Ryan Childcare

Policies

Working with Parents
Behaviour Policy
House Rules
Equal Oppotunities Statement
Child Protection Statement

Working with Parents

I, Mrs Marion Ryan, trading as Ryan Childcare aim to work in partnership with parents to meet the needs of the children.  

All children and adults are treated with equal concern and are made to feel welcome in my home.
 
Procedure (how I put the statement into practice)
I keep up to date about working in partnership with parents and carers and with relevant legislation by taking regular training and by reading relevant publications such as, for example, Who Minds? and Practical Professional Child Care.
All parents receive a copy of my policies and procedures, which detail how I run my setting.

I draw up and sign a written contract with parents before the placement starts which details the expectations of the care to be provided, activities and business arrangements. The contract is signed by the parent(s) and myself and dated. A copy is given to the parent(s) and any other party involved in the financial arrangements. I issue receipts for all monies paid. The contract is reviewed, for example, every six months or earlier if required or when circumstances change.

Wherever possible I try to meet parents’ requests for the care of their children according to their values and practices, preferences and attitudes. Family customs and beliefs about dietary requirements, dress code, hair and skin care, help required with toilet and washing are respected as detailed in my equal opportunities policy.

Records of the requirements agreed are kept attached to the child record forms. These records are revisited and updated during regular reviews with parents.

I will notify all parents in advance when I am to be inspected by Ofsted so that parents can contribute their views to the inspector if they want to. I will supply parents with a copy of the Ofsted report within five working days of receiving the report.

I keep parents regularly informed about my daily routines and childcare practices and share information about the children with parents I use photos, email, telephone, face-to-face meetings]. I informally share information when the children are collected or dropped off.

I maintain a record of parent(s)’ and/or emergency contact details, contact details for the child’s GP and appropriate signed consent forms. All details will be kept confidential and records are kept secure.

Children will only be released from my care to the parent(s)/carer(s), or to someone named and authorised by the parent/carer. A password might be used to confirm identity if the person collecting the child is not previously known to me.

If a child is identified as a child in need (section 17 of the Children Act 1989) I will, normally with the parent’s permission, give appropriate information to referring agencies.

I expect parents to inform me of any changes in the child’s home circumstances, care arrangements or any other change which may affect the child’s behaviour, such as a new baby, parents’ separation, divorce or any bereavement. All information shared will be kept confidential unless there appears to be a child protection issue.

I offer regular review meetings with parents to discuss their child’s care and education and any issues or concerns, preferably when the child is not present. If I do not share the same first language as the parents, I will take whatever action necessary to facilitate effective communication. This may include seeking guidance from the local early years team.

I together with parents to make sure that the care of their child is consistent. A consistent approach benefits the child’s welfare and ensures the child is not confused.

All complaints will be investigated. Please see my Complaints Policy.

All significant incidents are recorded in an incident book and will be shared and discussed with parents so that we can work together to resolve any issues.
Meeting the National Childminding Standards
England
National Standards for Under Eights Day Care and Childminding
Working in Partnership with Parents and Carers – Standard 12
The National Standards for Under Eights Day Care and Childminding state that “the registered person and staff work in partnership with parents to meet the needs of the children, both individually and as a group.”

Behaviour Policy

All children and adults are treated with equal concern and are made to feel welcome in my home. I aim to offer a quality childcare service for parents and children. I recognise the need to set out reasonable and
appropriate limits to help manage the behaviour of children in my care.

By providing a happy, well-maintained environment, the children in my care will be encouraged to develop social skills to help them be accepted and welcome in society as they grow up.

I do not, and will not, administer physical punishment or any form of punishment with the intention of causing pain or discomfort, nor any kind of humiliating or hurtful treatment to any child in my care.

I endorse positive discipline as a more effective way of setting limits for children.

Procedure (how I put the statement into practice)

I keep up to date with behaviour management issues and relevant legislation by taking regular training and by reading relevant publications, such as  Who Minds? and  Practical Professional Childcare Care.

All parents receive a copy of my Behaviour Policy.

I encourage appropriate behaviour by:

Setting a good example, I aim to be a positive role model as children copy what they see. Children learn values and behaviour from adults.

I readily praise, approve and reward wanted behaviour, such as sharing, to encourage it to be repeated. Using praise helps to show that I value the child and it helps to build their self esteem.  

I praise children to their parents and other people when they have behaved as expected.  

I try to be consistent when saying “no” and explain reasons why it is not appropriate and considered unwanted behaviour.   

My expectations are flexible and realistic and are adjusted to the age, level of understanding, maturity and stage of development of the child.

I try to involving children in setting and agreeing house rules.

House Rules

  • We take off our outside shoes when we go in to the house to keep the house clean.
  • We do not swear, call each other names, fight or deliberately hurt anyone else.
  • We eat and drink at the table or in the high chair to help keep the house clean and to avoid accidents.
  • We keep the air free from smoke.
  • We are kind to each other.
  • We take care of the toys, furniture and other equipment.
  • We help tidy up at the end of the day.
  • Children are guided away from doing things which:
  • are dangerous or hurtful or offensive to someone else
  • are dangerous to the child
  • will make the child unwelcome or unacceptable to other people
  • damage other people’s property.
                          WE ALWAYS HAVE LOTS OF FUN
Meeting the national standards
National Standards for Under Eights Day Care and Childminding
In England
Behaviour – Standard 11
The National Standards for Under Eights Day Care and Childminding state that adults caring for children in the provision must be “able to manage a wide range of children’s behaviour in a way which promotes their welfare and development”.

Equal Opportunities Statement

I will make sure that I actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practices for all children. I will make sure that I treat all children with equal concern and respect.

Procedure (how I put the statement into practice)
I recognise and welcome all legislation and existing codes of practice, produced by appropriate commissions, for example the Equal Opportunities Commission.

I value and respect the different racial origins, religions, cultures and languages in a multi-ethnic society so that each child is valued as an individual without racial or gender stereotyping. I will also not discriminate against children on the grounds of disability, sexual orientation, age, class, family status, and HIV/Aids status.

I provide equal chances for each child to learn and develop to their full potential, taking into account each child’s age and stage of development, gender, ethnicity, home language, and ability.

I provide and make sure that all children have access to a range of books, puzzles and other toys which provide positive images and examples of the diversity of life in our society.

I challenge racist and discriminatory remarks, attitudes and behaviour from the children in my care and adults.

I will always help children to feel good about themselves and others, by celebrating the differences which make us all unique individuals.
Meeting the National Childminding Standards
England
National Standards for Under Eights Day Care and Childminding
Equal opportunities – Standard 9
The National Standards for Under Eights Day Care and Childminding state that “the registered person and staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children.”

Child Protection Statement

My first responsibility and priority is towards the children in my care. If I have any cause for concern I will report it, following the local Safeguarding Children Board procedures in England. The relevant local procedures that are held by me are available on request. I understand that child abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, neglect or a mixture of these. I must notify Ofsted  of any allegations of abuse, which are alleged to have taken place while the child is in my care.

 Procedure (how I put the statement into practice)

I keep up to date with child protection issues and relevant legislation by taking regular training courses and by reading relevant publications I read, for example, Who Minds? Practical Professional Chila Care. This helps me be aware of the signs of abuse or neglect and what to do if I have a concern.  

I have copies of, and am familiar with, the local Safeguarding Children Board procedures in England .

I have a copy of the relevant booklets and guidance (as outlined in the NCMA booklet Safeguarding Children: a Guide for Childminders), I have read them and understand them.  

If I am concerned about a child’s welfare, I may contact the local authority, the NSPCC, the National Childminding Association (NCMA), or other relevant support services for advice, providing this does not affect confidentiality.

Child protection concerns that could identify a particular child are kept confidential and only shared with people who need to know this information.

Parents must notify me of any concerns they have about their child and any accidents, incidents or injuries affecting the child, which will be recorded.

I work together with parents to make sure the care of their child is consistent. Please see my Working with Parents policy.

If I notice:
  • significant changes in behaviour
  • unexpected bruising or marks
  • any comments made which give me cause for concern
  • deterioration in general wellbeing which causes concern
I will implement the local Safeguarding Children Board procedures, without delay to minimise any risk to the child. I will call the local social services’ duty desk and follow it up with a letter within 48 hours. I will keep a factual record of the concern and will ask the parents for an explanation, providing it would not put the child at risk.

The national standards for registered childminders in England and Wales require me to let Ofsted  know of any concerns that I have reported without delay.

If a child tells me that they or another child is being abused, I will:
  • show that I have heard what they are saying, and that I take their allegations seriously
  • encourage the child to talk, but I will not prompt them or ask them leading questions. I will not interrupt when a child is recalling significant events and will not make a child repeat their account
  • explain what actions I must take, in a way that is appropriate to the age and understanding of the child
  • write down what I have been told using exact words where possible
  • make a note of the date, time, place and people who were present at the discussion
  • then report my concerns immediately to the duty social worker who has the experience and responsibility to make an assessment of the situation.

If an allegation is made against me, I will report it to Ofsted and social services following the Safeguarding Children Board procedures. I will also contact NCMA’s safeguarding children service on for advice and support.
 
In all instances I will record:
  • the child’s full name and address
  • the date and time of the record
  • factual details of the concern, for example bruising, what the child said, who was present
  • details of any previous concerns
  • details of any explanations from the parents
  • any action taken such as speaking to parents.
It is not my responsibility to attempt to investigate the situation myself.
  • Promote the welfare, health and full development of children and protect them from harm of all kinds.
  • Recognise that children have rights as individuals and will treat them with dignity and respect.
  • Use discipline only in a positive and non-violent way.
  • Raise awareness about what children are entitled to be protected from.
  • Plan our work so as to minimise the opportunities to suffer harm.
  • Develop effective procedures for responding to accidents, complaints, or alleged or suspected incidents of abuse.
Meeting the National Childminding Standards
England
National Standards for Under Eights Day Care and Childminding
Child Protection – Standard 13
The Children Act 1989 and the National Standards for Under Eights and Childminding state that “the registered person must comply with local child protection procedures approved by the Area Child Protection Committee (Local Safeguarding Children Boards from 1 April 2006) and ensures that all adults working and looking after children in the provision are able to put the procedures into practice”.

Disease Exclusion and Sick Children

Please inform me if your child has been ill in the last 24 hours before a contracted period.
I do not normally undertake the care of a sick child. How ever, depending on circumstances, nature of the illness, other children in my care etc., it may be possible. The decision whether or not to accept a sick child is mine.

Parents should inform us of any symptoms of ill-health shown by their child. If the child becomes ill while in my care, I will contact the parents, and according to the severity of the illness, may ask you to take the child home.

Children who are unwell with an infectious disease should not be at the childminders. Once they are better they can return unless they pose a risk of infection to others. They should not return until the risk has passed.  

Accident and Emergency procedures

It is my absolute priority to keep children safe while they are in my care.

My premises have been checked and they meet the national standards for childminding outlined by Ofsted . I also regularly review, update and practice safety routines.     

As a registered childminder, I am legally required to have a valid first-aid certificate. I can administer basic first-aid treatment, and my first-aid box is clearly labelled and easily accessible. It is stored in a cupboard above washing machine in the kitchen. Parent contact numbers are with the first-aid box on the door.                                                
                
I hold written permission from parents to get emergency treatment from their child if it is needed.

Procedure (how I will put the statement into practice)

If there is an accident:
  • First, I will reassure the injured child while making sure that the other children in my care are safe. This may mean strapping a baby in a buggy or sitting an older child somewhere safe where they can be seen.
  • Then, if possible, I will deal with the accident. If not, I will ring 999 for help.
  • If I have to accompany or take a child to hospital, I will either take the other children with me, or call my emergency back-up cover. This will be another registered childminder or known responsible adult. These people will be known to you and are named below.

If there is an accident or emergency, my emergency back-up cover may contact you and you will be expected to collect your child straight away.

If I manage to deal with the accident myself, then I will tell the parents immediately.

If I accompany or take a child to hospital, I will contact the parents and ask them to meet me at the hospital.

If I have the accident, I will get the nearest responsible adult to help, while my emergency back-up people are being contacted.

I will do my best at all times to make sure the children in my care are safe, reassured and kept calm.
Meeting the National Childminding Standards
England
National Standards for Under Eights Day Care and Childminding
Safety – Standard 6
The National Standards for Under Eights Day Care and Childminding state that “the registered person takes positive steps to promote safety within the setting and on outings and ensures proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents.”

Environmental Policy

In an effort to assist with keeping the environment we live in as safe as we can we endeavour to recycle as much waste as possible. A great deal of our art and craft work is completed using recycled materials.

In a further measure to protect our environment we are now using cloth nappies as opposed to disposable ones. According to government statistics about 4% of the UK’s waste is made up of nappy waste. We fill our landfill sites with approximately 800,000 tonnes of nappy waste each year.

Disposable nappies are problematic because as they biodegrade in the landfill they produce powerful greenhouse gases. These gases are one of the causes attributed to the destruction of the ozone layer which nature has provided to keep out the harmful rays of the sun.

Lost or missing children

Procedure if a child is lost or goes missing
I will safely supervise children when we go on outings or trips. I will teach the children about safety when we are out and about.

But if a child goes missing, I will tell the police and search the area. Then I will contact the parents and Ofsted.
Meeting the National Childminding Standards
England
National Standards for Under Eights Day Care and Childminding
Safety – Standard 6
The National Standards for Under Eights Day Care and Childminding state that “the registered person takes positive steps to promote safety within the setting and on outings and ensures proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents.”

Uncollected children

Procedure if a child is not collected
If a child is not collected within thirty minuets, I will try calling the parents’ contact numbers. Then I will try the emergency contact numbers.

During this time, I will continue to safely look after the child.

I will continue to try the parents’ contact numbers and emergency numbers, but after a responsible amount of time – two from the original agreed collection time, I will then tell the local authority duty social worker.
Meeting the National Childminding Standards
England
National Standards for Under Eights Day Care and Childminding
Safety – Standard 6
The National Standards for Under Eights Day Care and Childminding state that “the registered person takes positive steps to promote safety within the setting and on outings and ensures proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents.”

Complaints

As a registered childminder I aim to work in close partnership with all parents, to meet the needs of their children.

If there is any aspect of my service you are not happy with please bring it to my attention. This would probably be verbally and every effort will be made to resolve the issue through frank and open discussion. If you prefer, you can put the complaint formally in writing or by email to me.

I have a mandatory duty to investigate all complaints relating to the national standards for childminding.

Depending on the nature of the complaint, I will investigate it myself or it will be passed on to Ofsted, to investigate. For impartial advice, you can call the NCMA Information Line on 0800 169 4486. Complaints will be treated sensitively. You will be notified of the outcome and receive a copy of any written records regarding the complaint within 28 days.  

(England) I use the Provider Complaints Record which is available on the Ofsted website at www.ofsted.gov.uk to record any complaints.

I will keep a written record of all complaints, recording the following:
  • Name of person making the complaint.
  • The national standard(s) to which the complaint relates.
  • Nature of the complaint.
  • Date and time of the complaint.
  • Action taken in response to the complaint.
  • The outcome of the complaint investigation (for example, ways the service has improved).
  • Details of the information and findings that were given to the person making the complaint (which should have been provided to them within 28 days), including any action taken.
  • A summary of the complaint to provide on request to any parent of a child for whom I act as a childminder and Ofsted or CSIW.
Records will be kept for 10 years.

If the complaint cannot be resolved or if the complaint is of a serious nature and you feel you cannot discuss it with me you should contact Ofsted on 0845 6404040
Meeting the National Childminding Standards
England
National Standards for Under Eights Day Care and Childminding
Working in Partnership with Parents and Carers – Standard 12
The National Standards for Under Eights Day Care and Childminding state that “the registered person and staff work in partnership with parents to meet the needs of the children, both individually and as a group. Information is shared.”

Confidentiality

All information on children, families                                                                                                                                                                                        is kept securely and treated in confidence. Information will only be shared if the parents/carers/co-workers give their permission or there appears to be a child protection issue. All details will be kept confidential and records are kept secure. The details are easily accessible if any information is required for inspection by Ofsted

Procedure (how I put the statement into practice)
All parents receive a copy of my policies and procedures, which detail how I run my setting.

Childminders do not normally have to register with the Information Commissioner under the Data Protection Act 1998. However I do need to comply with the Data Protection Act and the national standards for childminding. All written records will be kept securely locked away.  

I maintain a record of parent(s)’ and/or emergency contact details, the contact details of the child’s GP and appropriate signed consent forms.  

If a child is identified as a child in need (section 17 of the Children Act 1989) I will, normally with the parent’s permission, give appropriate information to referring agencies.

I expect parents to inform me of any changes in the child’s home circumstances, care arrangements or any other change which may affect the child’s behaviour such as a new baby, parents’ separation, divorce or any bereavement.  
 
All information shared will be kept confidential and will not be disclosed without the parent(s)’ consent, except as required by law, for example, there appears to be a child protection issue.  Please see my Child Protection Policy.

Ofsted may require to my see records at any time.

Parents have the right to inspect all records about their child at any time.

All accidents are recorded in an accident book. All accidents and injuries will be reported to the company providing my public liability policy, however trivial, to enable a claim number to be allocated.

As I am using the National Childminding Association (NCMA) public liability insurance, the total life of the policy is 21 years and 4 months to enable the child to make a claim against the policy at a later date.

All significant incidents are recorded in an incident book and will be shared and discussed with parents so that together we can work to resolve any issues.

If I keep records relating to individual children on my computer I will ask for the parent’s permission. The information will be securely stored to prevent viewing of the information by others with access to the computer, for example, in password-protected files. Backup files will be stored on CD which will be locked away when not being used.
Meeting the National Childminding Standards
England
National Standards for Under Eights Day Care and Childminding
Documentation – Standard 14
The National Standards for Under Eights Day Care and Childminding state that “records, policies and procedures which are required for the efficient and safe management of the provision, and to promote the welfare, care and learning of children are maintained. Records about individual children are shared with the children’s parent.”

When out on our bikes

When the children travel on my bike or use their own bikes I would like the children all to wear bike helmets for safety reasons.

I feel very strongly myself how important safety on bikes is, so if the children learn and understand why from a very early age it will become second nature to them.
 
There has been no law been passed to say it is compulsory                    
to wear bike helmet’s and it is down to parents what they want
to do, but as children’s health and safety is very import please say YES to bike helmet’s.

My bike will be fitted with safety seats and straps suitable for the child’s age so they will be safe at all times.

Rain, wind and sun protection covers will be used when needed.