SETTLING IN POLICY
We understand how difficult it is for parents to leave their child with a childminder when they return to work etc. We therefore work with you to ensure that your child is firmly settled in and you are happy with the level of care that we provide them with. The “Settling in Period” ensures that both the child and parent are given the opportunity to provide us with lots of relevant information about your child. This includes their individual likes and dislikes, any allergies or phobias they may have and how best to comfort them if they happen to become upset etc. The “Settling in Period” also enables us to build a positive and trusting relationship with you and your child which is specific to your individual needs and wishes.
We are more than happy for any parent or guardian to attend your child’s sessions until you feel you’re confident that your child is settled and happy in their new environment. Some children settle quicker than others and we will therefore work with you to support your child through this period, making it as easy as possible for them to adapt and be happy in their new surroundings.
Some parents find it helpful and reassuring to call us during the day to find out how their child is and we are more than happy to take your calls. However, sometimes we may not be able to talk for long, or answer the telephone, as we may be attending to a child's personal needs e.g. changing a nappy etc. Therefore, please do not panic if you call and there is no answer.
GOING FOR A WALK POLICY
Most days, weather permitting, we go for a walk to feed the ducks or to take in the local nature and wildlife. Some days we even walk to the local supermarket where the children learn to find out what’s on the shopping list which they find stimulating and great fun. While we are walking all children are strictly monitored and do not leave our side. When walking in the town all children are kept on the pavement and are taught the importance of road safety.
When we visit the duck pond all children are taught to be nice to the ducks and to stay back from the edge of the water. We also educate them about the dangers of playing near water.
Prior to any child taking part in our “Going for a Walk” policy a permission slip must be signed by their parent or guardian so that they can participate in this activity.
HEALTHY EATING POLICY
We take great pride in the delicious, healthy nutritious meals and snacks that are provided to all the children in our care. All meals are prepared using fresh ingredients with a strong emphasis on fruit and vegetables which all the children enjoy.
BEHAVIOUR POLICY
We are great believers in promoting the policy of positive behaviour to all children who are in our care. This means that a child learns to behave through being told both when they are behaving properly and not only when they are misbehaving. This is not to say that there are no consequences for bad behaviour. When children are in our care, as with our own children, and they misbehave they are sent to the “Time Out Pad” which is time to age related e.g. 3 years old = 3 minutes. After this time they are then asked to politely apologise to the rest of the group. As with our own children, children in our care will never be subjected to any type of physical or verbal abuse.
While in our care there are a few “House Rules” that all children must adhere to:
- Please be courteous and respectful to everyone in the house.
- Please remember furniture is for sitting on and not jumping on.
- Please remove outdoor shoes when you’re in the house to help keep it clean and tidy.
- Please remember we must learn the importance of sharing e.g. to share and take turns with the toys and other activities.
- It is everyone’s responsibility to keep the playroom clean and tidy.
- Please remember no hitting, biting, swearing, name calling or any aggressive or unruly behaviour will ever be tolerated.
- Please remember we are all different, we have different ideas and ways of doing things and that is what makes us all special and individual.
REMEMBER THE NUMBER ONE RULE - EVERYONE MUST LAUGH, HAVE A GREAT TIME AND GO HOME HAPPY AT THE END OF EACH AND EVERY DAY.
CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVACY POLICY
Maintaining parent and child confidentiality and privacy is a fundamental part of working as a professional childminder. You will appreciate that as childminder’s we will acquire a lot of information and knowledge about the children in our care and their respective families. A lot of the information that is disclosed to us is of a sensitive nature and you can be rest assured that we will do everything in our power to keep this information private and confidential at all times.
Therefore, we will never pass on any information to any individual without your prior permission (except in very extreme circumstances when it is in the child’s best interests to do so).
Please Note:
Help us to maintain privacy and confidentiality by refraining from asking us for any information relating to any other child in our care as everyone has the right to privacy and confidentiality. Your help in maintaining this within our setting is greatly appreciated.
ACCIDENT / INCIDENT POLICY
The safety of every child in our care is of paramount importance. We therefore take every measure possible to protect every child from hurting themselves. However, on occasion accidents do happen and we have implemented the following procedures on how we deal with a situation if and when they arise.
- We will comfort the child and reassure them.
- We will assess the extent of their injuries and if necessary immediately call for relevant medical support.
- As trained First Aiders we will carry out any first aid procedures that are necessary.
- Once we have ensured that your child is settled and stable we will immediately contact you to inform you of the accident. If necessary we will ask you to return to care for your child or arrange to meet us at the hospital.
Furthermore, after every accident, however minor, we will:
- Complete a report in our accident book.
- Ask you to sign the report and provide you with a copy.
If the accident requires any medical treatment we will:
- Inform the Care Inspectorate.
- Inform our insurance company.
- Contact the Scottish Childminding Association for additional advice and support.
Please Note:
Following an accident it is of upmost importance to keep us informed regarding your child's condition and to advise us if you have sought medical advice.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY
Regardless of their race, colour, creed, cultural background, gender, age, family grouping or disability all children in our care are:
- Treated as individuals and with equal concern.
- Treated fairly and equally.
- Given the opportunity and encouragement to learn and develop.
- Encouraged to learn and understand about people who are different from themselves.
- Taught to respect and enjoy these differences.
We also:
- Promote and encourage all children in our care to respect other people’s cultural and religious beliefs and traditions at all times.
- Strongly discourage stereotypical attitudes and prejudice of any nature at all times.
- Do not tolerate discrimination towards any child due to their race, colour, creed, gender, cultural background, family background or disability at any time.
CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
As registered childminder’s it is our responsibility to ensure that the safety and welfare of all children in our care is of paramount importance. If we suspect that any child in our care is being abused we will contact the Social Work Child Protection Team in Hamilton. Should this matter arise it is also our responsibility to report it to the relevant authorities i.e. Care Inspectorate, Social Services and the Police as we are unable to keep it confidential.
Should any child's behaviour or appearance dramatically change in any way it will be recorded. If this carries on over a sustained period of time it is our duty to report the matter to the Social Work Services Department. The records of any suspicions or concerns will be kept in a secure folder which will remain strictly private and confidential. The records will include the child's name, address and age. Additionally, any worries or concerns we have regarding the child’s safety and welfare will be logged along with what is being done to resolve the matter. All entries will be dated and timed.
If a child regularly attends our childcare services and for some reason they fail to turn up, or contact us, we will contact the parents. Should we be unable to make contact we will then contact the emergency contact of the child to find out the reason why the child has not turned up. Should the emergency contact not know the reason for non-attendance it is our duty to contact Social Services for their help and assistance.
Telephone Numbers:
- Care Inspectorate: 01698 208 150
- Social Work Services: 01698 453 753
- Emergency Social Work Services (Out Of Hours): 0800 678 3282
- Strathclyde Police Domestic Abuse Unit: 01355 564000
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