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Karen1
23-02-2014, 08:29 AM
Hi

I am an enhanced childminder. I already have one child through this one day a week 8-6 which I am finding hard because of the additional needs and it is such a long day. To the point where I don't fill my other space because of her needs.
Council sent me another enhanced visit on Friday and told her hours I had available, but she wanted a different day. Anyway she left I didn't feel comfortable about it. Two mins later the phone rang the placement officer, the woman wanted her to start ASAP. I was not happy, but negotiated a staggered start but really felt pushed into it, as didn't even have five mins to think about if I wanted to take this child on, as she has a lot of additional needs.
Anyway, I have been thin king about it all weekend, and have decided that the enhanced isn't for me. So am going to tell placement officer, I can't take on this new girl and either want to reduce the other girls hours or stop her altogether.

How can I word the stopping or reducing hours for the old girl?

Anyone else do enhanced and don't enjoy it? Or any opinions?

Really just want my own private parents where I can be in control and make a decision on my own and not be pushed into it. Feeling really stressed out about all of this. Have had a rubbish weekend all it all because of it. Really want to email placement officer today, so it's in writing and then speak to her on phone so I don't feel like she can push me into continuing etc.

Aaah.

Simona
23-02-2014, 08:43 AM
Hi

I am an enhanced childminder. I already have one child through this one day a week 8-6 which I am finding hard because of the additional needs and it is such a long day. To the point where I don't fill my other space because of her needs.
Council sent me another enhanced visit on Friday and told her hours I had available, but she wanted a different day. Anyway she left I didn't feel comfortable about it. Two mins later the phone rang the placement officer, the woman wanted her to start ASAP. I was not happy, but negotiated a staggered start but really felt pushed into it, as didn't even have five mins to think about if I wanted to take this child on, as she has a lot of additional needs.
Anyway, I have been thin king about it all weekend, and have decided that the enhanced isn't for me. So am going to tell placement officer, I can't take on this new girl and either want to reduce the other girls hours or stop her altogether.

How can I word the stopping or reducing hours for the old girl?

Anyone else do enhanced and don't enjoy it? Or any opinions?

Really just want my own private parents where I can be in control and make a decision on my own and not be pushed into it. Feeling really stressed out about all of this. Have had a rubbish weekend all it all because of it. Really want to email placement officer today, so it's in writing and then speak to her on phone so I don't feel like she can push me into continuing etc.

Aaah.

I have never heard of an 'enhanced' cm...so if you could explain it would help but I get the feeling from your thread that it is something your LA has created...a new tier of cm with a label as in Network CM, accredited CM?

Interesting that you have a 'placement' officer ...we have what is called a 'brokerage' one...same thing but with the same aim...matching Cm to parents' needs...and that rings a bell !

Karen1
23-02-2014, 08:53 AM
Enhanced is through the local council who place children who have additional needs/sen/family problems with council registered cms. Therefore I have a placement officer for those children to organise the placement and place children with relevant experienced cms. For example I have bsl so often get deaf or hearing problem children. But this child on Friday had a lot of other problems and as I am so busy with other stuff, I just feel I can't offer her help, as I would not be able to do my best for her, but felt the placement officer was making me.

Simona
23-02-2014, 09:05 AM
Enhanced is through the local council who place children who have additional needs/sen/family problems with council registered cms. Therefore I have a placement officer for those children to organise the placement and place children with relevant experienced cms. For example I have bsl so often get deaf or hearing problem children. But this child on Friday had a lot of other problems and as I am so busy with other stuff, I just feel I can't offer her help, as I would not be able to do my best for her, but felt the placement officer was making me.

I get it now....a bit....in the past Network CMs were those who took children with additional needs
But I have not heard of a 'council registered CM'? what does it entail to register with them?
it probably means you get referrals from SServices who need to place these children

Stand up for what you feel is right for the child....and do not feel pressured....it's your choice in the end.

Karen1
23-02-2014, 09:14 AM
In my area you need a good grade or above two years early years experience and often have additional skills yourself. Yeah basically ss referrals so family's get support, family don't pay the council pay me to care.

Thanks I just was feeling like I didn't have a choice on Friday and am getting fed up with the enhanced scheme and not being able to make my own decisions regRding those children, as you need to continually refer back. You don't get paid if they don't turn up, no holiday pay and often want you to keep a space open for them to place emergencys. Friday meeting I felt that the parent was rude, the child too much and then the placement officer was forcing me. Which has made me rethink the other child I have and the long days I do and wanting to withdraw from it. I only have her until jan next year anyway, but want to get outf it now or even just reduce the hours. But know the parent won't be happy.aaarrrggg.

Simona
23-02-2014, 09:27 AM
In my area you need a good grade or above two years early years experience and often have additional skills yourself. Yeah basically ss referrals so family's get support, family don't pay the council pay me to care.

Thanks I just was feeling like I didn't have a choice on Friday and am getting fed up with the enhanced scheme and not being able to make my own decisions regRding those children, as you need to continually refer back. You don't get paid if they don't turn up, no holiday pay and often want you to keep a space open for them to place emergencys. Friday meeting I felt that the parent was rude, the child too much and then the placement officer was forcing me. Which has made me rethink the other child I have and the long days I do and wanting to withdraw from it. I only have her until jan next year anyway, but want to get outf it now or even just reduce the hours. But know the parent won't be happy.aaarrrggg.

Thanks you for your clarification...really helpful.

sarah707
23-02-2014, 10:14 AM
If you don't feel comfortable about taking new work on Karen - any new work - then you are entitled to say 'no'.

Just because you have specialist training or whatever does not make you superwoman and you and your family have to come first.

Hugs xx

Mouse
23-02-2014, 10:32 AM
We have a similar scheme here, but it is always made clear that we don't have to take on any children referred to us, nor do we have to keep spaces specifically for referrals.

I have been approached several times, but have usually not had any vacancies, or felt that I couldn't meet the needs of the child. For example, I have a small house and limited space, so couldn't offer a place to a child that needed a lot of bulky equipment, or an older child that needed a lot of space to move around on the floor.

It sounds as if you have tried really hard with the child you currently have, but if you are now struggling I don't think there is anything wrong with you saying that. I think I would contact the placement officer and simply say something along the lines of "it is with regret that due to family commitments I am withdrawing from the enhanced childminder scheme".

Karen1
24-02-2014, 08:42 AM
Thanks for the replies. I am feeling really unhappy about it all. Have emailed my placement officer yesterday and am going to ring her today. Thought if it was in writing then she can't bamboozle me. Have written a letter for the parents to give out on Thursday, but thinking I may email them after speaking to placement officer to let them know the situation ASAP.

Simona
24-02-2014, 08:47 AM
Thanks for the replies. I am feeling really unhappy about it all. Have emailed my placement officer yesterday and am going to ring her today. Thought if it was in writing then she can't bamboozle me. Have written a letter for the parents to give out on Thursday, but thinking I may email them after speaking to placement officer to let them know the situation ASAP.

Good luck..it is obvious you are not happy but you have done what is best at present...step back and think about it.
A break from this will be a good opportunity for reflection!

keep us posted