Frequently Asked Questions

How will you meet my child’s needs? I have chosen to work as a childminder as I feel it is essential that babies and young children are able to build up a stable and confident relationship with their Early Years Practitioner in a friendly and homely environment. As I only have small number of children in my care I am able to meet every child’s individual needs and focus entirely on them. Using the Early Years Foundation Stage Guidance I plan activities and learning experiences based on your child’s needs, interests and age. I organise my days within a routine ensuring that all children’s needs are met in relation to eating, drinking, sleeping, stimulation and rest time.
What is it you like about caring for children? I have always had a keen interest in the care of children and providing what I feel is a high quality of provision. I enjoy offering children different experiences and activities. I enjoy getting down and playing with the children, seeing them laugh and teaching them new things. Every day is different when caring for children; it is lovely to build up a relationship with children and their parents.
How will you manage difficult behaviour? Children often display non-compliant or challenging behaviour. It is essential that we work in partnership as practitioner and parents to teach children right and wrong. I tackle challenging behaviour by removing children from the situation, and dependent on age, explain what they have done and how it makes others feel. Children can reflect by being removed from the situation and are encouraged to say sorry for their action. I constantly praise children when they achieve something new, or are helpful and kind. This way I teach them which behaviours are acceptable and which are not. I have a behaviour management policy which you can refer to.
Will you provide my child with healthy and nutritious meals and snacks? Yes. I feel very strongly that children should receive a healthy, nutritious balanced diet. Anything that can be home-made will be. Cakes and biscuits are by no-means banned; however they are a treat and not a necessity in everyday practice. There is strong evidence that diet affects children’s concentration and learning ability so a healthy life style is promoted. I always record what your child has eaten in their daily diary and ensure their meals are varied and nutritious. Milk, water and fruit are available throughout the day.
Will my child participate in a wide range of activities? Yes. I am a very active and sociable child care practitioner. Children participate in many activities in the home, outside space, community and outings. We have a love of the outdoor environment and frequent walks. A hands on approach is widely used within my childcare practice to involve children with messy play, helping to tidy toys and prepare their food.
Where will my child spend their time in your home? Following my initial Ofsted visit, the areas of my home available to your child are my kitchen, living room, bathroom, 2nd bedroom, and outside space.
Will my child be encouraged to socialise with other children outside your home? Yes. I have a Children’s centre within walking distance of my home. I go to toddler groups and socialise with other children who are cared for by childminders and nannies as well as parents.
Will my child go out and about in the community and explore the outdoors? Yes. An outing of some kind will be planned almost daily. From a toddler group, library, park...
Can I have access to the Early Years Foundation Stage observations and assessments that are carried out on my child? Yes. I have a Learning Journey which details the progress and development your child is making. This is a requirement set by OFSTED so that they can see that I are meeting your child’s needs. I also have a tracking system to ensure that all areas of the EYFS are being covered. The file will stay on my premises, but you can request to have a look at any time. All files are confidential between me, you and my OFSTED Inspector.
What insurance do you have? I have public liability insurance. I am also a member of the NCMA. (National Childminders Association)
How will I know where my child is and what they are doing? I endeavour to tell parents my plans for the following week by using the notice board in the porch or through an informal chat at the end of your child’s session. However plans do unexpectedly change as children will often initiate an activity I didn’t plan for! I fill in a daily diary for your child, where I note what activities your child has done, what they have eaten, when they have slept and any other messages. For school children a weekly diary sheet will be provided detailing meals, snacks activities and any other messages.
What age group of children do you look after? I will look after children from the age of 2 months and upwards. I will always consider the needs of those I am already caring for and how the age and ability of prospective children may fit in.
What are your hours of work? I work Monday – Friday from 7.00am – 5.30pm. I am open throughout the year (apart from approx. 4 weeks holiday & bank holidays). I drop off and pick up from Sacred Heart Primary School and other local schools and pre schools.
How much do you charge? Please contact me re fees as these are subject to change.
I will charge full rate if your child is ill.
I will not charge you anything if I am ill.
I am flexible with payments being weekly or monthly.
I am closed bank holidays - I will charge full rate (on contracted days)
I will expect a payment “in-hand”
I will discuss any possible major outings with larger entrance fees.
What happens if you or I have a holiday?
I will take approx. 4 weeks holiday a year
I do not work bank holidays - I will charge full rate (on contracted days)
I will let you know 4 weeks prior to any holiday I take
I will expect 4 weeks notice of your holiday time.
What if I am Ill? What if your child is ill? If I am ill and unable to work I will inform you as soon as possible so alternative arrangements can be made. Where possible I will liaise with other childminders in the area to make this easier.
What if your child is ill? If your child is ill you will need to need to call me and let me know. If they are under the weather I am flexible and we can discuss risks to other children. If they are infectious I will not be able to look after them.
How does my child settle in? This is an unsettling time for your child and an emotional time for you. It is essential that we work together to get it right. Once you have made the decision that you want me t care for your child, I like parents to come with their child for at least a couple of informal visits for all of you to get to know me, my family and my home. This also enables me to collect vital information relating to your child and how you wish me to care for them. It is a good idea to bring something from home to comfort your child when you are not there e.g. blanket or toy. You may wish to provide family photos or albums for us to look at and discuss whilst you are working - these could include you at work!! It is also wise to make actual goodbyes as quick and upbeat as possible to avoid unnecessary distress to you and your child.
What information do you require from me? Initially I will need a great deal of information from you to ensure I can care for your child properly and that all mandatory records are kept. Also, I think it is reassuring for children to see their parents/carers and childminder chatting in a friendly relaxed fashion. I would love parents to stay for an occasional coffee and chat where appropriate
I am proud to offer a large range of activities for children; these include activities to encourage small and gross motor skills, team work, creativity, and problem solving. All learning opportunities are adapted to ensure that all children can join in. I never single out a child or restrict an activity just because of age and ability. Once I feel that a child is confident with any given activity I enhance their learning by adding to the task, for example, if a child enjoys doing puzzles and can easily complete the four piece puzzles, I encourage them to try the six and eight piece ones. If I feel that a child is struggling with certain activities I strive to help them and develop that skill. This may mean adapting a task to make it slightly easier or spending more time on a certain activity until the child has become more confident in it. When I plan activities I look to centre it on the interests of the children in my care.