Settling In:
The purpose of a settling‐in period is to come to a mutually agreeable arrangement which suits childminder, parent and child.
As a registered childminder I understand how difficult it is for parents to leave their child with a childminder and return to work. I will therefore work with you to ensure your child is settled and that you are happy with the care that I am to provide.
As a registered childminder I am committed to offering a quality childcare service for parents and children and feel a policy for settling in must be in place. Agreeing a Settling in Policy gives you the opportunity to provide me with lots of information about your child, their likes and dislikes, routines, favourite activities, how to comfort them if they become upset and how they have reacted when left before. It gives me the opportunity to start to build a picture of both your child and your needs. I would encourage you to stay until you feel that your child is settled. Some children do take longer than others to settle and some settle quickly but can become distressed a few weeks into the placement for various reasons. I will work with you to support your child through this transition period. It is important that you and your child are relaxed and happy in my home and that you are satisfied with the care I provide.
Some parents find it helpful to contact me during the day to find out how their child is. I am happy to take your calls, but I am sometimes not able to talk for long, or even to answer the telephone if I am attending to a child’s personal needs, for example changing a nappy. So please do not be concerned if you call and there is no answer. I will return your call as soon as possible.
To facilitate your child to settle in I will:
*Introduce a settling in period before the contracted childminding arrangement begins. This will be agreed at the early discussion stage.
*Arrange for you and your child to visit my setting.
*Arrange some short stays for the child on their own.
*Ensure the settling period is not hurried giving support and reassurance to your child for as long as required.
*Encourage parents to collect their child on time.
*Establish a routine that the child can relate to and take comfort in.
*I will give a two to four week settling in period at the start of the arrangement. During this time no notice period or notice payment will be required. If it becomes apparent for any reason that the arrangement is not going to proceed I will give parents ample notice to enable alternative childcare to be sought. Fees will be due at the contract rate and there will be no additional charge for a notice period as detailed in full contract.
Language:
As I work from home and have my own children, I do have a policy on bad language which i expect all parents and children to accept and respect. I will not tolerate any bad language or blasphemy at all, If a child uses bad language I will inform the parents. If he/she continues I will have no choice but to give the parents 4 weeks notice to terminate their contract.
Sickness & The Exclusion Of Children Who Are Ill Or Infectious:s a registered Childminder I aim to provide a safe and healthy environment for all the children in my care. If a child in my setting becomes ill whilst in my care or whom I believe has an infectious illness or disease I will follow the procedures listed below.
*When negotiating the contract I will discuss and document arrangements for the exclusion of a child, should they become ill whilst in my setting.
*When negotiating the contract I will ensure that parents are clear in relation to any payments due or not due during periods of illness. This will be recorded on the contract, dated and signed by both parties.
*If your child is ill after a period of two weeks we will then have a discussion with regard to further payments/non payment or retainer fees.
*I appreciate that as a working parent you need to be able to go to work. However, if your child is unwell then I believe they will be better cared for in their own home with a parent.
*I am happy to care for children with minor coughs and colds. However, if your child has an infectious or notifiable illness, please inform me immediately. Please refer to my Infection Prevention & Control Policy
*Depending on the severity of the illness, I may need to exclude your child to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all children. Please refer to my Infection Prevention & Control Policy
*If your child has had diarrhoea or sickness in the last twenty‐four hours please do not bring them, but call and let me know.
*If your child becomes ill whilst in my care, I will make them as comfortable as possible, isolate them from the other children if necessary and reassure them. I will contact you immediately and continue to care for your child until you arrive.
*I am happy to administer medication but will need written parental permission. Please refer to my Management of Medicines Policy.
*If a child requires antibiotics it is recommended by the Public Health Agency (PHA) that they should not attend the setting until they have completed at least 48 hours of the treatment. Depending on the illness it may be longer than 48 hours as it may take a child longer to recover. However, it may also be agreed that the child can return earlier but this will be at my discretion.
Equal Opportunities Policy:
Within my Childminding setting, I work towards operating within an equal opportunities framework. I am committed to encouraging each child of every social class, religion, culture, race, gender and ability to achieve his / her full potential. I value parents/carers as their child’s first educator and will work closely with parents and share information.
Alcohol and Drugs Policy:
As a registered Childminder my aim is to provide a safe and healthy environment for all children in my care. By implementing this policy I believe that all parents/carers will have a clear understanding of the procedures to follow with regard to alcohol, drugs and substance misuse. In order to do this I will ensure that neither I, nor anyone else who has contact with the children whilst at my setting, is under the influence of alcohol or any other substance which may affect my ability to provide a quality childminding service.
As a registered Childminder I will have sole responsibility for your child whilst they are in my care. It is vital that I am alert to any dangers and able to protect him/her. In order to do this effectively I must not be under the influence of alcohol or any form of drugs (including some prescription medication). Where I am prescribed medication, other than routine antibiotics I will take the advice of my GP with regard to my ability to continue working as a Childminder whilst taking medication. I will not drink any alcohol during minded hours or immediately before.
If you have taken alcohol prior to collecting your child I would prefer if you arranged for another responsible adult to collect your child. Alternatively you may call me and I may be able to delay the pick up time if possible. Should a parent/carer collecting children from my setting present themselves as being under the influence of alcohol or drugs I would ask that someone else comes with the parent/carer to take responsibility of the
child before I give up my responsibility of the child. Should this happen, although I have no legal right to withhold a child from a parent/carer I reserve the right to contact any relevant professionals that I may feel appropriate. Your child’s safety is my main concern and as such this will determine the course of action taken.
Nappy changing and Toilet training:
I am happy to care for babies and children in nappies. I will need you to provide me with Nappies, any cream that you use on your child and Baby wipes. I will provide a changing mat, which will be cleaned with either disinfectant or anti bacterial wipes after each use. I will change your child regularly and immediately if they have soiled a nappy. When you decide it its time to potty train your child I ask that you ask the parent starts this at home over a long weekend/week before they will be allowed to come back to my setting. As I have other children to care for I can not attend to constant accidents, changing clothes and cleaning up but I do understand that there may be the odd accident, you can helps and tips on potty training online
Providing Food and Drink:
As a NICMA registered childminder I believe it is important for children to develop a healthy lifestyle. I recognise the need to encourage healthy eating habits from an early age and to provide children with positive healthy eating experiences in order to promote their well‐being. It is my intention that children will develop good eating habits and a healthy relationship with food.
The procedures I have in place are:
*As a registered childminder it is a legal requirement for me to register as a food business with the Environmental Service in my local Council. I follow the guidance in the “Safer food, better business” pack produced by the Food Standards Agency to ensure that the food I give to babies and children is safe to eat.
*Meals and snacks provided will be well balanced and nutritious. I follow government guidelines for healthy eating to help children achieve their five a day target as referred to in ‘Nutrition Matters for the Early Years’ published by the Public Health Authority ‐ available to download
http://www.publichealthagency.org/publications/nutrition‐matters‐early‐years‐guidance‐feeding‐under‐fives‐childcare‐setting
*The Healthy Eating policy is for ALL the children in my setting. Parents who provide food or drinks for their own child are expected to follow good nutritional practice.
*Parents are responsible for the safety of the food they provide and so must make sure it is properly cooled and packaged and that the childminder is aware of any perishable food which needs to be stored immediately in the fridge
*I will liaise with parents on their children’s food preferences, medical intolerances, allergies and dietary needs.
*The meals I provide will be based on unprocessed food prepared using healthy cooking methods. Processed items like sausages or chicken bites will be limited.
*Special diets will be respected. If necessary parents may be required to provide a diet sheet, approved by a registered dietitian. This must be discussed with me in advance.
*Cultural dietary requirements are respected and I enjoy adding diversity to the menu for all children. Parents should give details of specific requirements on the child’s personal profile.
*Children’s food preferences and specified dietary/cultural needs will be respected when planning menus .
*Mealtimes provide important learning opportunities. When possible we will all eat together and observe good table manners.
*I offer a balance and variety of healthy snacks to provide a range of cultural and nutritious experiences for children.
*I will encourage children to try unfamiliar foods as well as their own favourites.
*To protect teeth sweetened and fizzy drinks are not routinely offered.
*Fresh water is always available and children are encouraged to drink after exercise and when they feel thirsty.
*I encourage babies and young children to eat independently in a way that is appropriate to their stage of development.
*Praise and attention are used to develop self‐esteem and promote positive behaviour.
*Special foods will be used when celebrating festivals and special occasions but the focus will be on the event rather than the food provided.
Health & Safety Policy:
As a registered Childminder it is my responsibility to provide a safe and healthy environment for all children in my care. My premises have been checked as part of the registration process and meet all mandatory requirements. To ensure the safety of the children in my care and myself, on a daily basis I will endeavour to comply with the following procedures:
*Both indoor and outdoor play areas within my setting are secure and children are supervised at all times unless they are sleeping when they will be monitored regularly.
*All toys and equipment are checked and cleaned regularly; any damaged equipment will be repaired or disposed of immediately.
*All equipment offered to children is age/stage appropriate.
*Risk assessments are carried out both indoors and outdoors on a daily basis to ensure the safety of all children. This is recorded and reviewed regularly and is presented to my registering Social Worker on request.
*As a legal requirement I carry out regular fire risk assessments within my setting and I have regular fire drills. Fire safety equipment is checked regularly and all fire exits remain unobstructed at all times. All information is recorded in a Firelog Booklet.
*All external doors are kept locked and keys are removed out of the children’s reach but they are easy accessible to myself in the event of an emergency.
*All hazardous substances and medicines are kept out of reach or in a locked cupboard.
*My first aid box is correctly stocked – and contents are checked frequently and replaced as necessary. It is easily accessible to myself at all times but out of the reach of children.
*I have a fire blanket/extinguisher/working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, all of which are checked regularly. I provide stair gates and fireguards which meet the relevant safety standards.
*I check all car seats regularly to ensure they are fitted correctly and appropriate for the age /stage of the child as laid out under current safety standards.
*It is my legal obligation to keep a record of all accidents and incidents involving an injury to a child in my care. These records provide a clear audit trail with names, signatures, dates and times etc. (see my Dealing with Medical Emergencies and Management of Records policy)
*Accidents/incidents may also need to be reported to the Health & Safety Executive, Environmental Health or the Public Health Agency. All accidents/incidents that require referral to these agencies will also be referred to the Early Years Team in the Trust (see my Management of Records policy).
*I have procedures in place in the event of an emergency (see Managing Emergencies policy).
As a legal requirement I am registered as a food business with the Environmental Service in my local Council. I keep strict hygiene procedures when preparing and storing food and follow the guidelines set out in the “Safer food, better business for childminders” booklet.
When dealing with children who are bleeding, being sick or who have had a toileting accident I will always use disposable gloves. When changing children I always use disposable gloves and nappies are disposed of immediately. Areas which have come into contact with blood or other bodily fluids will be cleaned with a bleach based solution immediately and other children are kept away from the area until this has been completed
(as advised in the Public Health Agency document ‘Infection Prevention and Control’ Best Practise Advice for Nurseries and Childcare settings).
All visitors to the setting are identified and their access to children is controlled.Children are protected from over exposure to the sun and extremes of weather conditions throughout the year and their well being is actively promoted when they play outdoors. Parents will be required to provide written permission for sunscreen to be applied. I operate a strict no smoking policy in my setting. I have appropriate insurance cover for my business, house and car. My car has a regular service and MOT. I have emergency contact details with me at all times should I need to contact parents. I encourage the children to learn about the importance of healthy eating and physical exercise. I teach them about safety and give them opportunities to take responsibility suitable to their stage of development. I obtain parents’ permission on the childminding contract to take children on outings. This may be by car or on public transport (see my Transport Policy).
Dealing With Medial Emergencies:
As a registered Childminder I will implement the procedures stated in this policy to ensure the health, safety and welfare of your child. In the event of a medical emergency whereby a child requires professional medical attention I will reassure the child and contact emergency services immediately. I will telephone the parent and arrangements can be made whether to meet the child at hospital or at my childminding setting. I will take the child to the nearest A&E unit unless the parents have requested in writing that they wish for their child to be treated in a specific A&E Unit. If I need to accompany the child to hospital I will contact my emergency back‐up. This will be another registered childminder who will take responsibility for the other children in my care. This person will be known to you and is named below. In the event of an accident to myself I will seek help immediately from the nearest responsible adult and my emergency back‐up will be contacted as soon as possible to take responsibility for the children. I cannot give permission for any child to receive medical treatment from a doctor/nurse etc. Parents will be contacted immediately to give permission for treatment to go ahead. If parents cannot be contacted the doctor will need to make any decisions regarding treatment. It is ESSENTIAL that I keep all parents contact numbers up to date. Please inform me of any changes immediately. Parents of children who are not involved in the emergency may be contacted by my emergency back‐up to come and collect their child (ren). In the event of not being able to contact my emergency back‐up I will get the nearest responsible adult to help care for the children until you come to collect them. As a registered childminder it is my legal obligation to keep a record of all accidents and incidents which may result in an injury to a child in my care. These records provide a clear audit trail with names, signatures, dates and times etc. I will notify NICMA, the local Health and Social Care Trust and any other appropriate agencies of any serious accidents or injuries to a child in my care (see my Health & Safety and Management of Records policies).
Management Of Medicines:
As a registered Childminder / Approved Home Childcarer I will implement the procedures stated in this management of medicines policy to ensure that I meet the needs of each individual child. These procedures are:
*I am unable to administer ANY medication to a child unless I have specific prior written permission from the parent.
*I cannot accept prescribed medicines without complete written and signed instructions from the parent.
*In an emergency non‐prescribed medicine will be administered only if the appropriate consent form has been signed. Normal recording procedures will still apply on collection of the child.
*All medication provided by parents must be in its original packaging and labelled correctly. The following information should be provided:
- Child’s name;
- Name of medication;
- Dosage;
- Frequency of administration;
- Date of dispensing;
- Storage requirement (if important); and
- Expiry date.
*Items of medication in unlabelled containers will not be accepted
*All medicines are stored safely, out of reach of children and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
*I only administer long term medication when trained to do so either by a parent or relevant professional.
*Information about all medication administered to each child is recorded. These records provide a clear audit trail with names, signatures, dates and times and include:
Safeguarding & Child Protection:
As a registered childminder I aim to keep all children in my care safe by adopting the highest possible standards and taking reasonable steps to protect them from harm. Child protection is specifically about protecting children and young people from suspected abuse whereas safeguarding children goes much wider than this. It is about promoting children’s welfare and ensuring that the care they receive is safe and effective to enable them to reach their full potential. The purpose of this policy is to set out a clear framework of my responsibilities for safeguarding all children in my care. I will ensure that each child’s individual needs and rights are my main priority and that this is reflected in my care for them. I ensure these rights and needs are met by following the procedures stated below.
*I follow the Child Protection Guidelines and Procedures set out by the Health & Social Care Trust I am registered with and also follow NICMA’s Child Protection guidelines for members.
*All accidents or incidents involving injury to your child in my care, no matter how minor, will be recorded in my Accident/Incident Book.
*Any injuries that your child has upon arrival at my childminding setting will be recorded in my accident/incident book. A brief explanation from you on how the injury occurred will be required as well as your signature.
*Parents need to notify me of any concerns that they have about their child.
*If I am concerned about a child’s welfare, I will contact the Gateway Team in my local Health & Social Care Trust to seek advice. Confidentiality will be maintained except in cases where it is considered by the professional that the child could be at risk.
*As stated in my “Confidentiality” and “Taking or Using Photographs and Recordings of Children” policies I will not take photographs or video recordings of your child without written parental consent. If permission is granted any photographs or recordings will only be used for the purposes
for which they were intended and there will be no breach of child protection procedures.
*Any inconsistent injuries, physical marks, changes in behaviour, use of sexually inappropriate language or concerns affecting a child’s well being will be recorded using NICMA’s “Cause for Concern Form – Allegations or Suspicions of Abuse.” Parents will normally be the first point of contact, although concerns may also be passed directly to my local Gateway Team.
Confidentiality:
As a registered Childminder I recognise that it is crucial that I build a trusting partnership between myself and all parents. All families that I work with have a right to expect that anything I learn about them in the course of my business will NOT be shared with anybody without the prior permission of the family. The only time confidential details might be passed on would be for child protection purposes.
*All information shared with me will be kept “Strictly Confidential” and will not be disclosed without the parent(s)’ consent, except:
- if there appears to be a child protection issue (please refer to my Child Protection policy) ;
- for inspection and registration purposes whereby all records pertaining to children must be
available for inspection by the Trust’s Early Years Team; and
- if a child has an accident which could result in an insurance claim.
*All information regarding my business will be stored in a secure place away from other family members or visitors to my house. Please refer to my Data Protection Policy.
*I would request that parents inform me of any changes in the child’s home situation, care arrangements or any other change which may affect their child’s behaviour such as a family bereavement, marital split or the birth of a new baby. This is to ensure that I give your child the best quality care possible. All information will be kept confidential following the procedures stated above.
*Records about a child are available to parents at any time. Parents will be required to sign and date this information when they access it.
*Taking photographs or video recordings of your child can provide a variety of learning opportunities within my childminding setting. Photographs may also be used by NICMA for display, promotional or instructional purposes. I have a written policy on “Taking or Using Photographs and Recordings of Children” which I will share with you to ensure that parental written consent is provided using the relevant documentation before any photographs or video recordings are taken. There will be no breach of confidentiality through the use of home computers, social networking sites, mobile phones, cameras etc
*I record all accidents in an accident/incident book. As alluded to above I will notify NICMA and my Health & Social Care Trust of all accidents which could result in an insurance claim, e.g. an accident involving a doctor or hospital visit.
*I will not contact a health visitor or GP or any other professional body about a child unless I have the agreement of the parents/carers except when I have concerns about a child protection issue or when a child is involved in an emergency situation
*If a parent needs to have a confidential conversation regarding their child or home circumstances I will ensure that this can take place at a time that suits both parties and when we can be ensured complete privacy.
Managing Children's Behaviour:
As a registered childminder and member of NICMA – the Childminding Association, I aim to offer a quality childcare service for parents and children. I recognise the need to set reasonable and appropriate limits to help manage the behaviour of children in my care. By providing a happy, well managed environment, the children in my care will be encouraged to develop social skills to help them be accepted and welcomed in society as they grow up. I endorse positive discipline as a more effective way of setting limits for children. The procedures I follow are:
*I strictly adhere to NICMA’s “No smacking” policy. I will NEVER smack a child. It is wrong because it teaches children that it is okay to hit people and that a lack of self control is perfectly acceptable behaviour.
*I will promote children’s self esteem as shaming, scolding; hurting and humiliating children can lead to even worse behaviour. Attention, approval and praise build self esteem and a child who feels valued is more likely to behave well.
*I will work with parents to ensure consistency of boundaries and expectations.
*I will work together with the children to develop clear rules and boundaries for my setting.
*I aim to be a positive role model and set a good example as young children take more notice of how we are and what we do than what we say.
*I will reward good behaviour because rewards are constructive; they encourage further effort. Punishment is destructive; it humiliates children and makes them feel powerless.
*I empower children to manage their own behaviour because they need to learn to take responsibility for their own actions and to understand how to conduct themselves even when there is no one to tell them what to do
*I set realistic boundaries according to the children’s age and stage of development because as children grow and develop our expectations of them change.
*I will encourage children rather than give orders or instructions because “do as you are told” teaches nothing for next time. Positive discipline involves explaining why.
*I will be consistent in my approach to managing challenging behaviour as children need to understand acceptable boundaries and it helps if they know that we mean what we say.
*I give praise, appreciation and attention because when children are used to getting attention for good behaviour they won’t need to seek it by misbehaving.
*Parents are informed regularly of their child’s development and good behaviour is acknowledged and shared with parents.
*Children are given responsibility consistent with their age and stage of development.
*I will help children to recognise and deal appropriately with their feelings.
*I will not tolerate bullying in any form within my setting. If bullying occurs I will contact parents immediately and manage the behaviour as stated below
Managing Unwanted Behaviour:
If a child is demonstrating unacceptable behaviour I will:
*Remove the child from the situation.
*Not humiliate or isolate the child
*Speak clearly and firmly to keep control.
*Make it clear that it is the behaviour that is not acceptable, not the child.
*Explain why the behaviour is not acceptable.
*Ask the child to sit quietly beside me for a few minutes to calm down. I will NOT use a “naughty step/chair”
*Ask the child to offer an apology where appropriate.
*When the child has calmed down I will offer the opportunity to re-join the activity they have been removed from or re-direct the child to another activity.
*Ensure that after the incident has been dealt with a fresh start is made and children do not get labelled as being the “naughty child.”
*If bullying occurs I will work closely with the child and the parent to resolve the situation and modify the behaviour.
*Help children who have been bullied to become more assertive and have their security, self esteem and self-worth increased.
*Inform parents of any significant behaviour problems and keep records of any incidents that are judged to be significant. All records are shared with parents.
*No form of physical restraint will be used unless the child is in danger or seriously hurting himself or others.
Transport:
As a registered childminder there will be times I will be transporting children in my car or on public transport. In order to ensure the safety of the children and myself, I have the following procedures in place.
*I obtain parents’ permission on the childminding contract to take children on outings. (see my Health & Safety Policy).
*I hold a current driving license.
*My car is fully taxed and insured for business purposes. It is serviced regularly and has an MOT certificate (where necessary).
*I have car seats/restraints appropriate to each child which they must use at all times. These meet British or European standards and are correctly fitted and checked regularly.
*Parents are encouraged to check to make sure they are happy with the car seat/restraint used for their child.
*I always follow the current NICMA guidelines on “Child seat and seat belt laws (NICMA Factsheet 2 & 3)
*Where public transport vehicles have seat belts these will be used.
*If it is necessary for me to use a taxi to transport the children, only registered taxi firms will be used and with appropriate restraints.
*If parents are using a taxi service for children to travel to or from the childminding setting on their own this will be the responsibility of the parent and the childminding contract will only start once the child arrives at the setting
*Children will NEVER be left unattended in the car at any time.
Taking Or Using Photographs And Recordings Of Children:
As a Registered Childminder and NICMA member it is my responsibility to ensure that I have written consent from parents to take or use photographs and/or recordings of your child. I adhere to the following procedures:
*The Childminder’s Image Consent Form is completed by the parents prior to using images or recording children within the childminding setting.
*A NICMA Image Consent Form will be completed by the parent and forwarded to NICMA prior to childminders/media representatives, professional
photographers taking photographs or recording during planned NICMA events.
*The NICMA Image Consent Form will be completed by the parent and forwarded to NICMA where images will be used in NICMA publications,
Power Point presentations or as part of a display produced by NICMA for promotional or instructional purposes.
*Photographs or recordings will only be used for the purposes of which they were intended and then deleted from personal cameras, computers and mobile phones.
*If a photograph or recording is used, I will avoid naming the child or young person without good reason. (Newspapers may wish to publish a child’s full name and NICMA will require children’s names for specific NICMA events).
*I will only use images or recordings of children or young people in suitable dress to reduce the risk of inappropriate use.
*If I become aware of inappropriate images or recordings of children/young people being used this will be reported in the same manner as any other child protection concern.
*Photographs or recordings will not be shared on social networking sites.
*I will not allow others unsupervised access to children/young people or one to one photo sessions during planned NICMA events.
The purpose of a settling‐in period is to come to a mutually agreeable arrangement which suits childminder, parent and child.
As a registered childminder I understand how difficult it is for parents to leave their child with a childminder and return to work. I will therefore work with you to ensure your child is settled and that you are happy with the care that I am to provide.
As a registered childminder I am committed to offering a quality childcare service for parents and children and feel a policy for settling in must be in place. Agreeing a Settling in Policy gives you the opportunity to provide me with lots of information about your child, their likes and dislikes, routines, favourite activities, how to comfort them if they become upset and how they have reacted when left before. It gives me the opportunity to start to build a picture of both your child and your needs. I would encourage you to stay until you feel that your child is settled. Some children do take longer than others to settle and some settle quickly but can become distressed a few weeks into the placement for various reasons. I will work with you to support your child through this transition period. It is important that you and your child are relaxed and happy in my home and that you are satisfied with the care I provide.
Some parents find it helpful to contact me during the day to find out how their child is. I am happy to take your calls, but I am sometimes not able to talk for long, or even to answer the telephone if I am attending to a child’s personal needs, for example changing a nappy. So please do not be concerned if you call and there is no answer. I will return your call as soon as possible.
To facilitate your child to settle in I will:
*Introduce a settling in period before the contracted childminding arrangement begins. This will be agreed at the early discussion stage.
*Arrange for you and your child to visit my setting.
*Arrange some short stays for the child on their own.
*Ensure the settling period is not hurried giving support and reassurance to your child for as long as required.
*Encourage parents to collect their child on time.
*Establish a routine that the child can relate to and take comfort in.
*I will give a two to four week settling in period at the start of the arrangement. During this time no notice period or notice payment will be required. If it becomes apparent for any reason that the arrangement is not going to proceed I will give parents ample notice to enable alternative childcare to be sought. Fees will be due at the contract rate and there will be no additional charge for a notice period as detailed in full contract.
Language:
As I work from home and have my own children, I do have a policy on bad language which i expect all parents and children to accept and respect. I will not tolerate any bad language or blasphemy at all, If a child uses bad language I will inform the parents. If he/she continues I will have no choice but to give the parents 4 weeks notice to terminate their contract.
Sickness & The Exclusion Of Children Who Are Ill Or Infectious:s a registered Childminder I aim to provide a safe and healthy environment for all the children in my care. If a child in my setting becomes ill whilst in my care or whom I believe has an infectious illness or disease I will follow the procedures listed below.
*When negotiating the contract I will discuss and document arrangements for the exclusion of a child, should they become ill whilst in my setting.
*When negotiating the contract I will ensure that parents are clear in relation to any payments due or not due during periods of illness. This will be recorded on the contract, dated and signed by both parties.
*If your child is ill after a period of two weeks we will then have a discussion with regard to further payments/non payment or retainer fees.
*I appreciate that as a working parent you need to be able to go to work. However, if your child is unwell then I believe they will be better cared for in their own home with a parent.
*I am happy to care for children with minor coughs and colds. However, if your child has an infectious or notifiable illness, please inform me immediately. Please refer to my Infection Prevention & Control Policy
*Depending on the severity of the illness, I may need to exclude your child to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all children. Please refer to my Infection Prevention & Control Policy
*If your child has had diarrhoea or sickness in the last twenty‐four hours please do not bring them, but call and let me know.
*If your child becomes ill whilst in my care, I will make them as comfortable as possible, isolate them from the other children if necessary and reassure them. I will contact you immediately and continue to care for your child until you arrive.
*I am happy to administer medication but will need written parental permission. Please refer to my Management of Medicines Policy.
*If a child requires antibiotics it is recommended by the Public Health Agency (PHA) that they should not attend the setting until they have completed at least 48 hours of the treatment. Depending on the illness it may be longer than 48 hours as it may take a child longer to recover. However, it may also be agreed that the child can return earlier but this will be at my discretion.
Equal Opportunities Policy:
Within my Childminding setting, I work towards operating within an equal opportunities framework. I am committed to encouraging each child of every social class, religion, culture, race, gender and ability to achieve his / her full potential. I value parents/carers as their child’s first educator and will work closely with parents and share information.
Alcohol and Drugs Policy:
As a registered Childminder my aim is to provide a safe and healthy environment for all children in my care. By implementing this policy I believe that all parents/carers will have a clear understanding of the procedures to follow with regard to alcohol, drugs and substance misuse. In order to do this I will ensure that neither I, nor anyone else who has contact with the children whilst at my setting, is under the influence of alcohol or any other substance which may affect my ability to provide a quality childminding service.
As a registered Childminder I will have sole responsibility for your child whilst they are in my care. It is vital that I am alert to any dangers and able to protect him/her. In order to do this effectively I must not be under the influence of alcohol or any form of drugs (including some prescription medication). Where I am prescribed medication, other than routine antibiotics I will take the advice of my GP with regard to my ability to continue working as a Childminder whilst taking medication. I will not drink any alcohol during minded hours or immediately before.
If you have taken alcohol prior to collecting your child I would prefer if you arranged for another responsible adult to collect your child. Alternatively you may call me and I may be able to delay the pick up time if possible. Should a parent/carer collecting children from my setting present themselves as being under the influence of alcohol or drugs I would ask that someone else comes with the parent/carer to take responsibility of the
child before I give up my responsibility of the child. Should this happen, although I have no legal right to withhold a child from a parent/carer I reserve the right to contact any relevant professionals that I may feel appropriate. Your child’s safety is my main concern and as such this will determine the course of action taken.
Nappy changing and Toilet training:
I am happy to care for babies and children in nappies. I will need you to provide me with Nappies, any cream that you use on your child and Baby wipes. I will provide a changing mat, which will be cleaned with either disinfectant or anti bacterial wipes after each use. I will change your child regularly and immediately if they have soiled a nappy. When you decide it its time to potty train your child I ask that you ask the parent starts this at home over a long weekend/week before they will be allowed to come back to my setting. As I have other children to care for I can not attend to constant accidents, changing clothes and cleaning up but I do understand that there may be the odd accident, you can helps and tips on potty training online
Providing Food and Drink:
As a NICMA registered childminder I believe it is important for children to develop a healthy lifestyle. I recognise the need to encourage healthy eating habits from an early age and to provide children with positive healthy eating experiences in order to promote their well‐being. It is my intention that children will develop good eating habits and a healthy relationship with food.
The procedures I have in place are:
*As a registered childminder it is a legal requirement for me to register as a food business with the Environmental Service in my local Council. I follow the guidance in the “Safer food, better business” pack produced by the Food Standards Agency to ensure that the food I give to babies and children is safe to eat.
*Meals and snacks provided will be well balanced and nutritious. I follow government guidelines for healthy eating to help children achieve their five a day target as referred to in ‘Nutrition Matters for the Early Years’ published by the Public Health Authority ‐ available to download
http://www.publichealthagency.org/publications/nutrition‐matters‐early‐years‐guidance‐feeding‐under‐fives‐childcare‐setting
*The Healthy Eating policy is for ALL the children in my setting. Parents who provide food or drinks for their own child are expected to follow good nutritional practice.
*Parents are responsible for the safety of the food they provide and so must make sure it is properly cooled and packaged and that the childminder is aware of any perishable food which needs to be stored immediately in the fridge
*I will liaise with parents on their children’s food preferences, medical intolerances, allergies and dietary needs.
*The meals I provide will be based on unprocessed food prepared using healthy cooking methods. Processed items like sausages or chicken bites will be limited.
*Special diets will be respected. If necessary parents may be required to provide a diet sheet, approved by a registered dietitian. This must be discussed with me in advance.
*Cultural dietary requirements are respected and I enjoy adding diversity to the menu for all children. Parents should give details of specific requirements on the child’s personal profile.
*Children’s food preferences and specified dietary/cultural needs will be respected when planning menus .
*Mealtimes provide important learning opportunities. When possible we will all eat together and observe good table manners.
*I offer a balance and variety of healthy snacks to provide a range of cultural and nutritious experiences for children.
*I will encourage children to try unfamiliar foods as well as their own favourites.
*To protect teeth sweetened and fizzy drinks are not routinely offered.
*Fresh water is always available and children are encouraged to drink after exercise and when they feel thirsty.
*I encourage babies and young children to eat independently in a way that is appropriate to their stage of development.
*Praise and attention are used to develop self‐esteem and promote positive behaviour.
*Special foods will be used when celebrating festivals and special occasions but the focus will be on the event rather than the food provided.
Health & Safety Policy:
As a registered Childminder it is my responsibility to provide a safe and healthy environment for all children in my care. My premises have been checked as part of the registration process and meet all mandatory requirements. To ensure the safety of the children in my care and myself, on a daily basis I will endeavour to comply with the following procedures:
*Both indoor and outdoor play areas within my setting are secure and children are supervised at all times unless they are sleeping when they will be monitored regularly.
*All toys and equipment are checked and cleaned regularly; any damaged equipment will be repaired or disposed of immediately.
*All equipment offered to children is age/stage appropriate.
*Risk assessments are carried out both indoors and outdoors on a daily basis to ensure the safety of all children. This is recorded and reviewed regularly and is presented to my registering Social Worker on request.
*As a legal requirement I carry out regular fire risk assessments within my setting and I have regular fire drills. Fire safety equipment is checked regularly and all fire exits remain unobstructed at all times. All information is recorded in a Firelog Booklet.
*All external doors are kept locked and keys are removed out of the children’s reach but they are easy accessible to myself in the event of an emergency.
*All hazardous substances and medicines are kept out of reach or in a locked cupboard.
*My first aid box is correctly stocked – and contents are checked frequently and replaced as necessary. It is easily accessible to myself at all times but out of the reach of children.
*I have a fire blanket/extinguisher/working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, all of which are checked regularly. I provide stair gates and fireguards which meet the relevant safety standards.
*I check all car seats regularly to ensure they are fitted correctly and appropriate for the age /stage of the child as laid out under current safety standards.
*It is my legal obligation to keep a record of all accidents and incidents involving an injury to a child in my care. These records provide a clear audit trail with names, signatures, dates and times etc. (see my Dealing with Medical Emergencies and Management of Records policy)
*Accidents/incidents may also need to be reported to the Health & Safety Executive, Environmental Health or the Public Health Agency. All accidents/incidents that require referral to these agencies will also be referred to the Early Years Team in the Trust (see my Management of Records policy).
*I have procedures in place in the event of an emergency (see Managing Emergencies policy).
As a legal requirement I am registered as a food business with the Environmental Service in my local Council. I keep strict hygiene procedures when preparing and storing food and follow the guidelines set out in the “Safer food, better business for childminders” booklet.
When dealing with children who are bleeding, being sick or who have had a toileting accident I will always use disposable gloves. When changing children I always use disposable gloves and nappies are disposed of immediately. Areas which have come into contact with blood or other bodily fluids will be cleaned with a bleach based solution immediately and other children are kept away from the area until this has been completed
(as advised in the Public Health Agency document ‘Infection Prevention and Control’ Best Practise Advice for Nurseries and Childcare settings).
All visitors to the setting are identified and their access to children is controlled.Children are protected from over exposure to the sun and extremes of weather conditions throughout the year and their well being is actively promoted when they play outdoors. Parents will be required to provide written permission for sunscreen to be applied. I operate a strict no smoking policy in my setting. I have appropriate insurance cover for my business, house and car. My car has a regular service and MOT. I have emergency contact details with me at all times should I need to contact parents. I encourage the children to learn about the importance of healthy eating and physical exercise. I teach them about safety and give them opportunities to take responsibility suitable to their stage of development. I obtain parents’ permission on the childminding contract to take children on outings. This may be by car or on public transport (see my Transport Policy).
Dealing With Medial Emergencies:
As a registered Childminder I will implement the procedures stated in this policy to ensure the health, safety and welfare of your child. In the event of a medical emergency whereby a child requires professional medical attention I will reassure the child and contact emergency services immediately. I will telephone the parent and arrangements can be made whether to meet the child at hospital or at my childminding setting. I will take the child to the nearest A&E unit unless the parents have requested in writing that they wish for their child to be treated in a specific A&E Unit. If I need to accompany the child to hospital I will contact my emergency back‐up. This will be another registered childminder who will take responsibility for the other children in my care. This person will be known to you and is named below. In the event of an accident to myself I will seek help immediately from the nearest responsible adult and my emergency back‐up will be contacted as soon as possible to take responsibility for the children. I cannot give permission for any child to receive medical treatment from a doctor/nurse etc. Parents will be contacted immediately to give permission for treatment to go ahead. If parents cannot be contacted the doctor will need to make any decisions regarding treatment. It is ESSENTIAL that I keep all parents contact numbers up to date. Please inform me of any changes immediately. Parents of children who are not involved in the emergency may be contacted by my emergency back‐up to come and collect their child (ren). In the event of not being able to contact my emergency back‐up I will get the nearest responsible adult to help care for the children until you come to collect them. As a registered childminder it is my legal obligation to keep a record of all accidents and incidents which may result in an injury to a child in my care. These records provide a clear audit trail with names, signatures, dates and times etc. I will notify NICMA, the local Health and Social Care Trust and any other appropriate agencies of any serious accidents or injuries to a child in my care (see my Health & Safety and Management of Records policies).
Management Of Medicines:
As a registered Childminder / Approved Home Childcarer I will implement the procedures stated in this management of medicines policy to ensure that I meet the needs of each individual child. These procedures are:
*I am unable to administer ANY medication to a child unless I have specific prior written permission from the parent.
*I cannot accept prescribed medicines without complete written and signed instructions from the parent.
*In an emergency non‐prescribed medicine will be administered only if the appropriate consent form has been signed. Normal recording procedures will still apply on collection of the child.
*All medication provided by parents must be in its original packaging and labelled correctly. The following information should be provided:
- Child’s name;
- Name of medication;
- Dosage;
- Frequency of administration;
- Date of dispensing;
- Storage requirement (if important); and
- Expiry date.
*Items of medication in unlabelled containers will not be accepted
*All medicines are stored safely, out of reach of children and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
*I only administer long term medication when trained to do so either by a parent or relevant professional.
*Information about all medication administered to each child is recorded. These records provide a clear audit trail with names, signatures, dates and times and include:
Safeguarding & Child Protection:
As a registered childminder I aim to keep all children in my care safe by adopting the highest possible standards and taking reasonable steps to protect them from harm. Child protection is specifically about protecting children and young people from suspected abuse whereas safeguarding children goes much wider than this. It is about promoting children’s welfare and ensuring that the care they receive is safe and effective to enable them to reach their full potential. The purpose of this policy is to set out a clear framework of my responsibilities for safeguarding all children in my care. I will ensure that each child’s individual needs and rights are my main priority and that this is reflected in my care for them. I ensure these rights and needs are met by following the procedures stated below.
*I follow the Child Protection Guidelines and Procedures set out by the Health & Social Care Trust I am registered with and also follow NICMA’s Child Protection guidelines for members.
*All accidents or incidents involving injury to your child in my care, no matter how minor, will be recorded in my Accident/Incident Book.
*Any injuries that your child has upon arrival at my childminding setting will be recorded in my accident/incident book. A brief explanation from you on how the injury occurred will be required as well as your signature.
*Parents need to notify me of any concerns that they have about their child.
*If I am concerned about a child’s welfare, I will contact the Gateway Team in my local Health & Social Care Trust to seek advice. Confidentiality will be maintained except in cases where it is considered by the professional that the child could be at risk.
*As stated in my “Confidentiality” and “Taking or Using Photographs and Recordings of Children” policies I will not take photographs or video recordings of your child without written parental consent. If permission is granted any photographs or recordings will only be used for the purposes
for which they were intended and there will be no breach of child protection procedures.
*Any inconsistent injuries, physical marks, changes in behaviour, use of sexually inappropriate language or concerns affecting a child’s well being will be recorded using NICMA’s “Cause for Concern Form – Allegations or Suspicions of Abuse.” Parents will normally be the first point of contact, although concerns may also be passed directly to my local Gateway Team.
Confidentiality:
As a registered Childminder I recognise that it is crucial that I build a trusting partnership between myself and all parents. All families that I work with have a right to expect that anything I learn about them in the course of my business will NOT be shared with anybody without the prior permission of the family. The only time confidential details might be passed on would be for child protection purposes.
*All information shared with me will be kept “Strictly Confidential” and will not be disclosed without the parent(s)’ consent, except:
- if there appears to be a child protection issue (please refer to my Child Protection policy) ;
- for inspection and registration purposes whereby all records pertaining to children must be
available for inspection by the Trust’s Early Years Team; and
- if a child has an accident which could result in an insurance claim.
*All information regarding my business will be stored in a secure place away from other family members or visitors to my house. Please refer to my Data Protection Policy.
*I would request that parents inform me of any changes in the child’s home situation, care arrangements or any other change which may affect their child’s behaviour such as a family bereavement, marital split or the birth of a new baby. This is to ensure that I give your child the best quality care possible. All information will be kept confidential following the procedures stated above.
*Records about a child are available to parents at any time. Parents will be required to sign and date this information when they access it.
*Taking photographs or video recordings of your child can provide a variety of learning opportunities within my childminding setting. Photographs may also be used by NICMA for display, promotional or instructional purposes. I have a written policy on “Taking or Using Photographs and Recordings of Children” which I will share with you to ensure that parental written consent is provided using the relevant documentation before any photographs or video recordings are taken. There will be no breach of confidentiality through the use of home computers, social networking sites, mobile phones, cameras etc
*I record all accidents in an accident/incident book. As alluded to above I will notify NICMA and my Health & Social Care Trust of all accidents which could result in an insurance claim, e.g. an accident involving a doctor or hospital visit.
*I will not contact a health visitor or GP or any other professional body about a child unless I have the agreement of the parents/carers except when I have concerns about a child protection issue or when a child is involved in an emergency situation
*If a parent needs to have a confidential conversation regarding their child or home circumstances I will ensure that this can take place at a time that suits both parties and when we can be ensured complete privacy.
Managing Children's Behaviour:
As a registered childminder and member of NICMA – the Childminding Association, I aim to offer a quality childcare service for parents and children. I recognise the need to set reasonable and appropriate limits to help manage the behaviour of children in my care. By providing a happy, well managed environment, the children in my care will be encouraged to develop social skills to help them be accepted and welcomed in society as they grow up. I endorse positive discipline as a more effective way of setting limits for children. The procedures I follow are:
*I strictly adhere to NICMA’s “No smacking” policy. I will NEVER smack a child. It is wrong because it teaches children that it is okay to hit people and that a lack of self control is perfectly acceptable behaviour.
*I will promote children’s self esteem as shaming, scolding; hurting and humiliating children can lead to even worse behaviour. Attention, approval and praise build self esteem and a child who feels valued is more likely to behave well.
*I will work with parents to ensure consistency of boundaries and expectations.
*I will work together with the children to develop clear rules and boundaries for my setting.
*I aim to be a positive role model and set a good example as young children take more notice of how we are and what we do than what we say.
*I will reward good behaviour because rewards are constructive; they encourage further effort. Punishment is destructive; it humiliates children and makes them feel powerless.
*I empower children to manage their own behaviour because they need to learn to take responsibility for their own actions and to understand how to conduct themselves even when there is no one to tell them what to do
*I set realistic boundaries according to the children’s age and stage of development because as children grow and develop our expectations of them change.
*I will encourage children rather than give orders or instructions because “do as you are told” teaches nothing for next time. Positive discipline involves explaining why.
*I will be consistent in my approach to managing challenging behaviour as children need to understand acceptable boundaries and it helps if they know that we mean what we say.
*I give praise, appreciation and attention because when children are used to getting attention for good behaviour they won’t need to seek it by misbehaving.
*Parents are informed regularly of their child’s development and good behaviour is acknowledged and shared with parents.
*Children are given responsibility consistent with their age and stage of development.
*I will help children to recognise and deal appropriately with their feelings.
*I will not tolerate bullying in any form within my setting. If bullying occurs I will contact parents immediately and manage the behaviour as stated below
Managing Unwanted Behaviour:
If a child is demonstrating unacceptable behaviour I will:
*Remove the child from the situation.
*Not humiliate or isolate the child
*Speak clearly and firmly to keep control.
*Make it clear that it is the behaviour that is not acceptable, not the child.
*Explain why the behaviour is not acceptable.
*Ask the child to sit quietly beside me for a few minutes to calm down. I will NOT use a “naughty step/chair”
*Ask the child to offer an apology where appropriate.
*When the child has calmed down I will offer the opportunity to re-join the activity they have been removed from or re-direct the child to another activity.
*Ensure that after the incident has been dealt with a fresh start is made and children do not get labelled as being the “naughty child.”
*If bullying occurs I will work closely with the child and the parent to resolve the situation and modify the behaviour.
*Help children who have been bullied to become more assertive and have their security, self esteem and self-worth increased.
*Inform parents of any significant behaviour problems and keep records of any incidents that are judged to be significant. All records are shared with parents.
*No form of physical restraint will be used unless the child is in danger or seriously hurting himself or others.
Transport:
As a registered childminder there will be times I will be transporting children in my car or on public transport. In order to ensure the safety of the children and myself, I have the following procedures in place.
*I obtain parents’ permission on the childminding contract to take children on outings. (see my Health & Safety Policy).
*I hold a current driving license.
*My car is fully taxed and insured for business purposes. It is serviced regularly and has an MOT certificate (where necessary).
*I have car seats/restraints appropriate to each child which they must use at all times. These meet British or European standards and are correctly fitted and checked regularly.
*Parents are encouraged to check to make sure they are happy with the car seat/restraint used for their child.
*I always follow the current NICMA guidelines on “Child seat and seat belt laws (NICMA Factsheet 2 & 3)
*Where public transport vehicles have seat belts these will be used.
*If it is necessary for me to use a taxi to transport the children, only registered taxi firms will be used and with appropriate restraints.
*If parents are using a taxi service for children to travel to or from the childminding setting on their own this will be the responsibility of the parent and the childminding contract will only start once the child arrives at the setting
*Children will NEVER be left unattended in the car at any time.
Taking Or Using Photographs And Recordings Of Children:
As a Registered Childminder and NICMA member it is my responsibility to ensure that I have written consent from parents to take or use photographs and/or recordings of your child. I adhere to the following procedures:
*The Childminder’s Image Consent Form is completed by the parents prior to using images or recording children within the childminding setting.
*A NICMA Image Consent Form will be completed by the parent and forwarded to NICMA prior to childminders/media representatives, professional
photographers taking photographs or recording during planned NICMA events.
*The NICMA Image Consent Form will be completed by the parent and forwarded to NICMA where images will be used in NICMA publications,
Power Point presentations or as part of a display produced by NICMA for promotional or instructional purposes.
*Photographs or recordings will only be used for the purposes of which they were intended and then deleted from personal cameras, computers and mobile phones.
*If a photograph or recording is used, I will avoid naming the child or young person without good reason. (Newspapers may wish to publish a child’s full name and NICMA will require children’s names for specific NICMA events).
*I will only use images or recordings of children or young people in suitable dress to reduce the risk of inappropriate use.
*If I become aware of inappropriate images or recordings of children/young people being used this will be reported in the same manner as any other child protection concern.
*Photographs or recordings will not be shared on social networking sites.
*I will not allow others unsupervised access to children/young people or one to one photo sessions during planned NICMA events.
