Not really sure on this setting
I will be fair as I don’t like speaking down on a childminder but I will express my issues. I went to this childminder house for a viewing, as I was interested in my son joining her child minding services. Upon arriving I felt I was greeted with a bit of hostility and distance. Not very welcoming. Her daughter was in the room (which was the main room where kids will be) and she was , coughing and quite sick, just baring in mind I have a vulnerable child. She came very near to me coughing as well as close to my baby coughing a lot. I felt she should have not allowed her child near my baby knowing that her child was unwell with a flu. Nonetheless, I felt as if she was a little hostile and not completely inviting. She didn’t ask questions about my child, and just randomly informed me that there was someone else who wanted my son’s spot who is full time, as I only needed part time. I do believe she could have not wasted my time by letting me arrive at her house only to let me know she may not be able to take me on. This could have been communicated over the phone. There could be a colour discrimination going on here. But nonetheless, I would not recommend, as my spirit did not take to her. And there was an off vibe I got.
I will be fair and not downplay her environment was really nice and beautiful and very neat. And looks like a good environment for a child to go to. But the vibes I got was off, mixed with possible discrimination that I felt from her especially with the odd looks and very offish overall vibes.
-
Overall
Setting-
Cleanliness
Communication
Response from Giulia
Responded
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. I’m sorry that you felt the visit was not a positive experience, but I would like to clarify a few points for accuracy.
The childcare place was initially requested for around 30 hours per week. During the visit it became clear that the requirement was actually part-time. As I explained at the time, I already had another family interested in the full-time space, which is why I could not guarantee availability. This is standard practice when managing limited childcare places.
You also mentioned concerns about illness. During our conversation you explained that your own child had recently been unwell with diarrhoea. During one of our conversations, I also offered to help you and speak to your child's doctors to help him in any way I could.
As this is a family home, my own child also lives here and may occasionally have a mild cough, which is very common among young children. It would obviously not be possible or appropriate to remove my child from her own home.
I take hygiene and safeguarding very seriously and always follow appropriate guidance.
Finally, I want to be very clear that any suggestion of discrimination is completely unfounded. I welcome families from all backgrounds and treat everyone with the same respect.
I am pleased that you acknowledged that the environment was clean, organised and suitable for children. I wish you the best in finding the childcare arrangement that suits your family.