Policies
My Policies
As a registered childminder, I have a list of policy statements to share with parents. These policies lay some ground rules and help parents understand my views and practices concerning childcare.
Please, take time to read a summary of the policies below.
Parents are required to read, understand and sign agreement to the full policy statments prior to the commencement of childcare. A paper copy of which they may read and take away at their initial visit. This agreement also details all necessary information about the child and parents, including contact details, dietary requirements, and medicinal requirements.
Working with parents
I aim to work in partnership with parents to meet the needs of the children.
All children and adults are treated with equal concern and are made to feel welcome in my home.
Procedure (how I put the statement into practice)
I keep up to date about working in partnership with parents and carers and with relevant legislation by taking regular training and by reading relevant publications.
All parents have access to a copy of my policies and procedures, which detail how I run my setting.
I draw up and sign a written contract with parents before the placement starts which details the expectations of the care to be provided, activities and business arrangements. The contract is signed by the parent(s) and myself and dated.
Wherever possible I try to meet parents' requests for the care of their children according to their values and practices, preferences and attitudes.
I expect parents to inform me of any changes in the child's home circumstances.
Smoking Policy
I operate a no smoking policy in my home, including all surrounding areas.
Outings Policy
It is my policy to keep children safe on outings whilst my care.
I should obtain written parental permission for children to take part in outings.
I should take essential records and equipment on outings, for example, contact telephone numbers for the parents of children on the outing, first aid kit, and a mobile phone.
I carry out a trail run and full risk assessment of the proposed outing.
Procedure if a child is not collected
If a child is not collected within 15 minutes, I will try calling the parents' contact numbers. Then I will try the emergency contact numbers.
During this time, I will continue to safely look after the child.
Medicines Policy
As a childcare provider I will ensure that I implement an effective procedure to meet the individual needs of a child when administering medicines.
o Keep written records of all medicines administered to children in my care.
o Inform parents when a medicine has been administered including the time and dosage.
o All medicines will be stored and kept strictly in accordance with the product instructions and in the original container in which it was dispensed.
o I will obtain prior written permission from parents for each and every medicine to be administered before any medication is given.
Food and drink policy
It is my policy that when children are provided with meals, snacks and drinks, in my setting these must be healthy, balanced and nutritious. Those responsible for the preparation and handling of food must be competent to do so.
o I will obtain, record and act on information from parents about a child's dietary requirements.
o Fresh drinking water will be available at all times.
Confidentiality policy
All information on children, families and anyone working with me (if applicable) is kept securely and treated in confidence. Information will only be shared if the parents/carers/co-workers give their permission or there appears to be a child protection issue. All details will be kept confidential and records are kept secure.
It is not my policy to keep confidential information on computer.
Complaints Policy
As a registered childminder I aim 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 and I will make every effort to resolve the issue through frank and open discussion. You can put the complaint to me verbally or, if you prefer, formally in writing or by email.
It is a condition of my registration to investigate all written complaints relating to the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and I will notify the complainant of the outcome within 20 days of the receipt of the complaint.
For impartial advice, you can call the NCMA Information Line on 0800 169 4486.
Behaviour policy
All children and adults are treated with equal concern and are made to feel welcome in my home. I aim to offer a quality childcare service for parents and children. I recognise the need to set out reasonable and appropriate limits to help manage the behaviour of children in my care.
By providing a happy, safe environment, the children in my care will be encouraged to develop social skills to help them be accepted and welcome in society as they grow up.
I do not, and will not, administer physical or any other form of punishment with the intention of causing pain or discomfort, nor any kind of humiliating or hurtful treatment to any child in my care.
I endorse positive discipline as a more effective way of setting boundaries for children.
Accident and emergency Policy
It is my policy to keep children safe when they are in my care.
My premises have been checked and they meet the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage in England, and the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW) in Wales. I also regularly review, update and practise my safety routines, including fire drills.
As a registered childminder, I am legally required to have a valid first-aid certificate. I can administer basic first-aid treatment, and my first-aid box is clearly labelled and easily accessible. Parent contact numbers are with the first-aid box.
I hold written permission from parents on the Child Record Form to seek emergency treatment for their child if it is needed.
Schedule of rates
Available upon request.
http://www.Havering-Childminder.co.uk