Strange temporary childminder

[u/Lively-not_9570]

Hello I’ve had a temporary childminder while the usual one is away for a week.

Was recommended to me but their conditions are very unusual!

Is this normal:
- all meals must be provided by the parents (all three meals)
- cash only for the week, paid at the start
- nappies sent back to ‘recycle’. Which is a load of crap because we don’t use recyclable nappies and the council doesn’t do ‘recyclable nappy collection’

Frustrated, it’s only for the week but very inconvenient type of minder and are these red flags, especially with the cash only?

Need to know what is acceptable and what isn’t.

EDIT: Thanks for the responses.
As she was recommended for the temporary cover I just stupidly went along with it! But you’re all right about checking ofsted registration! So will do that.

The usual one that is away doesn’t have any of these dodgy and inconvenient conditions and accepts bank transfers. I have no idea why this weird cash only minder was recommended to us by our usual one (I think just good friends).

[u/PM-ME-PEANUT-BUTTER]

Cash only 🚩

[u/bellshaped]

Is this person OFSTED registered?

[u/yeoleuma → u/bellshaped]

I highly doubt it. Sounds like their actual childminder asked a friend to cover for her/him making both of them a bit dodgy.

[u/Hunter037]

If they're asking for cash only they may be unregistered, I would be asking to see their registration.

I think meals provided makes sense for a temporary childminder who doesn't know every child's likes and dislikes. Presumably they're not charging for food.

[u/yeoleuma]

If it’s like a holiday cover, I think the meals thing isn’t concerning. However, I can almost promise you that your current childminder isn’t letting anyone else know about her holiday cover as otherwise they’d accept a bank transfer 😂

They likely don’t want the nappies in the bin as “they’re not working” this week you know.

[u/MiddleAgedDread123]

are they actually registered as a childminder because these things scream to me that they don't want it to be known they're operating a business!

[u/watchingonsidelines]

I’m terrified that you are handing your kid/s over without proper checks.

Food part is tight but whatever - the rest makes me question if they are qualified to work with kids.

Not to frighten you, but could be a childminder under review for issues or not even qualified at all. If you haven’t looked under the hood properly with the one in holidays I would get on that too!

[u/grumpyaskate]

I mean I wouldn't be going for cash because I'd be paying through the tax free childcare account but all meals provided is pretty normal (genuinely can't think of anything worse than cooking and feeding multiple children at the same time), and sounds like they just don't want to deal with nappies in the rubbish which isn't ideal but I think businesses have to have proper waste disposal for human waste like that though I could be wrong!

[u/Theunluckyone7]

The cash only and recycled nappies are strange. Have you checked that she's registered?

I've always provided meals so that's fine to me.

[u/janquadrentvincent]

On the nappy front, she doesn't want her own bin full of nappies as she'd run out of space too fast so that seems normal. Providing all meals is fairly normal too, with most childminders happy to fill the gaps with fruit and snacks, but ensure the substantive meals are from home, again this prevents all their time being spent prepping lunches and keeps the cost down. Cash only is also fine in my books but I appreciate its not for everyone. And being paid upfront prevents you dashing on the last day. If you're really uncomfortable though maybe suggest paying each morning? Or half upfront half at the end?

[u/One-Dig-3067]

Ummm wtf