Pagoda

I have no problems with the group being set up and like I said in my previous post I wish success for the furture. I was just surprised that it was said that one of the reason was thier wasn't many activitie for childminders to do in the 1/2 terms/6 weeks I also talked about having a good balance inside and outside of home and learning about your outside environment. I know thier are somethings you cannot provide in the home and thats why you need to experience what is happening in the wider world.

Hi, I don't expect carers to as you say to be helicopting around the thier children and as you say they need to be supervised and stimulated by thier carers. But there is provision for childminders within the community. For parents who attend a play group it is different they are not being closely judged on there practice inside and out of the home. I have no problems with childminders/parents sitting and chatting. Parenting/childmining can sometimes be a lonely and stressful job and you need others to talk to exchange ideas,catch up and network but it shouldn't me to the detroment of supporting childrens needs. I did say in my first message not all childminders behave in this way and my childminder was very good so now offence to those childminders out there that are working very hard.

Hi I will come and see and wish you sucess for the future.

I have worked in schools and nurserys it is very different may be you should try to make a difference in the groups you attend. I can only go by what I have experienced as a parent and person who has a lot of experience with children and carers parents.

I thought southwark ran stay and play sessions during the summer and publish lets go booklets with lots of info. This is where i use to take my son during the holidays. I would hate to think that my child spends most of the week in play groups and parent and toddler groups where I have seen some childminders chatting and not interacting and taking an interest in the amazing things that thier children have achieved while they have been sitting and chatting. Childminders should be able to provide a stimualting environment at home and in the outside environment, which I know the majority of childminders do.