1 - Accident and Emergency Procedures

In the event of an accident:

  • Firstly, I will reassure the injured child while making sure that other children in my care remain safe. This may mean strapping a small child into a buggy or sitting an older child somewhere safe, e.g. in the lounge where they can be seen.
  • I will endeavour to deal with the accident myself. If I am unable to, then I will call 999.
  • If I have to accompany or take a child to hospital, I will either take the other children with me, or call my emergency back-up cover. This will be another registered childminder or known responsible adult. These people will be known to you and are named below.

If there is an accident or emergency, my emergency back-up cover may contact you and you will be expected to collect your child straight away.

If I can deal with the accident myself, then parents will be informed immediately and as with all accidents, it will be entered in to the accident book.

If I am personally involved in the accident, I will get the nearest responsible adult to help while my emergency back-up people are being contacted.

I will do my best at all times to make sure the children in my care are safe, reassured and kept calm.

Emergency back-up cover                                                                                                                                                                   Registered childminder:                                                                                            known responsible adult:

2 - Accident/Incident Policy

The safety of your child is paramount and I will take every measure I can to protect your child from being hurt. However, sometimes accidents do happen and I have written the following procedure on how I will  deal with such a situation:

  • I will comfort the child and reassure them.
  • I will assess the extent of their injuries and if necessary call for medical support/ambulance.
  • I will carry out any first aid procedures that are necessary and that I have been trained to do.
  • Once the child is more settled I will contact you as soon as possible to inform you of the accident and if necessary to ask you to return to care for your child/meet at the hospital.

After every accident, however minor, I will:

  • Complete a report in my accident book.
  • Ask you to sign the report and then provide you with a copy.

If the incident requires any medical treatment I will:

  • Inform Ofsted (Under the Early Years Foundation Stage, “providers must notify Ofsted and local child protection agencies of any serious accident or injury, or serious illness of, or the death of, any child whilst in my care, and act on any advice given. An early years provider who, without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with this requirement, commits an offence”.
  • Inform my insurance company.
  • Contact the NCMA/Southwark Early Years for additional advice/support.

It is important that you keep me informed regarding your child’s condition following an accident and if you have sought any medical advice.

3 - Admissions & Departures Policy

I would like to visit the child at home initially, if agreed. This enables the child to become familiar with me in the comfort of their home and also allows me to see the child in their surroundings.

All admissions will be subject to completion and submission of appropriate paperwork, contract & permissions.

A deposit of two weeks is required in advance of the start of the contract. This will be returned at the end of the contract, providing there are no outstanding fees or breaking of contractual agreement.

Deposits will not be returned should you decide not to take up the place as agreed.

Spaces can only be held for up to 1 month in advance.

Termination of contract will require one calendar month notice, unless agreed otherwise.

I reserve the right to terminate all contracts and will give one calendar month notice.

The termination of any contract will be given in writing.

4 - Anti Bullying Policy

I will not permit any form of bullying in my home.

Bullying can be:

Physical, e.g. pushing, kicking, hitting, pinching, biting etc.

Verbal, e.g. name-calling, sarcasm, rumour spreading and teasing.

Emotional, e.g. excluding, humiliation, ridicule, tormenting.

Racist, e.g. taunts and gestures.

If I have any concerns that a child in my care is being bullied at pre- school or is bullying is bullying other children: I will discuss the matter with you immediately. I will work with you to support your child to resolve the problem.

If your child is being bullied:

I will firstly intervene to stop any bullying behaviour.

I will assess any harm that may have come to the child and ensure that the child feels safe and secure. I will spend time with them, reassuring them that the bullying is not their fault and that I care about them and am 100% on their side.

I will give them lots of praise, encouragement and responsibilities to help them feel valued.

I will help the child to develop techniques to deal with the bully such as being assertive, e.g. saying NO, walking away etc. I will work with parents to help develop these strategies.

I will explain to all parties involved that bullying is not permitted and will explain why.

If your child is the bully:

I will reassure your child that I still care about them but it is their behaviour I don’t like and I will work with them to help change this.

I will focus on helping the child understand their actions.

I will work with your child to find ways to make amends for their actions.

I will develop a reward structure for good behaviour.

I will discuss the matter with you to see if there are any problems that may have triggered the bullying.

If you have any concerns regarding your child please discuss them with me as soon as possible. It is much better to deal with these problems before they become major issues.

Suggested further reading:

Preventing Bullying – A Parent guide

You can beat bullying – A guide for young people

Both of these publications can be downloaded for free from www.kidscape.org.uk

5 - Arrivals & Collection Policy

All children will be given a warm and friendly welcome. An attendance register will be kept and will be accessible at all times.

Arrival

On arrival each child’s attendance will be recorded in the attendance register, noting the time of arrival.

When the child is settled in the setting I expect the parent/carer to say goodbye at the door when they drop off the child, to minimise disruption for the child and other children.

Departure

If a child is to be collected by someone other than the parent /carer then this must be indicated on arrival.

The nominated adult must be registered and known with me.

If another guardian is to collect the child then written consent should be given. Upon departure the register will be completed with the time of departure.

I expect the child to be picked up on time, except in an emergency when I expect to be informed.

Once a child has left the premises with a responsible adult I will no longer be legally responsible for that child. 

6 - Behaviour Policy

I believe that children flourish best in an ordered environment in which everyone knows what is expected of them and they are free to develop their play and learning without fear of being hurt or hindered by anyone else. I aim to work towards a situation in which children can develop self-discipline and self-esteem in an atmosphere of mutual respect and encouragement. In order to achieve this, rules governing the conduct and behaviour of the children will be discussed and agreed within the setting and explained to all, both to children and adults.

I will ensure that the rules are applied consistently, so that children have the security of knowing what to expect and can build up helpful habits of behaviour.

I will promote a positive model for the children with regard to friendliness, care and courtesy.

I will praise and endorse desirable behaviour such as kindness and willingness to share.

I will take positive steps to avoid a situation in which children receive my attention only in return for undesirable behaviour.

In cases of serious misbehaviour, such as racial or other abuse, the unacceptability of the behaviour and attitudes will be made clear immediately but by means of explanations rather than personal blame.

In any case of misbehaviour, it will always be made clear to the child in question that it is the behaviour that is unacceptable, not the child that is unwelcome. When children behave in unacceptable ways, physical punishment such as smacking or shaking will neither be used nor threatened. There are no circumstances in which such a punishment can be justified.

Children who misbehave will be given my support in seeing what was wrong and working towards a better pattern. Any behaviour problem will be handled in a developmentally appropriate, respecting the child’s level of understanding and maturity. Recurring problems will be tackled in partnership with the child’s parents/carers, using objective observation records to establish an understanding of the cause. 

I expect parents to inform me of any changes in the child’s home circumstances, care arrangement or any other change which may affect the child’s behaviour such as new baby, divorce or bereavement. All information shared will be kept confidential unless there appears to be a child protection issue.

If I still have concerns about a child’s behaviour, which are not being resolved, I will ask for permission from the parents to talk it through with another child care professional. I may contact either NSPCC (National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children), a health visitor or the local early years team (or other relevant advice service) for confidential advice.

Concerns that could identify a particular child will be kept confidential and only shared with people who need to know this information.

I keep up-to-date with behaviour management issues and relevant legislation by attending regular training from the Early Years service and by reading relevant publication, such as Who Minds magazine by NCMA National Childminder Association).

7 - Child not Collected Procedure

If a child is not collected within 15mins of the arranged collection time, I will try calling the parent’s contact numbers. Then I will try the emergency numbers.

During this time, I will continue to look after the child safely.

I will continue to try the parents’ contact numbers and emergency numbers, but after 2 hours from the original agreed collection time, I will then be obliged to inform the local authority duty social worker.

Southwark Council – Child Protection

Office hours 020 7525 1921

Out of office hours 020 7525 5000

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) - 0800 800 500

8 - Complaints Policy

My aim is to work in close partnership with all parents, to meet the needs of their children.

If there is any aspect of my service you are not happy with please bring it to my attention. An appointment can be made to resolve the issue through open discussion. If you prefer, you can put the complaint formally in writing or by email to me.

Any concerns raised will not only be dealt with seriously but also effectively and in a confidential manner.

I have a mandatory duty to investigate all complaints relating to the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) standards for childminding.

Complaint Procedure

I will keep a written record of all complaints, recording the following:

Name of person making the complaint and the child involved.

The EYFS standard(s) to which the complaint relates.

Nature of the complaint.

Date and time of the complaint.

Action taken in response to the complaint.

The outcome of the complaint investigation (e.g., ways the service has improved).

All written records are signed by the parents/carers and me.

These are available to show an Ofsted childcare inspector if required.

I will provide you with an account of the findings of the investigation within 28 days of receiving your complaint. I will tell you about any action taken and you can request confirmation by writing or email. I will keep records of all complaints as well as any agreement reached.

If the complaint cannot be resolved or if the complaint is of a serious nature and you feel you cannot discuss it with me you should contact,

Ofsted on:
0300 123 4666 (8.00am to 6.00pm).

Or by email:
enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk

Or by writing to:
Ofsted
Piccadilly Gate
Store Street
Manchester
M1 2WD

For impartial advice, you can call the NCMA(National Childminding Association). Information Line on 0800 169 4486.
 

StanStandard legal requirements relating to the EYFS for Childminding:

Registered providers must investigate all written complaints relating to the requirements and notify complainants of the outcome of the investigation within 28 days of having received the complaint. Registered providers must provide Ofsted, on request, with a written record of all complaints made during any specified period, and the action which was taken as a result of each complaint.

The record of complaints should be kept for at least 10 years.

9 - Equal Opportunities & Inclusion Policy

I welcome all children and families in my community regardless of their ethnic origin, culture, religion, race, linguistic background or ability. My practice adheres to the new Equality of Opportunity Act 2010.

Festival

My aim is to show respectful awareness of all the major events in the lives of the children and families attending my setting and in our society as a whole. I welcome the diversity of backgrounds from which they come. In order to achieve this, I acknowledge all the festivals which are celebrated in my community and by the children attending my setting. Without indoctrination in any specific faith, children will be made aware of the festivals which are being celebrated by their own families and others and will be introduced, where appropriate, to the stories behind the festivals. Children will be encouraged to welcome and celebrate a range of different festivals, through activities such as, stories and special food, dressing up, making greeting cards, singing etc.

Curriculum – EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage)

I provide daily activities and play equipment that offer the children opportunities to develop in an environment free from prejudice and discrimination. All children are respected and their individuality and potential recognised, valued and nurtured. Appropriate opportunities are given in order to help the children to explore, acknowledge and value similarities and differences between themselves and others.

Resources

These are chosen to give the children a balanced view of the world and an appreciation of the rich diversity of our multi-racial, multicultural society. Materials which are offered help the children to develop self-respect and to respect other people by avoiding stereo types and derogatory messages about any group of people.

Special needs

I recognise the wide range of special needs of children and families in our community and will consider what part I can play in meeting these needs.

Discriminatory behaviour / remarks

These are unacceptable in my setting. The response will aim to be sensitive to the feelings of the victim(s) and to help those responsible to understand and overcome their prejudices.

Language

Bilingual / multilingual children and their families will be valued and their languages recognised and respected in the setting.

Food

Medical, cultural and dietary needs of all children will be met.

10 - Exclusion Policy

I aim to operate an inclusive childminding service, where all children are equally in respective welcome regardless of their race, religion, culture, gender, ability/disability or social background. There may be times when it is necessary to ask a parent to not bring their child to my setting for a short period of time.

These reasons include:

  • If a child is ill (see illness policy for more detailed information).
  • If a child has a highly infectious condition.
  • If the child has a notifiable disease.
  • If a child has had sickness or diarrhoea within the last 24 hours.
  • The first few days a child is taking antibiotics that they haven’t taken before. This is just in case the child has an allergic reaction to them.

I reserve the right to terminate a contract with immediate effect and to exclude a child permanently from my setting in the following situations:

  • If the child continually demonstrates aggressive behaviour to the other children or adults in my setting.
  • If the child continues to uses inappropriate language or racist comments.
  • If the child is likely to cause harm or does cause significant harm to other children or adults in the setting.
  • If the child is found taking anything from my home that does not belong to them.
  • If a child continues to have a negative impact on the other children in my care.

Before I exclude any child from my setting I will work with the child’s parents/carers on strategies to help with the child’s behaviour. This may include, with parent’s permission, seeking support from outside agencies.

I will not tolerate bad language, abusive or aggressive behaviour from any adult responsible for bringing/collecting children to/from my setting and I reserve the right to terminate the contract with immediate effect. Should such behaviour arise.

11 - Fire Safety Policy

I am committed to minimizing all risk of fire in my service. I have an emergency plan in place and I regularly review my procedure.

I have a smoke detector in the corridor between the living room and kitchen of my house.

  • I test the smoke alarm monthly.
  • I replace the batteries in the smoke alarm every 6 months or before it is necessary.
  • I will make children aware of the sound of the smoke alarm.
  • Fire drill will be rehearsed regularly and recorded.
  • At the day of the rehearsal babies will be carried by me, toddlers and older children will be calmly asked  to follow me to the living room, where the front door is and where there is a set of keys hooked up high by the door.
  • If we are in the back garden we will all together cross the conservatory, kitchen and hallway to the living room, our assemble point by the entrance door.
  • From there I will take the children outside through the front door and assemble across the road in front of the house.
  • I will take with me my mobile phone with all emergency numbers programmed on it.
  • Children will be comforted and reassured.
  • I will contact the emergency service 999 and follow their instructions.
  • Parents/carers or their emergency contacts would be called as soon as practicable to arrange collection of the children.

12 - Food Policy

I will collect, record and act on information from parents about a child’s dietary requirements.

The two weeks menu will be on display in advance. The menu will provide children in my setting with tasty, varied food as appropriate and as recommended by the Food Standards Agency. Recipes will be available to parents.

Parents of children who are on special diets will be asked to provide as much information as possible about suitable foods and in some cases may be asked to provide the food themselves.

Where parents provide meals for their children to eat in my setting I will provide chilled storage for packed lunches and appropriate storage areas for other food stuffs. Advice will be given to parents about suitable foods to bring from home.

Religious and cultural needs will be respected around meal time, e.g. use of chopsticks, eating with fingers etc.

Water will be available at all times. Diluted, non-concetrated fruit juice will be served with the main meal.

Children will be encouraged to develop good eating skills and table manners and will be given plenty of time to eat.

I will sit with children while they eat and will provide a good role model for healthy eating.

Children will be allowed to have second helpings of fruit or milk-based desserts.

Children will still receive dessert if they refuse their main course.

Withholding food will not be used as a form of punishment.

Sweets and soft drinks will not be served.

Parents or guardians will be advised if their child is not eating well.

A specific allergy plan will be in place to deal with any child having an allergic reaction.

I will provide children with clean and age-appropriate cups, plates, bowls and cutlery.

If there is an outbreak of food poisoning affecting two or more children I will notify Ofsted as soon as possible, but definitely within 14 days of the incident occurring, in order to comply with regulations.

I will keep all food receipts, including those under £10, so that if there is an outbreak of food poisoning on my premises I will be able to trace the outlet where the food was purchased.

13 - Health & Hygiene Policy

I aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and a high standard of hygiene in my day to day work with children. This is achieved in the following ways:

Health

Food: meals and snacks will be healthy, balanced and nutritious and I will pay due attention to children’s particular dietary requirements.

Drink: fresh drinking water will be available throughout the day.

Outdoor play: children will have the opportunity to play in the fresh air regularly.

Illness: parents/carers are requested to keep their children at home if they have any infection and to inform me as to the nature of that infection so that other parents/carers may be advised. Parents are requested not to bring any child who has been vomiting or has had diarrhoea in to my care until at least 24hrs has elapsed since the last attack. Cuts or open sores, whether on me or children, must be covered with a plaster or other dressing.

Hygiene

To prevent the spread of all infections, I shall ensure that the following good practices are observed:

Personal hygiene

  • To wash hands with soap after using the toilet.
  • Tissues will be available and children encouraged to blow and wipe their noses when necessary. Soiled tissues will be disposed of hygienically.
  • Children will be encouraged to shield their mouths when coughing.

Cleaning and clearing

  • Any spills of bloody fluid will be wiped and the wipes are disposed. Gloves always used when cleaning up.
  • Floors and other affected surfaces will be disinfected, e.g. using bleach.
  • Fabrics contaminated with bloody fluids will be washed thoroughly in hot water.
  • All surfaces will be cleaned daily with anti-bacterial wipes.
  • All toys will be regularly cleaned with an anti-bacterial wipes.

14 - Holidays Policy

Childminder Holidays

I will take up to 2 weeks during Summer/Autumn and up to 2 weeks at winter. There will be no charge.

Child/Parents Holidays

Holidays will be charged at full rate per child. 

Bank Holidays

Are charged full fee where bank holidays fall on a contracted day.

Training Days

As a Childminder I’m required to undertake training to keep up to date and to comply with the requirements of my registration to provide a quality service for your child. Sometimes it is possible to undertake training at weekends or during the evening and I will do so where possible. However, a number of courses are during the working week. I may take up to 2 days per year for training purposes, at no fees charged. I will endeavour to provide as much notice as possible.

15 - Illness Policy

In the interests of everyone, all children with an illness should refrain from attending until the symptoms of the illness have passed and they are fit and well enough to participate in the normal daily routine. Thank for your co-operation in this matter.

When a child becomes ill, the parent/carer will be contacted and requested to collect the child as soon as possible. I will comfort the child in a quiet area while waiting for the parent/carer.

Parents must notify me if they are aware that their child has a contagious illness. I will expect parents to co-operate with me by not bringing their children to the setting if they have any infectious or contagious illness. I realise that all children have minor illnesses that do not prevent them to attending the setting, however, children with the following symptoms will be excluded: diarrhoea, vomiting, conjunctivitis, doubtful rash, fever of 38 degrees centigrade or over.

  • Children suffering from diarrhoea/vomiting must not return to the setting until at least 24 hours have elapsed from the last bout and they are eating normally.
  • To prevent the spread of conjunctivitis, parent/carer will be requested to take their child from the setting to be seen by a doctor. If conjunctivitis is confirmed, the child would be excluded until s/he shows definite signs of improvement (usually 24/48 hours after treatment has started).
  • In case of chicken pox, children need to be absent for a minimum of 6 days from when the rash first appears. After this time, if all the spots have dried and scabbed over, the child can return to my setting.
  • Parents/carer will also be contacted if their child develops a rash or suspected thrush. This will need to be checked by a doctor whose advice should be followed.
  • Wounds and scabs that are likely to bleed when a child scratches must be covered by a clean dressing.

Notice is required as soon as you know your child is not attending.

If I am unable to have the children due to me being ill then no fees will be charged. I will endeavour to provide as much notice as possible.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        If you have any concerns regarding this policy please contact me.

16 - Inclusion Policy

My goal is to welcome all children and where necessary. I will provide additional support and resources to enable the inclusion of all children in my setting.

I believe that all children have the right to high quality care and education.

I aim to achieve this by:

Indentifying individual children’s needs and requirements.

Identifying and providing additional resources and support.

I aim to work in full partnership with both parents/carers and professionals. I recognise the expertise and skills that all parties bring and put into practice to enable a child to reach their full potential.

I aim to provide an environment where all feel valued and free from discrimination, reflecting our multicultural society, where families, children and myself work together.

17 - Medicine Policy

When a child in my care becomes unwell it is my policy to contact the parent/carer immediately to discuss the situation. For this reason a minimum of 2 emergency contact numbers must be provided.

There is a responsibility on the part of the parent to make sure that all relevant information regarding their child’s medical needs is passed on to me.

Non-prescribed Medicine

The only non-prescribed medicine I will administer is: Calpol, Nurofen and teething gel. These will only be administered once the parent/carer has signed a medication consent form.

This medication consent form will be regularly reviewed to ensure that there are no changes, for example, a child may no longer be able to take some medication or may need an additional form.

Prescribed Medication

If your child needs to take medication prescribed by a doctor, please discuss this with me. I will need you to sign an additional consent form. In some cases a child on antibiotics may be asked not to attend for 2-3 days in case they react to the medication, and to prevent the spread of an infection to others.

All medicine given to me to administer must be in its original bottle/container and not decanted. It must have the manufacturers guidelines on it and, if a prescription medication, the details the Doctor/pharmacist.

I will record all medication administered in my medication record book and of request a parental signature at the end of each day.

Storage

I will ensure that all medication given to me will be stored correctly and I will check that it is still within its expiry date. If the medication is short-term and needs also to be administered at home it will be handed to the parent/carer when they come to collect the child at the end of the day.

General Information

If a child has long term ongoing medical needs we will need to discuss this before I start childminding your child. In the case of medication that needs to be administered on an ongoing basis a letter from the child’s doctor will be kept on child’s file and a medical record sheet will be filled out on regular basis. Medication will be kept in the medicine cabinet and regular discussions will be held with the parents/careers to make sure all information I hold is up to date. Long term conditions requiring special care will be dealt with on an individual basis but following the above guidelines and procedures as closely as possible, i.e. if your child has acute allergies and needs an epipen, I may need additional training to administer this form of medication. Any additional training should be   paid by parents.

If you have any concerns regarding medication please do not hesitate to discuss them with me.

18 - Missing / Lost Child Policy

The care of your child is paramount and I will always try to ensure that they remain with me and are safe.

In the unlikely event a child goes missing:

I would carry out a thorough search of the area informing any staff, security guards or people nearby of the situation and will provide a description of the child.

I would reassure the other children with me, as they may be distressed.

If after 15 minutes the missing child is not found I would inform the police and parents/carers.

If a child goes missing in my care, Ofsted will be informed of the incident and its outcome at the earliest opportunity.

To avoid situations like this from happening, this is what I shall do:

When going out, all of the children in my care will be restrained according to age: under two’s in a pushchair, two to four on reins or wrist straps. Older children will be encouraged to hold on to the pushchair or my hand.

Before visiting a new venue, a risk assessment will be carried out to familiarise myself with the area and to enable me to be aware of any problem or danger that may arise.

When going on trips/outings children will have my mobile number on them, e.g. ‘attached as a wristband’.

Once the situation is resolved all relevant policies and procedures will be reviewed, paying particular attention to the security and risk policy.

To ensure all children are safe in my house:

I will keep the front door of my house secured at all times.

My garden is securely fenced.

19 - Payments Policy

  • Payments are accepted by cash, direct debit, tax credit and childcare vouchers.
  • Payments are accepted weekly, monthly by pre-arrangement.
  • Monthly payments must be received by the 1st of each month unless otherwise arranged.
  • Weekly payments must be received by Friday each week.
  • Payments will be considered late if funds are not received by the 1st of each month or, if you’re paying weekly, by the Friday of each week.

  • If I have not received payment within seven days of the due date, I will issue you with a polite reminder. If I have still not received payment by the 10th day following the original invoice I reserve the right to make an additional charge 'Late payment Fee' as per our contract (2% charge on the outstanding fees for each 1 week the invoices have not been paid). If at this point I still have not received payment I reserve the right to cease minding your child with immediate effect and seek legal advice from the National Childminding Association's Solicitors, this may result in you being summoned to attend a hearing at County Court and if the judge finds in my favour you will also be liable to the Court for costs.

    If you have had a change in personal circumstances and are now struggling to make payments, please let me know so we can make suitable arrangements. It may be that you are now entitled to additional funding through the Childcare element of the Working Tax Credit and other benefit.

20 - Potty & Toilet Training

  • I will work with the parents to encourage the child’s use of a potty or toilet. I have facilities to encourage independent use, e.g. steps, trainer toilet seat and potty.
  • I will encourage independent use by using positive praise.
  • I will also encourage independent hygiene and will provide adequate facilities to do this.
  • I will endeavour to facilitate any additional needs.
  • Should further assistance be needed please bring this to my attention.

21 - Privacy and Confidentiality Policy

As a childminder I will almost inevitably acquire personal information about the children in my care, their families and their social circumstances.

Parents will be made aware of all records I keep about their children and why. Such information may give me a greater understanding of a child’s needs and will enable me to provide better quality care.

To ensure privacy and confidentiality:

All parents will have access of my prospectus, policies and procedures, which detail how I run my setting.

I will respect the children in my care, their parents/carers and the information I have access to.

I acknowledge that children and their parents/carers would not wish information they shared to be further disclosed.

I accept as a professional, the need to protect the confidentiality of any personal information disclosed.

I recognise that children and parents/carers have a right to expect that confidentiality will be maintained.

I will exercise caution when discussing day to day experiences with colleagues or other childminders.

All information shared will be kept confidential and will not be disclosed without the parent’s consent, except as required by law, for example, where there appears to be a child protection issue. I will share and pass on information / records of a child only to those who need to know (Standard 13: Child protection). Please see my Child Protection Policy.

Ofsted may require to see my records at any time.

Parents will have access to their own child’s records but not to others.

If I keep records relating to individual children on my own computer I will ask for the parent’s permission. The information will be securely stored to prevent viewing of the information by others with access to the computer, for example, in password protected files. Backup files will be stored on CD, which will be locked away when not being used.

22 - Safeguarding Policy & Procedure

I aim to create an environment in which children are safe from abuse and in which any suspicion of abuse is promptly and appropriately responded to. My responsibility as a childminder is to ensure the safety and welfare of all children in my care, in line with the procedures laid out by my local Safeguarding Children’s Board. In order to achieve this I shall:

Attend training/ awareness courses

I shall attend awareness courses related do ‘child protection and local procedures for safeguarding children’. I shall attend training to ensure that I am able to recognise the symptoms of possible physical, emotional, sexual abuse and signs of neglect.

Prevent abuse by means of good practice

Adults without CRB clearance will not be left alone with any child. Children will be encouraged to develop a sense of autonomy and independence through support in making choices and in finding names for their own feelings and developing healthy ways to express them. This will enable children to have the self-confidence and the vocabulary to resist inappropriate approaches.

Respond appropriately to suspicion of abuse

Changes in a child’s behaviour / appearance will be investigated. Parents will normally be the first point of reference, though suspicions will also be referred to the Social Service Department, where appropriate. All such suspicions and investigations will be kept confidential, shared only with those who need to know.

Records keeping

Whenever worrying changes are observed in a child’s behaviour, physical condition or appearance, a specific and confidential record will be set up, quite separate from the usual on-going records of children’s progress and development. The record will include, in addition to the name, address and age of the child, timed and dated observations describing objectively the child’s behaviour and appearance, without comment or interpretation. Where possible, the exact words spoken by the child, will be recorded. This record will be signed by me.

Liaise with other bodies

I operate according to Ofsted guidelines. Confidential records kept on children will be shared with Social Services Department if I feel that adequate explanations for changes in the child’s condition have not been provided. If a report on a child is to be made to the authorities, the child’s parents will be informed on the same day, immediately after the report is made.

Support families

The care and safety of the children must always be paramount. I shall take every step to build up trusting and supportive relationship with families. Where abuse at home is suspected, I shall continue to welcome the child and family while investigations proceed.

Useful contacts:

Greenwich Safeguarding and Social Care:

Greenwich ‘Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub’  (MASH)       020 8921 3172

(Contact number for EY’s settings with concerns about children)

 

Safeguarding Consultation Line                                               020 8921 2267

(Contact number for queries and consultation)

 

Social Care and Safeguarding Emergency Duty Team            020 8854 8888

 

Some other useful numbers:

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) - 0800 800 500

Confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline                               0800 789 321

 

Childline                                                                                   0800 1111

 

CAIT - Child Abuse Investigation Team                                   0207 230 3705                            

 

 

Ofsted Enquiries, complaints, investigation and enforcement  0300 123 1231                                                            

 

Samaritans                                                                              08457 909090

 

Family Lives - Parentline                                                         0808 800 2222

Young Minds – Parent Helpline                                               0808 802 5544

 

23 - Safety Policy and Practice

I believe that the safety of young children is of paramount importance. In order to maintain the safety of both children and myself, I shall ensure that:

  • • All children are supervised by at all times and are always within my sight.
  • • I will not walk about with hot drinks or place hot drinks within reach of children.
  • • A book will be available to report and record any accident or incident.
  • • An emergency evacuation plan will be in place. Fire drills will be held monthly. Emergency fire exits are not obstructed.
  • • Fire extinguishers and smoke alarms will be checked regularly.
  • • Safety devices such as fire blankets, socket covers, safety gates are in place.
  • • Safety restraints in pushchairs and highchairs are used.
  • • There is a ‘no smoking policy’ in my setting.
  • • A first aid box will be available at all times. I have attended an appropriate first aid course.
  • • I will keep the front door locked at all times. Spare keys will be kept by the door on a key hook, in case we need to leave the setting in a hurry, e.g. in case of fire.
  • • Children will leave my setting only with authorised adults.
  • • Safety checks on the setting, both outdoors and indoors, will be carried out every morning before the children’s arrival. 
  • • Outdoor play area will be free from common poisonous garden plants.
  • • Activities such as cooking and lively play will receive close and constant supervision.
  • • Equipment and toys will be checked regularly. Broken items will be repaired or removed from the setting.
  • • Layout of the setting allows children and me to move safely and freely between activities.
  • • Babies and children’s sleep will be monitored.
  • • Resources and toys offered to the children will be age/stage appropriate.
  • • Power points, cables and leads will be adequately guarded. Medicines will be kept in their original containers, and cleaning materials will be stored out of reach of children.
  • • Kitchen cupboards will be fitted with childproof locks.
  • • When out, an outing risk assessment will be carried out. Younger children will be strapped in pushchairs, older children will either be on harness or holding into my hand or pushchair.

If you have any concerns regarding the safety of your child please discuss them with me.

24 - Settling in Policy

My aims:

To work closely with you.

To help your child feel secure and confident in my setting.

To work with you to help your child with any difficulties that might arise.

Helping your child settle in:

I would like to welcome you and your child to my setting. Children settle into a new environment in lots of different ways. Some children will confidently move into the setting as soon as they come in. Other children may be nervous and anxious about leaving their parent. Most children will be somewhere in between. Please be reassured and try not to worry if your child experiences difficulties. It is a very normal part of a child’s development to be anxious, nervous or angry about being in a new environment. I also recognise that many parents will find this a difficult and sometimes upsetting process. I hope that I can use my experience to support you and your child.

In my experience, settling in takes about two weeks (although it will vary greatly from one child to another). My aim is to settle children in at their own pace. When children are ready to move away from their parents, I will encourage and support this.

Settling in may be facilitated by the following process:

1. The home visit (if agreed). This can be very special for a child. Often children remember for a long time who came to visit them and what they did. The home visit gives me helpful information about your child and it enables your child to begin an attachment with me on ‘home territory’.

2. Your child spending time in my home setting with you. During this time, you are available to support your child, to ease transition for your child from home to my setting and to help me get to know your child. At this stage it might be best to be available to your child but not too involved!

I am aware that both you and your child may be feeling stress at some points and your child may not appear to be on their ‘best behaviour’. Please don’t worry about this, it is all part of the process. As adults, if we try to relax as much as possible and remain confident, this will help the children.

3. Your child spending time in the setting whilst you are in another part of the house. We will discuss together when your child is ready for this step. This means that your child has the opportunity to explore the setting and have her or his needs met by me. This might be for quite a short period of time at first and then for longer stretches of time. It is very important that you say clearly to your child that you will be leaving the setting. It’s tempting to nip out when your child is busy, but if your child turns round a few minutes later to find you have unexpectedly gone, s/he may be really distraught. 

4. Finally, it is for you to judge with my support when your child is ready to be left in the setting with me. Your child might be very sad at the moment of parting, but if the settling in process has gone well s/he will be able to manage this with my support. If your child continues to be upset after you have gone, please be reassured that I will contact you and would not put your child through an ordeal. It is still important for you to say goodbye to your child clearly so that your child knows what is going on and can express how s/he feels about it. I would suggest that it is easiest to set a limit on how long you stay at dropping-off time, e.g. you could say to your child, “I’ll read a book with you and then it will time for me to go.” It is not uncommon for a child to settle very well into the setting and then unexpectedly a few weeks later to find it difficult to come in. This might be for any one of a variety of reasons and again I will offer my support or help if you would like it.

Please let me know if you find this policy helpful or if you would like to suggest changes to it. Most of my learning comes through getting feedback from parents.

 

Here is an example of the settling-in period:

In order to help your child settle in, the following stages may be used:

Stage 1 – Parent/carer and child spend an hour together in the setting, e.g. 9-10am.

Stage 2 – Parent/carer and child spend an hour and a half in the setting if appropriate, the child will spend 20 minutes in the setting without parent/carer. Parent/carer stays in the house (e.g. in the living room).

Stage 3 – Child builds up to an hour in the setting without the parent/carer. Parent/carer stays elsewhere in the house.

Stage 4 – Child spends an hour in the setting without parent/carer.

Stage 5 – Child comes to the setting at 9am and stays for lunch. Parent/carer picks child up at 12.45pm.

Stage 6 – Child comes to the setting at 9am, stays for lunch and through to 2pm (time includes sleep period or afternoon play as appropriate).

Stage 7 – Child comes to the setting at 9am and stays until 3.30pm

Stage 8 – Child spends full session in the setting, from early morning to late afternoon.

Should a child not settle within this period, it may be necessary to review the childcare agreement. Please note that during the stages 5/6/7/8 the normal full fee will apply

25 - Smoking Policy

In order to promote well being and good health I operate a no smoking policy

I ask parents/carers and visitors to refrain from smoking in and around the premises.

26 - Special Educational Needs Policy

As a registered childminder Ofsted require me under Standard 10, to be aware that some children may have special needs and to be proactive in ensuring that appropriate action is taken when a child who is identified as having special needs starts in my care. I must promote the welfare and development of the child in partnership with parents and other relevant agencies.

I have therefore put the following procedures in place:

If I think a child in my care has a special need I will:

  • Keep observational notes.
  • Share these with the child’s parents.
  • Discuss what support is available.
  • Keep all matters confidential.

If I am caring for a child with special needs I will include them by:

  • Valuing and acknowledging the child’s individuality and help them to feel good about themselves.
  • Seek information from parents about the child’s routines, likes and dislikes.
  • Adapting activities to enable children with special needs to take part.
  • Arrange access to specialist equipment if needed.
  • Consider any risk factors.
  • Encourage children’s confidence and independence.

I will work in partnership with parents and discuss:

  • Agencies that are also involved in the child’s support and care.
  • Equipment that the child may need.
  • Advice or support that will help me to provide the best care possible for their child.

I will consider how I can ensure the privacy of a child with special needs whilst continuing to supervise other children in my care.

27 - Supply Policy

I will supply all tableware and baby bottles but do feel free to supply your own.

I will supply all bedding but again feel free to supply your own.

You will need to supply:

  • Nappies.
  • Baby wipes.
  • Nappy cream.
  • Formula milk and weaning food (if appropriate).
  • Change of clothes (please send clothes you would not mind getting dirty as we will be doing lots of activities, some of which might mean getting messy!).
  • Rain clothes and wellington boots – as we will be spending time outdoors ..:)
  • Teething gel (consent form required, provided by me).
  • Calpol/Nurofen (consent form required, provided by me).

Summer time:

  • Sun cream (consent form required, provided by me)
  • Sun hat

Winter time:

  • Winter hat and gloves

Feel free to bring anything else to comfort your child, e.g. dummy, favourite toy to sleep with, etc.

 28 - The EYFS Progress Check at age two Policy

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requires that parents and carers must be supplied with a short written summary of their child’s development in the three prime learning and development areas of the EYFS: Personal, Social and Emotional Development; Physical Development; and Communication and Language; when the child is aged between 24-36 months.

The EYFS sets the standards for development, learning and care of children from birth to age five. All registered early years providers are required to follow the framework from September 2012.

The progress check has been introduced to enable earlier identification of development needs so that additional support can be put into place.

The aims of the progress check are to:

  • Review a child’s development in the three prime areas of the EYFS;
  • Ensure that parents have a clear picture of their child’s development;
  • Enable practitioners to understand the child’s needs and plan activities to meet them in the setting;
  • Enable parents to understand the child’s needs and, with support from practitioners, enhance development at home;
  • Note areas where a child is progressing well and identify any areas where progress is less than expected;
  • Describe actions the provider intends to take to address any developmental concerns (including working with other professionals where appropriate).

The check:

  • Should be completed by a practitioner who knows the child well and works directly with them in the setting. This should normally be the child’s key person;
  • Arises from the ongoing observational assessments carried out as part of everyday practice in the setting;
  • Is based on skills, knowledge, understanding and behaviour that the child demonstrates consistently and independently;
  • Takes account of the views and contributions of parents;
  • Takes into account the views of other practitioners and, where relevant, other professionals working with the child;
  • Enables children to contribute actively to the process.

I will let parents know when I am soon to be preparing for their child’s two year check and I will work with parents and use parent’s observations and aims to help support the process.

A copy of the developmental check will be given to parents and will also be given to any other child practitioners responsible for the care of that child if there is any such as an additional childminder, nursery or social care workers.

If you have any questions or concerns don’t hesitate to let me know.

      29 - Working in Partnership with Parents

It is very important for your child that we work in partnership. This will give your child continuity of care and s/he will not become confused with different standards of behaviour and boundaries.

As parents you are the central adults in your child’s life and the ones making decisions on their behalf. I will endeavour to work closely with you in order to carry out your wishes for your child wherever I can.

I am always happy to discuss your child and their care with you at any time that is convenient to us both, whether in person, over the phone or through the internet.

I would be grateful if you always let me know if your child has had a disturbed sleep, is not feeling well or any other piece of information that may help me to provide him/her with the best care I can.

I would also appreciate it if you could inform me if there are any changes to contact numbers for yourselves, including work and mobile numbers and those of your emergency contacts.

As your child grows and develops, issues will crop up that are very important for us to discuss in order that we can work together and your wishes be incorporated into my care routine for your child. These could include weaning, potty training, managing behaviour, starting (pre-)school etc.

If you wish me to incorporate a special activity into my routine, perhaps a festival or religious holiday that you celebrate, please let me know.

If I have any concerns about your child’s behaviour, development, eating etc, I will share them with you and if necessary work with you to seek support from outside agencies.

If you have any concerns or issues regarding the care I am providing for your child, please do let me know. Often a concern is a simple misunderstanding that can easily be resolved.

I look forward to working in partnership with you.