My childminder lives in a council flat – she has a ‘drop by the gate’ rule & it terrifies me but other totally disagree
A MUM has sparked a fierce debate after claiming a potential childminder doesn’t let parents see the inside of her ”nice” flat.
The anonymous parent took to Mumsnet to seek advice and opinion of fellow parents after her kid’s childminder refused to let them inside the property.
According to the Mumsnet user, the family had just started using someone to look after their little tot, who also lives in the same neighbourhood.
”The minder is lovely and intelligent and lives just down the road in a nice council flat,” the social media user wrote in the post.
But although the parents don’t have an issue with the minder herself, they were left slightly frustrated and ”nervous” after an incident where the woman announced there was a special rule – they could not enter the property.
After inquiring about the reasoning behind this, the family were met with an explanation that coming inside the apartment would affect the child in a negative way.
”We saw her house when we interviewed with her – however, we have not been able to see it since.
”She has a rule whereby the children are dropped at the front gate and picked up in the same place.
”She says this creates the least disruption for the children.”
Despite the rule, the Mumsnet user insisted she wanted to see ”the inside setting” and was left feeling uneasy about the order to stay outside.
”I do, however, want to see what the inside setting is like outside of the interview context.
”It makes me nervous that I cannot.
”Not everyday, but at least once now when I am starting out!”
The post has since been inundated with responses, with fellow Mumsnetters racing to share their thoughts on the issue – and even childminders had something to say.
One such parenting whizz said: ”As a former childminder there is likely a good reason for this.
”Some parents like to hang around chatting for ages making themselves at home and then the kids run riot and start to misbehave, which then means you are struggling to be polite, but get everyone out of your house while still focusing on the children still there.”
The expert added: ”I used to have a parent help themselves to the fruit bowl and give it to their other child who didn’t attend the setting!”
Another agreed, adding: ”It will be to limit the time at handover as if you hang around in their home for 15/20 minutes that’s really annoying.”
Someone else, meanwhile, was in two minds, writing: ”I do understand why you want to see it, but I think there are plenty of valid reasons why not.
”Most likely so as not to disturb the neighbours and because kids tend to get more upset if parents hang around.”
A mum chimed in: ”My childminder didn’t allow anyone into the house – dirty shoes, disruption etc which I can understand, but I could see in from the door, and she offered a virtual tour.”
A fellow social media user thought: ”Not unreasonable and yes I would want to judge and assess her home.
That’s part and parcel of being a childminder surely?”
Who is eligible for free childcare scheme?
The new scheme is available to working parents across England with three and four-year-old children – meanwhile, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own schemes.
You can get 15 hours of free childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year (during school term time) for kids between the ages of nthree and four.
However,parents have to be getting childcare from an approved provider, and the help stops when your kids starts in reception at school.
Depending on circumstances, some parents can also get up to 30 hours of free childcare, whilst on other benefits.
We reported earlier that you can get free childcare hours at the same time as claiming Universal Credit, tax credits, childcare vouchers or tax-free childcare.
How can I apply if I live in England?
You can apply for 15 hours free childcare through your childcare provider or local council, and parents can get 30 hours worth of free childcare from when their child is two years and 36 weeks old.
But depending on when that is, you will start receiving the free childcare help from different dates.
For instance, if your child turns three between the period of September 1 and December 31, you can start getting free childcare on or after January 1.
In such case, the government’s website advises to best apply between October 15 and November 30.
You can apply outside the recommended times, however you might not get a code in time to get help as early as needed.
Once you’ve applied for a childcare account, you will receive a code to then give your provider.
To apply, visit Gov.UK.