do any of you not go to groups?
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  1. #21
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    I have three favourite stay and play sessions tues-thurs at different childrens centres. The main attraction is that all of my three toddlers will end up going to the nurseries attached to the CC so it's good to get them used to staff and environment.

    But it's not set in stone, I always follow childrens interest. This morning one mindee came round wanting to be a monster, so we made masks, (which kept them engaged for 40mins), and then an outdoor den, and before I knew it, it was lunch time!

    They are good to have, but would never go to groups every day, week in, week out, because what stimulation and challenge are you presenting to a child's learning when you do that? Variety is the spice of life as they say!!

  2. #22
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    Quote Originally Posted by AliceK View Post
    I currently don't go to any. I have tried many and for one reason or another none have suited so at the moment I don't do any. We get out and about though and have regular play dates with another childminder up the road too.

    xxxxx
    snap....groups are a problem as i don't drive or at silly times as i have nursery run and school run.

  3. #23
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    Quote Originally Posted by beachgirl29 View Post
    snap....groups are a problem as i don't drive or at silly times as i have nursery run and school run.
    And you have me....what more does a girl need!!?????

    Wibble xxx
    The bats have left the bell tower.....

  4. #24
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    Mine are sometimes shattered on a Monday when they are so busy at weekends with families. They are under 3s so we go with the flow a lot
    Happy to be back with the Greenies

  5. #25
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    We go to a lovely village group on a monday and meet up with other minders on a thurs-everything else is if we feel like it! We could go to softplay on a tues, toddler group in the next village on a weds, friday is our stay at home day. I never plan any outings for a friday. I love fridays, we do exactly as we please and it's the day when I'll do alot of my obs and 'planned' ( spur of the moment- if the mood takes us!! ) activities around the general theme we have that term.
    We are in most afternoons, that is nap for the little ones and slightly more structured time for the older ones. It suits us. I don't need company every day, I'm happy in my own skin and the mindees get to tired if we go out every day (they are all 2 yrs old) they need to just chill and learn and play and share and snuggle up for a story or a song...

  6. #26
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    Quote Originally Posted by kellyskidz! View Post
    I've cut a lot of groups out since the 6week hols, we were just doing too much and i was spending too much money on groups
    We were going to one every day and sometimes 2 in a day at one point and I was hardly ever in. I think parents are happier now I'm home more, even though none of them have said anything
    Now its colder I'm glad we stay in and make use of the resources I've spent money on to play here, instead of them just gathering dust while we go to endless groups and only touch base at home time
    We do still go to one or two groups to stop me going mad and to get them out and about but I'm really happy now I'm doing my own thing and only occasionally dropping in at groups instead of living at them. I'm sure other minders felt under pressure to go to these groups to be 'in' with other minders but I'm still friendly with everyone, just not in their pockets
    I think it depends on you, and what you and the kids are happiest doing, if they don't like the groups maybe have a few weeks off and see how you feel after that, maybe go back in the New Year xx
    Goodness me I think that's a lot! I go out 3 mornings a week and spend the rest of the time at home or doing activities like going for a walk to get some exercise and fresh air for the children. Couldn't ever imagine being out to 2 groups in one day. I think its important that children enjoy some more peaceful relaxing time in a home environment.
    I'm not paranoid - the world IS out to get me!

  7. #27
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    We go to toddlers at soft play usually once or twice a week but that's about it!

    We had a manic day yesterday so today we are just chilling out in the house, feel like I should take them out to the park but they are playing so well together that I don't want to disturb them!

  8. #28
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    I only go to one or two groups a week but sometimes give them a miss as the mindees I have are so young they often clash with sleep time, I dont feel I have to go to groups but one I go to does fab snack with a variety of fruit and great craft and a wide range of toys which the kids love so do try to go to it bu sometimes cut my time short if they are too tired. If you dont think the groups are benefiting the children there are plenty of other social activities you can do.
    In reply to the question about what Ofsted think of groups when I was inspected I hardly ever went to groups as the mindees I had at the time would be asleep before I got there and would sleep through the session so I said I didn't see the point, she then went on to say dont you think the kids are missing out social skills and it having an impact on their development so I then went on to explain how I do go to the park and soft play and other trips where the children get chance to socialize which she was very happy.

  9. #29
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    Quote Originally Posted by dawn100 View Post
    I only go to one or two groups a week but sometimes give them a miss as the mindees I have are so young they often clash with sleep time, I dont feel I have to go to groups but one I go to does fab snack with a variety of fruit and great craft and a wide range of toys which the kids love so do try to go to it bu sometimes cut my time short if they are too tired. If you dont think the groups are benefiting the children there are plenty of other social activities you can do. In reply to the question about what Ofsted think of groups when I was inspected I hardly ever went to groups as the mindees I had at the time would be asleep before I got there and would sleep through the session so I said I didn't see the point, she then went on to say dont you think the kids are missing out social skills and it having an impact on their development so I then went on to explain how I do go to the park and soft play and other trips where the children get chance to socialize which she was very happy.

    I think that is the point , as long as you arrange your week/day so that your mindees are still given the opportunities to learn and socialise, I don't see how ofsted would have a problem. We are here to create enabling environments, how you do that is up to you! X

  10. #30
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    Groups weren't even mentioned when I had my last inspection earlier this year. All my children are well socialised here as they get to mix with all ages from 1yr - 10yrs which is more than they would get if they were at nursery.
    Obviously they get out into the local community too and get to go to other childminders houses / soft play centres too. I don't think groups are a necessity at all.

    xxxx

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  12. #31
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    I don't do groups at all parents ask me if I go and I tell them as I work with a co minder we have 5 or 6 children a day so it would mean taking 2 cars one being a people carrier to get the children to a group as there are none in walking distance of our setting and having 6 children its our own group as the children change most days x

  13. #32
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    thanks for all replies, quite a mixed bag.

    I love being outdoors with them but living on the northwest coast of Ireland that isnt always ideal.

    I think it is important for the mindees to get out and socialise as well.

    We go to an excellent toddler session at soft play on a thursday where art, cookery and music is offered each session, we then stay for lunch.

    So may not go to toddler group on a weds every week over winter, maybe a break will do us good

    There is a story session on at library on a friday, may give that a go. Sadly living in a tiny village nearest groups (other than weds toddlers) are at least 10miles away

  14. #33
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    Quote Originally Posted by Daftbat View Post
    Goodness me I think that's a lot! I go out 3 mornings a week and spend the rest of the time at home or doing activities like going for a walk to get some exercise and fresh air for the children. Couldn't ever imagine being out to 2 groups in one day. I think its important that children enjoy some more peaceful relaxing time in a home environment.
    It was, way too much. It was me feeling the need to go out and get socialising and they enjoyed the groups (they were only and hour or so long) but yes, 2 in a day and one every other day was too much!
    I think I thought if I didn't go people would talk, or I'd miss out on something!
    The need to be so involved with everyone in the community to that degree has been overtaken by the needs of the children and myself
    Kelly xx

  15. #34
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    I work 4 days a week and go to groups on 2 of those days. One is a childminding group and I find it really useful to be part of that community and share information. The other is a small group with no activities, story time, song time, etc. However, the kids love it and show much more engagement and social skills at that group (probably because of the emphasis on physical play - it's held in a very large hall with lots of ride-ons).

    I love my group days, because I don't need to do much planning (blush).

 

 
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