Choosing
the right child care facilities for your child can be a daunting task so we
have compiled a list of questions that you should ask, as well as giving you
our answers to them.
Is the childminder registered with OFSTED?
Petits
Papillons (Rebecca Partridge) is registered with OFSTED and
a copy of my certificate is available to see in my setting.
Does the childminder have a public liability insurance
certificate?
I hold a
current public liability insurance certificate , insured by NCMA, and it is on
display in my setting at all times.
Does the childminder hold a first aid certificate?
I hold a
valid certificate.
Does the childminder have the
correct car seats?
I provide
car seats for all age ranges of children, from birth seats up to booster seats
for older children. Information on the new laws can be found on the Department For Transport
website
What experience and qualifications does the childminder have?
I have 2
years experience as a nursery nurse and have worked with children from a young
age in France.I am qualified to a level
3 in Childcare.
What is the childminders routine?
How often
do they go out, where do they go etc?
It is
difficult to answer this question as it depends on a number of factors,
including weather, children and the activities available.
However,
I try to take the children out to the various activities in Bradford, soft
play, sensory room, music and movement and tot groups.
I
organise trips to the canal, playing fields and local gardens and parks.
What food does the childminder supply?
Depending
on the parents requirements can provide, breakfast, dinner and tea, as well as
snacks.
I will
provide the foods that individual parents desire for their childs development,
however if no needs are specified we will always provide a healthy, balanced diet,
consisting of fruit and vegetables, meat, carbohydrates and fish.
I
will always try to introduce children to a variety of foods, however, will
never force them to eat something they do not want just because it is deemed
'healthy' for them. The children should enjoy their food and enjoy the social
side to meal times with their friends.
How much television do they
allow?
I do not
have my television on throughout the day except to listen to the radio on it.
What is their attitude and policy on issues such
as, sleep or potty training?
I will
always try to work with parents in promoting consistent routines for the
children. Whatever the parent is practicing during their normal day we will
emulate.
I will
take advice from the parent on what sleep their child should have or if left to
ourselves adopt a routine for the child to ensure sleep patterns are consistent.
I aim to
meet the developmental needs of each child within its care with regards to
toileting. As far as possible toilet training, if initiated at home, will be
continued within our setting environment to maintain continuity, or will
commence after discussion by request of the parents or by us who recognise
symptoms which indicate the child’s readiness towards toilet training.
How does the childminder fit in their household
chores?
Do they
shop, take children to school while your child is with them?
Maintenance
and cleaning of our home is undertaken in the evening and at weekends only. My
responsibility during the day is to the children in my care. Vacuuming and
cleaning of play and eating areas will of course be completed when required to
ensure I continue to provide a safe and clean environment for the children.
How does the childminder like to deal with the
first days?
As with
every aspect of child care I respect the parents wishes.
Some parents prefer to settle the child into a new environment over a period of
time. However, I feel that this only leads the child into a false sense of
security in that they soon expect the parent to be around.
Following an initial visit, to meet myself and look at the facilities on offer,
a free two hour session for the child alone is organised.
I
strongly recommend handing the child over and leaving with a minimum of fuss.
It sounds harsh but tests have proven that children are more clever than we
give them credit for and will try to manipulate their parents loving, caring
nature.
What happens in the case of an
emergency?
Who would the childminder call in an emergency?
In
the case of an emergency my husband is a first point of contact and then a
fellow childminder is called. Both these people are well known by the children.
I will attend to the person that needs it then call the parents.
I have an
accident and emergency policy in place that all parents have access to.
How will the childminder encourage good behaviour
in my child?
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.
How many
children do you look after, and how much individual attention will my baby or
child receive?
I look after 3 children under the age of 5 of which
1 can be under one year. This allows me to provide plenty of individual
attention and ensure I know all the needs of the children in my care.
During the holidays and after school I may have 2
children between the ages of 5 and 8.
