Details

I have been a Registered Childminder since
1995, and I have learnt a lot since then.

I have put together a portfolio of all my
policies, and some references that I have
collected from parents over the years.

I will try and give you an idea of what a
Childminder charges, contracts and other
stuff you may want or need to know
before you consider looking for one.

Childminders must draw up a contract to be
signed and kept up to date by Parent and
Childminder for several reasons:

1. To ensure that if there is an emergency or the
child becomes ill during the minding day that the
Childminder will be able to either take the child
to their own GP or contact the parents at work to
come and collect the child if need be.

2. Both parties know what is expected of them
e.g. fees payable, amount and date due, date of
birth, schools/nursery attended, dietary needs,
likes/dislikes, allergies and any other relevant
details needed and kept up to date.

3. That contacts are legally binding and parents
must realise that they must be adhered to at all
times e.g. how much holiday pay will be charged
and notice for days off given in the required time
or full fees may be charged etc.

Here are two checklists for you to read through. You
will need to ask some of these things when you go
for a visit to a Childminders home and be prepared
for them to ask you a few questions too.

What the Childminder will need to know
Checklist

Make sure you tell them about the following:

1. Other members of the family including pets.

2. Pet words or names and other vocabulary
specific to your child.

3. Any special object or toy the child finds
comforting.

4. What your child does and does not like to
eat, and what you would like them to eat.

5. The family culture, religious or traditional
and the implications that has on caring for your
child.

6. Anything your child finds alarming and
unsettling e.g. dogs barking, people in glasses
etc.

7. Your attitude towards the activities planned
for the children cared for e.g. taking them out to
the shops, park, toddler groups etc.

8. If it is okay to take the child in the car or on
public transport.

9. Can your child use a cup, what eating
implements can they use.

10. Information about nappies and/or potty
training.

11. Does you child still have a nap- if so are
there routines which help the child to sleep.

12. The hours you work and need the services
of the childminder.

13. Where you can be contacted at various
times or the day, address and telephone
number in case of emergency.

14. Who will be collecting your child and is
there anyone who is not permitted contact with
the child.

15. Details of your family doctor and health
visitor, you child's immunisation status, and
any allergies or health problems your child may
have.

16. Any other factors or special problems in
you child's life.

What the Childminder will need to tell you.

They should tell you about the following things:

1. Where your child will spend the day e.g. the
rooms and garden used.

2. What your child will be doing during the day

e.g. activities, meals, going out, television, stories,
naps etc.

3. What sort of play materials they provide.

4. What sort of food they provide. Is it healthy?

5. Rules regarding sweets and chocolate.

6. What experience and training they have in
looking after children.

7. What safety equipment they use e.g. fireguard,
cupboard locks, safety gate, car seats etc.

8. What their plans are in case of emergency.

The services they provide and their charges.

9. Their behaviour policies e.g. setting limits to
behaviour, and equal opportunities for all children.

10. Details of their registration and insurance.

11. They should use written contracts signed by
both parties.

12. You will need to provide nappies, creams, baby
wipes, sun cream in sunny weather and a spare set
of clothes to be left with the childminder in case of
emergency.

13. When the child is on formula milk or baby food
you will need to provide this, the milk should already
be made up.

14. Whether they pay any toddler or other outings or
playgroups, nurseries etc, or if you will have to
provide the fees.

15. They will not pass on any confidential
information about your family.

16. How many other children will be there and their
ages.

17. If they are able to pick up and take to school or
nursery.

18. They will not be able to look after sick children.

19. They will need written permission to administer
medication of any kind.

20. Whether they smoke or not.

Click the button below to go to my healthy eating plan,
behaviour policy and other details.

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