Tips to avoid this happening to you and if it does

Before

• Check with parents for any medical conditions the child you will be caring for has or is currently suffering. Consider speaking to previous carers if known. If you are not happy, then consider carefully caring for the child.

• If childminding at home, why not have childminding events (with other carers present), some nurseries even offer web-cams, so parents can check on their children and you have CCTV evidence. With what has happened to us that would have been a real useful investment. Please don’t think it could never happen to you.

• If the child is ill all the time, do not care for them any more; the best place for them if they are ill is at home with their primary carers. Think of you, and your family as well.

• Keep up to date Childminding Records in as much detail as possible.

After

• Get Support – Help Groups, GP, Family, Friends, Religion, and Community Groups etc.

• Keep a Diary of all events – this can help in many ways, in case you are unfairly treated by the system, coping with your stress.

• If the case goes to court ‘consider’ a change of phone number, E-Mail addresses, install an alarm (or check it works), CCTV (interior and or exterior), consider an external Post-box to prevent too much junk landing on your mat.

• Net Curtains how private is your house.

• Take a break and get away if you can.

• Crank calls – log and report to Police and Phone Company (there maybe a charge to change your phone number)

• Consult a Solicitor/Barrister

This is when you will find out truly who your friends and supporters are, keep them close, there assistance will help you in more ways than you can ever know.