Caryn’s Hotline - 07584 566716

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My childcare policies all comply with the purpose and aims of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). These give each child the best possible start in life and support to fulfill their potential and to help young children achieve the five Every Child Matters outcomes of staying safe, being healthy, enjoying and achieving, making a positive contribution, achieving economic well-being.

Here is a list of my policies. These policies will be given to you to read in full at our first meeting. When entering into a contract I will require parents to sign a form to confirm they have read and understood all policies.

Below is a small selection of them for you to view:

Administering medicine

I am happy to administer medicine to a child but I require written consent to do this.

There is a general consent form that can be filled in by you allowing me to administer medicine to your child. Please contact me or see me in person should you need one of these.

Behavioural management

I operate a total non-physical punishment policy in line with NCMA. No child in my care will suffer pain or humiliation, as I believe in positive discipline as a more effective way of managing behaviour:

• Reward and give lots of praise for good behaviour

• Praise and give attention to avoid it being sought

• Give the children individual attention so they feel valued

• Set realistic targets

• Be consistent in saying NO and explaining the reason for it

• Ensure an apology and hugs are given to others

• Listening to what the children have to say

• Have a set of house rules that apply to all

• Communicate with parents if a problem arises to find a solution

• Set a good example myself

• Respond to unwanted behaviour appropriately, according to the age and level of understanding

I will never smack, shake or hurt your child. I will not humiliate your child.

I always set a good example for the children in my care and will not tolerate bad language or verbal abuse from anyone in the house, either child or parent.

Child protection

In accordance with Child Protection Guidelines and OFSTED regulations I have to inform you of my responsibilities to the children in my care.

As a Registered Childminder and a member of PACEY, I have a duty to report any concerns or suspicions of child abuse to Social Services.

Any suspected incidents of child abuse will be recorded and passed to the relevant authority if necessary.  

If a suspected case of abuse comes to my attention, I will initially approach the parent(s).  If there is a satisfactory explanation no further action will be taken.  If the explanation is unsatisfactory, there will be no hesitation in me contacting the authorities.

If sexual abuse is suspected it will be reported immediately.

To avoid any unnecessary suspicion, any injuries that a child sustains outside of my care must be entered into the accident book, together with a brief explanation of how the injury occurred.  The parent is required to sign the accident book.

Any accident that may occur while the child is in my care must also be entered in the accident book, together with a clear explanation of how the accident occurred.  The parent must sign this entry to show that you have been informed.  

If you have any questions at all about this policy, please ask as I am required to ask you to sign a form stating that you have read and understood the Child Protection Policy.

Communication

It is very important for the parent(s) and I to communicate and keep an open dialogue regarding their child.  If I have any concerns with a child I will let the parent(s) know immediately.

The best time for parents to discuss any specific concerns they have is when they collect their child, or alternatively, if it is more convenient, by telephone later in the evening.  If there were any serious concerns, a meeting would be arranged between the parent(s) and I, to sit down and discuss any issues face to face.

In the event of any complaint, in the first instance this should be directed to me either verbally or in writing.  If we are unable to come to a mutually satisfactory solution, please contact OFSTED directly on 08456 404040.

Compliments & complaints

I hope that you will be extremely happy with the service I provide and the level of care that I give to your child.  I would be grateful if you could take the time to express your feelings by way of an email or letter so that I can add your comments to my portfolio to share with other prospective parents and Ofsted.

In the unlikely event of a complaint, I would ask that parents approach me directly and communicate the issue either verbally or in writing in the hope that we may come to a swift and mutually satisfactory solution.

Any complaint made must be recorded and every parent has the right to view these records on demand.  The identity of both the complainant and child will at all times remain confidential.

The complaint record will contain the following information:

The source of the complaint: This could be a parent, a staff member, Ofsted, an anonymous complaint or any other source.

The nature of the complaint: This relates to the alleged infringement of one or more of the 14 Standards, including details of the complaint itself.

How the complaint was dealt with: This section provides details of the investigation, such as interviews or statements, who was involved (without identifying any individuals involved) and any referrals made to an external agency, for example Social Services or Environmental Health.

Actions and outcomes: This section provides details of the outcome of the investigation, such as any actions by either myself or Ofsted, any actions by an external agency, any areas identified for improvement of provision.

Each incident must be shared with all parents within 28 days from the date the complaint was made.

In the unlikely event that after following the complaints procedure, we are still unable to come to a mutually satisfactory solution, you can make a complaint in writing, by telephone, fax or in person to any Ofsted staff.

OFSTED complaints helpline: 0845 601 4772

Equal opportunities

I have a commitment to treating every child (and adult) with equal respect and concern whilst still appreciating their different individual needs, regardless of sex, race, background, economic status, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, physical stature or ability/disability.

All children have equal access to age-appropriate play equipment, toys and games and no child will be denied a toy based on any of the above.

Fire

I keep a fire blanket in the kitchen in case a fire should break out.

I carry out fire drills shortly after a new child starts and also every month so that all of the children in my care understand what they need to do in the event of a real fire.  

Over time, we will cover all eventualities, but always in a fun but controlled manner so that the children are not frightened or upset in any way.

When the alarm sounds, the children will be led out of the house via the closest exit and we will congregate either in the park next to the house or in the garden.

Illness

Due to the risk of infection to the other children in my care and also my own family, I will not look after sick children.  For this reason it is not appropriate for me to be named as an emergency contact for the child’s school/pre-school.

If a child has vomited or has an upset tummy, I would ask that they are kept at home for at least 24 hours after the sickness or diarrhoea has stopped.

If a child has a temperature, is showing any signs of illness or if they are unable to participate in our normal routine for any other health related reason I would ask that they are kept at home.

If a child is prescribed antibiotics (and providing I have a signed consent form allowing me to administer medicine) they may return once they are better in themselves.  However, this must be no less than 48 hours after they have seen their GP.

Due to the risk of infestation to the other children in my care and also my own family, I will not look after children with head-lice until they have been treated.   If your child is found to have head-lice, I will contact you and ask you to collect your child immediately.

Medical emergencies

Although I take every precaution to keep the children in my care safe, it is inevitable that minor bumps and scratches may happen, especially when playing outside.  Any minor injuries will receive appropriate first aid.

If an emergency illness or injury occurs the parent(s) will be contacted as soon as possible.  If necessary, I will take the child directly to the nearest hospital or their own GP and meet the parent(s) there.

Any accident that occurs while a child is in my care must also be entered in the accident book, together with a clear explanation of how the accident occurred.  The parent must sign this entry to show that you have been informed.  

Caryn’s Hotline - 07584 566716