Not recommended. Unprofessional and flaky
We started looking for a childminder well in advance (at the end of my pregnancy) and ended up choosing Abi for her apparent professionalism. When we confirmed our choice a few months after our first meeting, she couldn’t remember the fee she communicated in the first place and told us her prices went up. Ok.
We said we would start in April, and that I wanted to go visit once more with my daughter to see how she would like the place. This was back in December. She said there was no need, that my place was secure and to just get in touch one week before the start date (April 3rd). I kept touching base once every two weeks because I didn’t want to run any risks. She reassured me every time, saying she couldn’t wait to start looking after Camilla.
When I texted her to check in with her one more time two weeks before she was due to start, she said she didn’t know how to say this but she had no space for my daughter and that she knew she should have told me earlier but, quote, she “simply forgot”.
I had to start work 15 days later.
She couldn’t even come up with a reasonable excuse. I asked her to try find an alternative and she gave me the contacts of two people who were unsuitable for the job (not to mention they could do half the hours I needed).
Because of her flakyness, had to go back to work with no one to look after my baby. My husband had to take one week off work to stay with her.
We finally found the perfect childminder, and I’m now even thankful to Abi because I wouldn’t have left my daughter with such an unreliable lady anyway.
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Overall
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Communication
Response from Abi
Responded
I’m sorry you feel this way especially after I spent so much time and effort trying to help you find care for your little one.
But when you visited I clearly explained my procedures to you.
You visited me in early 2017 and I went through my policy’s in detail with you. I explained that you would need to pay a deposit to secure your place in my setting and my hourly rate which you agreed the time.
However you didn’t pay the deposit or even complete and return the child information forms saying you preferred to wait. We never agreed or signed a contract. I heard nothing from you for months, until in jan 2018 when you contacted me via txt to confirm your place. To be honest I didn’t think you still wanted the place as at the initial meeting you had argued at great length for a reduction in my hourly rate and told me when you left you would be visiting other Childminders.
I explained that i was very busy, however offered to put you on my waiting list and offered to find a place for your child on a temporary basis until I could accommodate you.
I then went out of my way to find you two childminders close-by willing to accommodate you and your needs, One Ofsted rated Good and One Ofsted rated Outstanding. Since then I have spoken to both who told me you have declined there settings, both on the grounds of cost as they charged 50p more than I do, sadly describing them in your review as “Unsuitable for the job”.
As I say I’m sorry you feel this way but I give all prospective parents the opportunity to pay a very small refundable deposit just £200 to secure the place. I have to plan in advance for the children I have, and new ones coming to my setting.
At the time of writing this review I since have a vacancy and I can see from your profile you are still looking for a childminder, as I previously explained you are welcome to visit my setting and if you like it you can secure a place on the day even! as most prospective parents do. Sadly i never got to meet Camila, But I can’t wait months for you to decide if you are willing to commit to my setting. You are still welcome to contact me. Thanks Abi
