| 1. Take a professional approach to registered childminding NCMA childminders: -are registered and comply with the requirements of their registration -have suitable insurance cover -undertake relevant training where possible -keep up-to-date with childminding regulations and legislation. 2. Manage children's behaviour NCMA childminders: -never slap, smack, shake, bite, frighten or humiliate a child -take a positive approach to managing children's behaviour -set clear boundaries for children's behaviour and share these with parents -give praise and encouragement when children live up to expectations -respond to unwanted behaviour appropriately, according to the child's age and level of understanding. 3. Promote equality of opportunity NCMA childminders: -treat each child as an individual and with equal concern -give every child equal chances to learn and develop -take into account each child's age and stage of development, gender, ethnicity, home language and any disability -encourage children to develop a sense of their own identity and culture -help children to learn about cultures different from their own, and to develop positive attitudes towards people who are different from themselves. 4. Respect confidentiality NCMA childminders: -do not share information about children and families without the permission of the family -only break this rule in the interests of protecting a child, when they seek advice from appropriate professionals. 5. Promote children's learning and development NCMA childminders: -provide play activities and learning experiences suitable for each child's age and stage of development -support and stimulate children's Social, Physical, Intellectual, Communication and Emotional development (SPICE) -build learning into everyday activities -support and complement what children learn at home, school and pre-school -keep parents informed about their child's progress. 6. Work in partnership with parents NCMA childminders: -know that parents are the most important people in a child's life -recognise that parents know their own child best -exchange information about each child with his or her parents -show respect for each family's beliefs, traditions and wishes for the care of their children -arrange back-up cover for emergencies -review contracts with parents at least once a year -understand children's need for ongoing care with the same carer. 7. Keep children safe NCMA childminders: -pay careful attention to safety and hygiene -ensure a smoke-free environment while they are childminding -make detailed plans of what to do in an emergency -are aware of signs and symptoms of possible abuse and know what to do if they suspect a child is being abused. 8. Know about nutrition NCMA childminders: -discuss children's dietary needs with parents -provide children with a healthy, balanced diet 9. Have good business practices NCMA childminders: -keep organised records of children's attendance, personal details and development -keep accurate written records of accidents and incidents in an accident book -keep detailed financial records. 10. Seek support NCMA childminders: -seek advice from other professionals when necessary -take advantage of the opportunities for mutual support provided by NCMA and local childminding groups. |
| NCMA Quality Standards |
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