Hi everyone, hubby wants to get the kids a puppy we had one before but lost him a few years ago but havent had a dog since childminding, dont know what to do what are ofsted like about dogs? :( :rolleyes:

As long as you can prove its well cared for - vaccinated, wormed etc etc (although Ihave never been asked to evidence this) and that you keep the mutt food/water bowl away from mindees and the dog is good with kids etc etc can't see a problem. (and its not a 'dangerous dog')
I suppose some inspectors might have an issue with animals (personal preferences ) but there is no specific guidance.

I think a pet is an asset to a minding service but again its not to everyones tastes.

I make it clear to parents that children/animal is supervised when together, children are taught to respect living creatures etc etc

cssiw here say I have to keep my dog away from mindees. they ahve got strict especailly since the baby death by dogs recently.

i know dogs and pets can be great for children, we used to have a lovely dog, but i have to admit if i was choosing a childminder i'm afraid them having a dog would put me off! sorry:(

i know dogs and pets can be great for children, we used to have a lovely dog, but i have to admit if i was choosing a childminder i'm afraid them having a dog would put me off! sorry:(

like I say - childcare settings and animals isn't for everyone BUT I do find (and this is just personally and not intended to upset anyone), that kind of thinking quite sad really. I understand peoples concerns about children getting hurt etc etc but I do think its a wonderful experience for children - some may not have access to animals at all and they get all the benefit and none of the hassle or cost (ok this last bit applies to parents lol). Children learn about other living creatures (one of my childminding friends has.... shudder... reptiles... snakes...shudder), the respect, the care, the friendship etc

Just out of interest - why would it put you of?

i totally agree with you! i think children should have access to animals, they do them a lot of good and teaches them about care and respect. But its just a personal opinion that i wouldnt place my child with someone that had a dog, i would have one myself though! i like dogs. i know its silly but you just don't know how other people are with animals and wether the child would be left alone with it even momentarily

I have had our dog 9 years and it hasnt put many people off, I tell them on the phone BEFORE they come for a visit and the only people who were put off was because their lo was allergic

DH takes our terrier to work on the farm.

If he calls in at lunchtime (only very occasionally) he can leave the dog in the car but all my mindees love her. I check with parents first.

My report says we have a dog who is not normally at home during minding hours, just in case of allergies.

sorry! hope i havn't offended anyone, i'm sure you are all really responsible with your dogs! Its just me being a paranoid fuss pot!:)

i know dogs and pets can be great for children, we used to have a lovely dog, but i have to admit if i was choosing a childminder i'm afraid them having a dog would put me off! sorry:(

Me too , thats just my opinion though :thumbsup:

sorry! hope i havn't offended anyone, i'm sure you are all really responsible with your dogs! Its just me being a paranoid fuss pot!:)

oh gosh no, certainly not offended me. I am honestly interested as to why people wouldn't leave children with a minder that has dogs.
Now I am not a lover of snakes, spiders or all things creepy BUT I wouldn't mind my son being looked after by the snaker owner/minder. I would possibly stand at her gate and ask her to bring my son out to me lol:laughing:

My Pre reg inspector was fine about my dog. My dog was a staffie and was all over the inspector for the whole visit. She wanted to play with her!!!!

I did however start to get some negative views from parents. She was a very excitable staffie, especially with adults who she thought sh'd get attention from. Children-wasn't bothered at all!!!

Decided in the end that it was best all round for the dog to go I was getting too stressed about parents visiting. So my sister offered her a home. She is doing great now. I think for her a home without children suits better, she isa much calmer dog. My sister brings her round for visits so my children still see her, worked out great, now the minding has really taken off!!

Julia

Both inspectors that have visited me have loved my dog, made a right fuss of him. He is a Lhasa Apso and very friendly. I hold a risk assessment and a pet policy and permission forms.