Unprofessional & Unreliable but nice environment
I do believe Mary genuinely cares for children in her care, but I was disappointed in how she treated us.
We are both NHS workers and thus felt peace of mind sorting it early (more than 6 months in advance) and felt reassured with leaving our baby in her care. We were pleased with the rich and stimulating environment she provides in her home but more importantly an opportunity for our baby son to socialise with other children after 11 months of being isolated at home due to the pandemic. She communicates well via Whatsapp throughout the day with parents and appears committed to her job, and we formed what I thought was a great trusting relationship with Mary and under her guidance commenced paid settling in sessions since Dec 2020.
There were some minor things which I felt I could overlook; unwanted advice on changing my breastfeeding routine, and her not wiping my son's face after eating.
However, we were told this week (with <6 weeks notice) that she cannot accommodate our hours suddenly and that I could not drop off before 9 and had to pick up before 5, due to pandemic, availability of assistant, and increased cleaning needs. There has been no change in lock-down rules recently and paid a deposit and signed a contract Aug 2020 for March 2021 for 8-6pm part time. We feel there was ample time for either informing us earlier or making arrangements for additional help.
We tried to be flexible to make it work, including altering some of the hours and/or changing the days, but it felt like there was no room for negotiations. In retrospect, we feel fortunate that at least we found out now. A surprise changes to hours when he has started going there would be much more difficult, and the lack of flexibility does not suit key workers.
These website reviews are often biased as people only post good experiences as the childminder relationship has obviously never been greatly tested. However, we have been left with no childcare at short notice, and do not feel the issue has been dealt with in a professional way or with a willingness to make things work.
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Response from Brentford Childcare
Responded
Thank you so much for your review and for the lovely comments regarding how I communicate well with the parents during the period the children are in my care , however I can see that you gave this 3 stars although it is as you mentioned one of my strengthens .
I can understand your frustration however I have to follow the EYFS guidelines in terms of ratios and though there was only 15 min to 30 min to pick up where I would be left without my assistant still I was not willing to compromise my professional standards in adhering to the government regulations . With regard to my changed opening hours these again following the department of health guidelines in trying to minimise the spread of the virus by maintaining a hygiene environment before the children arrive and after they are picked up which hence is reflecting my professional integrity And safeguarding the children in my care and their families within my bubbles at all time specially as we are still in total lockdown now .
I really sympathise with you regarding having to abort this contract for the reasons mentioned that my assistant attendance schedule Was not working with your schedule , and of course on a professional level I can not agree to a compromise because I need to think God forbids If there is an emergency . Hope you find a suitable childcare and of course if I do have any availability in the future I will let you know .
