Caroline Jackson Childminding Policies

1 Mission Statement

I am an experienced registered childminder. One of my aims is to facilitate greater understanding between parents and provider. I have created this booklet covering all my childcare philosophies, business policies and expectations. Please read this handbook carefully, and feel free to discuss with me any questions that you may have.

Aims and Objectives

My aim is to provide a safe and happy place for children, where they can learn, grow and have fun! A place where parents know that they can safely leave their children and that their child’s wellbeing is paramount.

I provide a small-scale family childcare service but with the extra addition of a homelike environment. I am different from a childcare centre or nursery because I am limited in the number of children I can look after. I am registered to look after six children in my own home from Monday- Friday. The hours I operate my childminding service are from 8am-6pm but if required earlier or later arrangements can be made.

My childminding service is not a pre-school, but children participate in a full range of activities such as free play, cooking, outside play, stories, crafts, music and much more. Children can also be taken to local parent and toddler group and childminding group to give them the opportunity for social interaction with a larger group of children.

2 Admissions policy

Beginning in a new setting can be a daunting experience for any child. I aim to work together in partnership with parents to make the experience a happy one. There are several forms that I must have completed and in my possession before I can assume the responsibility of caring for your child. This is to ensure that your child will get the very best care possible from me. All the forms must be updated at least every six months. The forms are as follows: Signed contract, emergency medical authorisation, about your child and any other forms. If you have any questions regarding completion of forms please feel free to ask. The first month of the child’s enrolment will be classed as a settling in period If possible I like to meet you and the child before the date agreed to start. The first visit should be with the parent. On the second visit you could leave the child for a short time this getting the child used to being left. Good communication between myself and the parent is very important. When I accept a new family into my business, I like to be sure that we can share openly any concerns or questions that arise.

Equal Opportunities and Anti-Discrimination

As a registered childminder and a member of the S.C.M.A I will not discriminate against any child, family or group of society on the grounds of gender, racial origin, cultural and social background. Britain is a multicultural-multiracial society. The contribution made to this society by a variety of cultural groups will be viewed in a positive light and information about varying traditions; customs and festivals will be presented to the children as a source of pleasure and enjoyment. Children will be helped to develop a sense of identity within their racial, cultural and social group, as well as learning about cultural differences from their own

3 Activities/Curriculum

The main goal of this day care is to have fun, improve social skills and encourage creative expression. We will have a variety of activities to accomplish this goal. Free play, reading, arts and crafts, music, singing, dramatic play/pretend, puzzles and DVD’s. I have a variety of toys available for the children who enjoy getting different toys out to play with. We also have a variety of crafts that we do: - painting, play dough, cutting out magazines etc. I have a garden that is safe for the children to play in and a good selection of outside toys. I have a selection of children’s DVD’s ideal for a rainy day. The television is only on to watch a DVD or any children’s television usually an hour a day or sometimes not on at all. I have a computer that the children use under supervision. It does not have access to the internet and all games are age related.

House rules

There are certain house goals and boundaries that all children will be taught and expected to follow. This is for the safety and well being of everyone. When the children arrive in the morning I take their jackets and shoes off before they start to play. This is just in case of wet or dirty shoes as the children play on the floor and we don’t want them to get wet. The children are not allowed to stand or jump on the furniture, which I am sure you would not allow anyway. I encourage children to be polite and courteous. Every young child is capable of learning some of the most important phrases, thank you, no thank you, please etc. My family occasionally need their own space so they can either do their homework or just listen to their music or play. They will usually go to their rooms at this time. The minded children are not allowed in at these times.

4 Hours of operation

Normal hours of operation are Monday through to Friday from 8am-6pm although I can be flexible. I offer both full and part-time day and, after school care.

Illness

I do not take care of children who are ill as illness can spread to other children including my own family. If your child becomes ill when I am caring for them I will notify you as soon as possible so you can arrange for them to be collected. I will also operate a 48hr exclusion policy following sickness or diarrhoea. I am unable to give medication that is not prescribed by a doctor for your child. Absences

I will make every attempt to be available each day required but on the rare occasion I may be ill or unavailable to provide a service, I will notify you as soon as possible.

No smoking policy

There is no smoking permitted on the premises at any time. Anyone wishing to smoke will be asked to do so outside.

Naps

Most children have a nap. I will be happy to discuss their routine with you as all children are different. Usually a sleeping child would be in the near vicinity and be checked on regularly or if in another room I would use baby monitors.

5 Rates/fees/payment procedures

Your specific rates will be outlined in your contract. Fees are payable in advance and are due no later than the drop off time on the first contracted day of each week unless arranged otherwise. Payment made each week should be in cash. Late payments may result in an additional charge. Repeated late payment may be grounds for termination of your contract. The success of my business depends upon the prompt payment of fees in order to take care of day-to-day expenses.

Holidays

Holiday pay will be charged at full pay when parents take holidays and when childminder on holiday the fee will be 50% of contracted fee. At least four weeks notice should be given for holiday taken. I will also give at least four weeks notice for any holidays I take.

Arrival and Departures

Children should arrive dressed for play. A change of clothes would be helpful which can be left with me just in case of accidents. We like to have fun e.g. painting, baking and other craft activities and sometimes get messy. It is normal for some children to have difficulty separating from their parents when being dropped off. A smile, cheerful goodbye kiss and a reassuring word that you will be back is all that is needed. Children are nearly always quick to get involved in play or activities as soon as the parents are gone. If you are worried please feel free to telephone to check if they have settled for the day. When dropping children off please let me know who will be collecting them this is for the child’s own safety. Some children are too young to recognize relatives, or friends. I may need to ask for identification. This is simply a measure for the child’s safety.

6 Working in partnership with parents

Being a registered childminder is a responsible role that involves sharing responsibilities with parents and their families and recognising the prime role that they play in their children’s upbringing. As a registered childminder I will never try to take over the role of parents. Respect will be shown for families’ traditions and childcare practices, and my childcare practice will be in harmony with the values, practices and wishes of parents, as far as possible in the context of caring for children from several families. I will give out occasional questionnaires to both parents and children to try to identify the needs and wishes of both parents and children. Respect will be shown for parent’s choices about working outside the home. As part of the parent/childminder partnership a written agreement will be made and signed by both parties that set out the expectations of both parties as to care of the child, activities and business arrangement. Prompt action is taken on any concerns raised and a record of complaints is maintained. Children will only be released from the care of childminder to individuals named by the parent/guardians. If a child is identified as a child in need (section 17 of the children act 1989), the childminder, normally with the parent’s permission, gives appropriate information to referring agencies. Sensitive issues will be discussed outside of regular hours. It is made clear that I have an open door policy and their presence is welcome at any point during their child s day with me.

Confidentiality

Children, parents and I have the right to respect, privacy and dignity. Confidentiality means that personal information gained through the professional relationship between children, the parent and I will not be discussed with third parties who have no direct interest in the matter.

7 Accidents & Incidents

Any injuries that your child has upon arrival at the setting will be logged in my “accident/incident book” under existing injuries. A brief explanation from you on how the injury occurred will be required and also your signature. Any accidents /incidents that occur while your child is in my care will also be logged in the accident/incident book with an explanation as to how the accident/incident occurred and again your signature will be required to witness the entry.

Supplies

Parents must supply the following items: Nappies, wipes, creams, (dummy if needed), bibs, changes of clothes, food, drinking cup, baby bottles, and a packed lunch if preferred

Toilet training

When you feel your child is ready for toilet training usually from the age of two I would suggest that you begin this training at home during a weekend or holiday. I will be happy to continue with the training through the week. This can take a few weeks so we all need to be patient. When the child has an accident they will be treated with the greatest respect. There will be no punishment, name-calling or anything else that is likely to distress the child. They will be cleaned up and changed offered a cuddle if distressed and then will continue with what they were doing. Extra clothes will be needed at this time as you can have a few changes in the one day.

8 Touch policy

There will be no physical contact with your child whilst in my care and no physical punishment of any child at any time. Discipline is taught through love and understanding. This includes hugs and non-intimate kisses, hand holding, gentle tickling, carrying and cuddling. The hygiene of the children by washing their hands and face, nose blowing, assisting in the bathroom and changing their clothes if necessary. Only for the child’s welfare there will be any restraint used for example preventing them from running onto a road or if they are going to fall or are in any danger.

Positive behaviour policy

As a child minder I operate a positive behavior policy where the child will be praised when they do something nice whether it’s a painting, washing there own hands, or even just stopping something that they shouldn’t be doing etc. I will also try to explain to them when something is wrong. I will be sympathetic to all children. No matter how small the child is if you give them praise and understand them then they are more willing to help and understand what is acceptable and what is not. As a mum I have to take on board a little of the way the school promotes positive behavior. This is achieved by encouraging positive behaviour and discouraging negative behaviour i.e. put ups and put downs. It is always nice to be given a put up and does not feel good when we are given a put down. So if your child comes home saying that I got a put up today then it just means that some one has said something nice to them or they have done something good. And in my experience as a mum all children are over the moon when they get a put up as they know they have done something well.

9 Control of infection

All toys are washed regularly, bedding washed weekly or as needed, high chairs are cleaned daily and disinfected regularly, and changing mats are cleaned and disinfected after every use. All children are made to wash their hands before snacks and meals, after using the toilet and after contact with pets. Children have their own towels for hand drying

Any child’s wet or soiled clothes are placed in a disposable bag and returned to parents.

If any accidents occur that are blood related e.g. nose bleed etc disposable gloves will be used and all blood stained clothes will be put in a secure disposable bag and given to parent on arrival.

Disposable gloves and aprons will be worn when changing nappies and will be disposed of with nappies in a secure disposable bag and put in the outside bin.

Pets

I have a dog and a rabbit and although the children are encouraged to interact with the animals there is an obvious need for supervision and hygiene .Pets have a fenced area of the garden where the children are not allowed to play. Children will be required to wash their hands after handling pets. Our dog lives in the house but does not have a free run of the house and is not in the kitchen or dining room when food is being prepared or eaten

10 Child Protection

The whole of society has an obligation to protect children. As a registered childminder and a member of the S.C.M.A and in accordance with the guidelines laid down in the regulation of care (Scotland 2001) I have a duty to report any suspicious incidents as well as accidents to the relevant authorities, as the welfare of the child is of paramount importance.

Any suspected incidents of abuse will be recorded and, if need be passed to the relevant authority. If a suspected case of abuse is brought to my attention I will gather information and pass any information on to the relevant authority. If there is a satisfactory explanation then unnecessary investigations will be avoided. If your child presents with injuries three consecutive days then I am obliged to notify the relevant authorities. If explanations are unsatisfactory or the child still shows signs of abuse then I will not hesitate in contacting the authorities. If any cases of sexual abuse are suspected then I will immediately inform the relevant authorities.

All records are confidential and will only be shared with relevant parties on a need to know basis.

In the event of uninformed non-attendance the contacts listed will be contacted in the following order ;- contract holder – emergency contact – nursery/school. In the unlikely event of failure to get a satisfactory outcome authorities must be informed by myself.

Social work Department, Airdrie Area Team, Coats House, Gartlea Road, Airdrie, ML6 9JA Tel: - 01236-757000.

11 Complaints procedure

This policy forms an undertaking by Caroline Jackson to deal objectively and constructively with any grievances. Anyone who uses this procedure can do so with the confidence that it will be dealt with fairly and promptly.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to communicate with myself on a day- to-day basis so issues can be resolved in this way.

The following procedures will be put into practice.

1 If a parent raises a concern I will make a record of the complaint (and a copy will be given to the parents) and endeavour to resolve the issue the issue within 28 days by consolidation with the parent/guardians

2 If the matter cannot be resolved at this level the parent/guardian can contact by letter or telephone their complaint directly to the appropriate as detailed below

3 All information will be logged and passed in to the care commission.

Parents may contact The S.C.M.A. or the care commission for advice

The care commission Scottish Childminding Association Princes Gate 7 Melville Terrace 60 Castle Street Stirling Hamilton FK8 2ND ML3 6BU

Tel: 01698 208150 Tel: 01786 449063 Fax: 01698 282162 Fax: 01786 449062

12 Accident/Incident Report

Name of child:…………………………………………………….

Date or accident/incident:…………………………………………………….

Where accident/incident occurred:…………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………. ……………………………………………………………………….

Treatment required:………………………………………………………

Doctor/Nurse’s signature:……………………………………………

Return visit:………………………………………………………….…

Signature or parent:………………………………………………….

Signature of childminder:……………………………………………

13 Permission for the giving of Medication

I, ……………………………………. Hereby give permission for my child………………………………… to receive the medication noted overleaf including that provided under a Doctors prescription in the stated dosage on the stated date whilst in the care of …………………………………. Who is a registered childminder.

Medication: …………………………………………………

Reason: ……………………………………………………..

Substance unsuitable for my child is: ……………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………

Signature of parent: ……………………………………………….

Signature of childminder: …………………………………………

Policy regarding the above:- I am unable to give medication that is not prescribed by a doctor or consented for by the child’s parent.

14 Permission slips

Routine outings

I …………………………………hereby give permission for Caroline Jackson/childminder to take my child …………………………..on routine outings to any pre-school activities, playground, schools, local parks or wherever my daily routine applies.

Date ………………..Childminders Signature……………………… Date ………………..parents signature……………………………..

Car journeys

I …………………………………hereby give permission for Caroline Jackson/childminder to take my child …………………………..on a car journey with an age/weight appropriate car seat, or to travel by public transport or taxi if required.

Date ………………..Childminders Signature……………………… Date ………………..parents signature……………………………..

Photographs

I …………………………………hereby give permission for Caroline Jackson/childminder to photograph my child/children in arts and crafts, childminding parties or events. No photographs will be published without express prior permission.

Date ………………..Childminders Signature……………………… Date ………………..parents signature……………………………..

15 Emergency escape plan:

I would gather all the children together and make my way safely to the nearest exit. I would vacate the house using either the front or back door in the first instance or, any of the downstairs windows, making sure that we all stay together. I would then move away from the house and call the emergency services. If I am unable to exit the house due to the fire I would gather the children together and take them to the room furthest away from the fire and close all doors. I will then seal the bottom of the doors with towels or similar items. I will then contact the emergency services or raise the alarm if not possible to reach a telephone.

Closure of service

In the event that I was no longer able to provide a childminding service, for whatever reason, I would honour the four week notice period agreed on contract whenever possible.

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