sex God
Minx, at our school we aren't allowed to apply any kind of cream, even for medical purposes. If the parents want them to wear cream, they have to come in and apply it.
We do have playground equipment such as you described though - and our head has just bought in stilts, pogo sticks and space hoppers. Got to say though, the staff is not keen on the new stuff - accidents waiting to happen.
I applied to be a registered childminder many moons ago and gave up because of all the checks and changes they wanted - my house is a home and I'd raised two perfectly healthy children with it in the state it was.
We do have playground equipment such as you described though - and our head has just bought in stilts, pogo sticks and space hoppers. Got to say though, the staff is not keen on the new stuff - accidents waiting to happen.
I applied to be a registered childminder many moons ago and gave up because of all the checks and changes they wanted - my house is a home and I'd raised two perfectly healthy children with it in the state it was.
Quote by Freckledbird
Minx, at our school we aren't allowed to apply any kind of cream, even for medical purposes. If the parents want them to wear cream, they have to come in and apply it.
We do have playground equipment such as you described though - and our head has just bought in stilts, pogo sticks and space hoppers. Got to say though, the staff is not keen on the new stuff - accidents waiting to happen.
I applied to be a registered childminder many moons ago and gave up because of all the checks and changes they wanted - my house is a home and I'd raised two perfectly healthy children with it in the state it was.
You understand totally where I am coming from here!
Just wait when the accidents happen some parent will complain and all those playground toys that were bought in good faith will be hidden in a locked cupboard.
What a crying shame!
Sex God
Quote by Theladyisaminx
Omg I have heard it all its that word SUED!
Would you sue a childminder if that was the case?
What would happen if the child was in my care a friend of one of my children I had back for tea!
I tell you what it makes you wonder!
To few people spoil things for so many!
Rant over!
I probably wouldnt sue but there are many who would.
There is a difference between PAYING for a service and having a child back for tea who is friends with one of your children.
Minx dont take this the wrong way but I sometimes wonder what planet you live on. We DO NOT live in a perfect world and there are some who dont take shit and sue and others who let common sense prevail.
I do agree on what you said about the few who spoil things for others.
Quote by helnheaven
Minx dont take this the wrong way but I sometimes wonder what planet you live on. We DO NOT live in a perfect world and there are some who dont take shit and sue and others who let common sense prevail.
I do agree on what you said about the few who spoil things for others.
I live on planet earth honest!
I suppose its just I have has shit thrown at me, but I have the ablity to reason and have common sence and the ability to way up a situation and move forward.
If that means I live on another planet and am not in the real world, then leave me there as I am happy with that! :thumbup:
Sex God
Quote by Theladyisaminx
I live on planet earth honest!
.... but I have the ablity to reason and have common sence and the ability to way up a situation and move forward.
Then if that is the case, no need to 'rant', your words not mine, in the 'Cafe'. I only came here for a quiet coffee
Sex God
Quote by Theladyisaminx
Then if that is the case, no need to 'rant', your words not mine, in the 'Cafe'. I only came here for a quiet coffee
I have just made one myself
Care to join me!
White no sugar thanks
