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| Information for Parents I have set up this page for all you parents out there going through the process of looking for quality childcare for the special little people in your life! As registered childminders we have to go through alot of processes before we can begin, Firstly we are visited by OFSTED, who check that we are suitable people, our premises are safe, and clean. We all have a criminal record check and have to attend a course based on childminding and also a child carer first aid course. These are the courses you have to do but we are constantly training and reviewing our working practice. We have to keep lots of paperwork- contracts, accident/incident forms, medication book, attendance records, all of these are in place to protect your child and of course ourselves. Once set up we will be inspected six months later and be graded these are: UNSATISFACTORY, SATISFACTORY, GOOD AND OUTSTANDING. Once the initial inspection has taken place depending on the grade the childminder will be re-inspected either in one, two or three years or if OFSTED have a reason for concern. We work towards the principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage which concentrates on children aged birth to five divided into four main areas of - A Unique Child, Positive Relationships, Enabling Environments and Learning and Development. You can gain further information on this framework by either discussing with a child minder, a local pre-school / nursery or by contacting the government department for education and skills. So how do you find a registered childminder, firstly you can look on www.childcarelink.gov.uk (this site lists all the childminders in your area). Also OFSTED website www.ofsted.gov.uk. This one is abit more confusing as it is done by our registration number and lets you look at our reports. On this site there is an outstanding providers list which does have some contact details. It may be a good idea when you are phoning around and arranging visits to ask for the childminders registration numbers that way you can check the report before you go. Another good website to go to is the National Childminding Association which can also help provide lots of information www.ncma.org.uk. Or contact the vacancy co-ordinator. In our area it is Jayne Barnaby - 01476 576757 When you go to see the childminder make sure that you write down what information you want to know that way you wont forget, most childminders will have a portfolio that contains policies, certificates of training, references have a read of this while they get you a coffee! Check the childminders certificate this will tell you how many children the childminder can care for in the two age groups children under five and children over five and also how many under one they can look after. This certificate will have already taken into account their own children. It will also have on it if they are registered overnight and if any parts of the house are not to be used or if they have a registered assistant. If you havent already seen it ask to check their OFSTED inspection report and then just have a good look round talk to other parents if there are any around if not see if the childminder will let you phone them to see how they get on at the setting. Once you have decided to send your child you will fill out contracts etc. Arrange to go with you child for a couple of hours to settle them in and let you feel more relaxed. As a registered childminder myself, the children and their parents are the most important people. We provide high quality care in a lovely homely environment. Your child will have a wide range of toys and resources to play with.
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