In accordance with the National Standards, I have a range of policies in place designed to enhance the care of children.
Arrival and Collection
Your child must be brought to the door, and not left until I have accepted them into my care. When they are collected, they must be collected from me.
Please let me know of any change to the arrangements for collection, e.g. a change of time, and if anyone different will be collecting your child(ren). I recommend that if someone unknown to me is collecting them, a password is arranged between me, the parent, and the person who is to collect them, so I can be sure that they are handed over to the appropriate person.
Sick and Infectious Children
I cannot accept any child who is unwell. They need their parents to look after them and be able to stay where it is quiet and warm. As I have to collect children from Nursery and School, keeping in a child who is unwell is not an option. If your child becomes unwell in my care, I will ring a parent to collect them.
Medication and First Aid
I am only able to give medication if I have a written authority from a parent. I require a letter detailing the reason for the medication, what medication is to be given, how much and at what time(s); when and how much was given at the previous dose. I also require the parent to sign my accident and medication record book.
I hold an up-to-date First Aid certificate. I am not allowed to use plasters, as some children are allergic to them, but if it becomes necessary I will provide basic first aid to prevent further complications until professional help arrives.
Sun Cream Application
As many children have allergies to various creams, I am only able to apply sun block that is provided by the parent for each individual child, with a signed letter of authority. Please ensure the bottle clearly carries the child's name, so that I don't mix them up!
Smoking
Our home is a Smoke-Free environment, and I request that any visitors refrain from smoking whilst on the premises.
Behaviour
I operate a "No Smacking" policy.
I encourage children to be well-mannered at all times. If a child is nasty to another, then I will explain why that is not a good thing, and I expect the child to apologise and return to play. If the unacceptable behaviour continues, then "time-out" on the bottom step of the stairs will be observed, after which they will say sorry and return to play. Depending how serious the incident is, or if their behaviour is still unacceptable, then the parent will be informed.
Creative Play
I believe that children should be encouraged to be creative, imaginative, and communicative in their play. Although I will allow electronic games to be brought, I will restrict their use to quiet times only, and if a child becomes too withdrawn or unsociable whilst playing on them, I expect them to be put away immediately.
Equal Opportunities
I believe that all children should be respected and treated equally whatever their culture, gender, or ability. I teach my minded children to be loving, caring, supportive, and understanding to all children, and to help each other in daily tasks.
Child Protection
All people living on the premises have been police-checked.
The welfare of the children in my care is most important, and I make every effort to keep them in a safe and protected environment.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO RECOGNISE THAT CHILDREN CANNOT PROTECT THEMSELVES, BUT HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE PROTECTED.
Any concerns regarding a child or situation will be referred to Social Services.
Confidentiality
I always respect the confidentiality of parents and children. Anything between parent, child, and childminder should be able to be said in confidence, and I do my best to ensure that this is the case. All forms, letters, and information given to me will be kept confidential, unless - in exceptional circumstances - I am concerned about the safety of a child.
Emergency Backup Arrangements
In the case of an emergency on my part, I have a group of other childminders I can contact for assistance and emergency cover, until parents can arrive to collect their child.