Policies and Procedures
A Précis of my key Policies
As a registered childminder I have various policies and procedures for dealing with children in my care, below are some quotes from my key policies, full copies are always available for you to view at my setting.
Sick Child Policy
I appreciate that as a working parent you need to be able to go to work, however if your child is unwell then they will be bettered cared for in their own home with a parent.
I am happy to care for children with minor coughs and colds but will not care for children who are very unwell, infectious or running a high temperature. I may have to go out each day to do school and pre-school runs and need to consider the welfare of all the children in my care.
If you child has had diarrhoea or sickness in the last twenty-four hours please do not bring them, but call and let me know.
No Smoking Policy
On July 1st 2007, England introduced a new law to make virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces in England smoke free. In accordance with the Law I have a no smoking policy in my home as this is my workplace.
No one is permitted to smoke in my home and no one in my family smokes.
Healthy Eating Policy
A good balanced diet is vital for children to develop healthily along with fresh air and regular exercise.
I am happy to provide all children in my care with healthy meals, snacks and drinks, or to cook/serve food provided by their parents.
I encourage children to choose healthy options and to experiment by trying new foods from other cultures.
Medicine Policy
I am happy to give your child non-prescribed medication, such as cough mixture, Calpol or Nurofen, teething gel etc, but only if you have signed a parental permission form for me to do so.
This permission form will be regularly reviewed to ensure that there are no changes, for example a child may no longer be able to take some medication or may need an additional form.
Even though you may have signed a form, I will still contact you by telephone to check that I can administer this medication. This is to protect your child, you and myself. It is vital that you inform me of any medication you may have given your child before they arrive into my care. I need to know what medicine they have had, the dose and time given.
Hygiene Policy
It is very important to prevent the spread of germs and illnesses that hygiene procedures are in place and strictly adhered to.
Children are encouraged to wash their hands after going to the toilet, touching animals and playing outside. They must also wash their hands before eating any meals or snacks.
I will assist the children in hand washing, ensuring that they are washing and drying them correctly.
I will provide a clean towel in the bathroom each day, however if a child is poorly I will provide them with their own towel as a precaution.
I am happy to help children to clean their teeth after meals if you provide me with a toothbrush and paste.
I will assist children with wiping their noses when they have colds and try to teach them how to blow their noses. I will explain to them the importance of safely throwing away dirty tissues to prevent the spread of germs. I will also encourage them to put their hand over their mouths when they cough.
Dropping off and Collection Policy
Dropping Off
Please let me know in advance if you intend to arrive at a different time from the contracted one. If you arrive unexpectedly early I may not be ready to care for your child. If you are late, I may have to take children to school/pre-school and will not be able to wait for you. Please discuss with me if you need to change your contracted hours.
Collection
I will only release your child from my care to adults who have permission to collect him/her. I will therefore need you to provide me with a list of people authorised to collect. It would be helpful, if they are not known to me, to include a description or a photograph for me to keep on file.
In the event of an emergency, we can operate a password system where you can send someone not authorised to collect your child but who is able to give the password. Please discuss with me if you would like to use this system.
Equal Opportunities Policy
I give all children in my care the opportunity to reach their full potential. Sometimes this means adapting an activity to the child’s ability and stage of development, providing additional resources or giving one child more attention and support than others during a particular activity or routine.
All children in my care are given the opportunity to play with all the toys (subject to health and safety with children under 3 years of age). No toys are just for girls or just for boys. I try to ensure my toys reflect positive images of children and people from different cultures and with different abilities. I have toys and resources that challenge stereotypical ideas on what careers are open to men and women.
No child in my care will be discriminated against in anyway, whether for their skin colour, culture, gender, ability or religion. I will challenge any remarks that I feel are inappropriate.
Special Needs Policy
As an Ofsted Registered Childminder I am aware that some children may have special needs and I am proactive in ensuring that appropriate action is taken when a child is identified as having special needs or starts in my care. I will promote the welfare and development of the child in partnership with parents and other relevant agencies.
Working in Partnership with Parents Policy
It is very important for your child that we work in partnership. This will give your child continuity of care and they will not become confused with different standards of behaviour and boundaries.