How I Comply with the National Standards for Childminding
Standard 1 – Suitable Person
This standard focuses on Ofsteds decision as to whether I am suitable to look after children and can provide quality care.
I have had ongoing training to aid me in caring for children. This includes taking my Introduction to Childminding Practice a qualification from CACHE and the NCMA 12 hour paediatric first aid course. I have also been checked by the Criminal Record Bureau. I have certificates on view
Standard 2 – Organisation
This standard focuses on how the Childminder meets the needs of the children through allocation of space and resources, allowing the children to play and learn.
I am registered to care for up to 6 children. Only three may be under the age of 3 and only 1 may be under the age of one and 3 up to the age of eight. I am also registered to care for one chid overnight up to the age of eight. Exceptions for these ratios can be made for siblings and to provide continuity of care. This is called a variation and must be verified by Ofsted. I have public liability insurance which is on view.
Standard 3 – Care, Learning and Play
This standard focuses on the need for childminders to offer a wide variety of play, learning activities and communication to stimulate their development in all areas.
Play is very important for developments and while the children are in my care I will make my environment welcoming and help them interact with the other children, helping them develop their social, physical, intellectual and emotional needs. Also helping them to develop communication skills and provide different activities and toys for different children and moods. I will teach them how to interact with other children
I use information from parents and observation to plan activities for each child. I learn about there interest and incorporate this into their day. I keep observation files for all the children. I try to support the children and to build positive relationships and to help develop their self esteem. This includes praising them and showing I ca
For under 3s I have a daily feedback with parents and work closely with them to teach right and wrong.
I keep individual folders for each child and these folders are only accessible to me or the parent and are given to the parents when the child leaves my care.
I do risk assessments each day of the areas that the children will be in during the day to make sure that all is safe for them whilst in my care. I also have parental permission where is necessary
I have planned activities according to the age of the children I am caring for these can change. All my activities do focus on areas of learning and development so aiding the children as they learn.
I do observation sheets on all children under which are kept in their files with a copy given to the parents.
Standard 4 – Physical Environment
This standard focuses on childminders providing a warm and welcoming environment for children and parents that is both safe and secure.
To keep the children I care for in a safe and harm free environment I make sure all outside doors are locked and secure, My home is kept clean and dirt free and has a safety check every day. There is easy access to all toys, A quiet area for naps and a table for meals and homework.
I have a downstairs toilet for the use of the children and supply soap and paper towels for hand washing facilities. My house is suitably ventilated and kept to a temperature suitable for the time of year.
My kitchen is cleaned and safety checked every day and a safety gate is attached to the doorway so the children cannot access the kitchen without me.
My garden is checked daily for any debris that might have been dropped by birds. Fencing is safety checked, all toys are safety checked and cleaned once a week.
To make a welcoming environment there are places by the front door for the children to leave there coats and shoes and are encouraged to hang them up and remove there shoes when arriving and playing indoors. My certificates are also displayed in the porch for all parents to see on arrival.
Standard 5 – Equipment
This standard focuses on the need for childminders to provide a range of equipment, furniture and toys that will meet the varying needs of the children to support their development and welfare.
I have a large range of toys and equipment from birth upwards, they consist of learning toys, games, arts & crafts, material, books, puzzles, and natural objects when possible. Also books and toys including images of people for all races, cultures and abilities
I do borrow toys and books from the local toy library to give the children a variation.
I have treasure baskets for the really small consisting of various items which help to aid senses and motors i.e smell, sound, feel.
I have small indoor trikes, pushchairs and a variety of dolls
All my toys are checked daily for damage and cleaned and batteries checked. New toys are added to the collection at regular intervals.
Outside toys consist of bikes, seesaws, slides During the summer months more appropriate toys are in the garden i.e ball pond, rice pit, paddling pool (under strict supervision)
All equipment is used in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendation and chosen for its suitability and is suitable for any child.
All my car seats are brought new and have only been used by me and are checked daily for wear and fitting.
High chairs, changing mats, potties and pushchairs are disinfected regularly and checked daily for wear.
Standard 6 – Safety
This standard focuses on the need for childminders to take appropriate safety measures to avoid dangerous situations, taking into account the children’s constantly developing abilities.
I do a risk assessment on my home each day checking plugs, wires, etc. Smoke detectors are checked daily, I have a fire blanket and a emergency plan for evacuation. I keep up to date information re accident reporting guidelines & safety advice. I have a first aid kit which is monitored monthly and kept securely
I promote safety on outings by making sure that I have the correct reins, wrist straps etc, that my buggy is checked and safe. I check that all my car seats are fitted correctly and not warn. If out walking with the children I will teach them safety on the roads whilst we are out. I take precautions to avoid children going missing on outings and to ensure this all children must hold the pushchair or wear suitable reins according to the age of the child. On outings when I know there are going to be a lot of people all children will wear a wristband with my mobile number on. I will teach the children all the time about the dangers of wandering of and talking to strangers. I also carry identification on me for myself and each child in case of accident of if something should happen to me.
My garden is checked daily for debris or anything that could harm the children. Fences are checked daily. Children are taught not to touch the plants and explained that they could be dangerous. Suitable sun cream is applied and hats are worn to protect from the sun. I have age appropriate toys and teach behaviour management to prevent accidents. All water activities are supervised.
I will only allow children to be collected by allocated persons on the list and I must meet these persons before I will allow them to collect the child. Unknown visitors are not allowed on the premises without prior arrangement and everyone I do not know must show ID.
My car is insured to the standards required, and I have a public liability insurance both available to the parents to view.
Standard 7 – Health
This standard focuses on promoting high standards of hygiene to prevent the spread of infection. It also covers procedures for reporting accidents and incidents.
I have completed the NCMA paediatric first aid course and have a up to date first aid box which is checked regularly.
I promote good hygiene with the children by implementing hand washing, ie after going to the toilet, playing with animals and before eating. I supply soap and paper towels for this. The cleaning of teeth is offered to the parent if required but there own toothbrush and paste must be supplied.
I follow strict hygiene procedures myself to protect myself and the children from infection. This includes good practice when dealing with nappies, emptying potties etc.
I teach the children about personal hygiene through play and daily routine. I encourage daily exercise and physical activity indoors and out.
I have a no smoking policy and try avoiding any environments outside my home that might be smoky. I encourage the children to eat healthily.
Standard 7 – Health Cont:
To prevent infection I encourage the children to put there hand over their mouths when coughing and sneezing. Antibacterial soap and paper towels are provided for washing. All nappies, wet wipes and paper towels are placed in plastic bags then into a bin with a lid on.
If a child becomes sick I will ring the parent to come and collect and try and keep the other children away to try and avoid infection. If a child bumps his head I will inform the parent, and give them an information leaflet about head injuries. If a child has head lice again parents will be contacted to collect there child and a heal lice leaflet will be given to the parents. If a child has sickness or diarrhoea the child will not be able for return for 48hrs to eliminate the risk of infection. All accidents are reported to the parent and entered into my accident book which is then signed by the parent. All medicines supplied by the parents are enterded into the medicine book and signed by the parent and placed in a lockable container out of reach of the children.
Standard 8 – Food & Drink
This standard focuses on providing children with a nutritious balanced diet in line with parents and religious needs.
I will always talk to parents about there child’s eating requirements including any treats for example sweets, crisps or biscuits. Also checking with parents that there child has no food allergies etc,
I produce a menu plan which I share with the parents, I provide a healthy diet and try to encourage children to try new foods. Fruit and water is freely available all day. I keep a record of all foods eaten by under 5s in their daily dairy.
I provide a suitable environment and equipment to support all the children in to eat and develop their independence this includes cutlery and cups etc
Appropriate hygiene measures are in place for sterilizing equipment, and food preparation areas. I can supply healthy eating literature to parents if requested.
Standard 9 – Equal Opportunities
This standard focuses on the child’s right to feel valued and free from discrimination. Childminders must be committed to equality, helping children learn about it through play, by providing a range of resources and activities that reflect different cultures and needs.
I try to emphasise to the children that each person is valued as an individual with different needs and likes and there differences must be respected as everyone is different. No one must be discriminated against.
I cater for cultural, religious, and medical differences at all mealtimes
I provide resources that reflect images of culture, gender and disability and give children the equal opportunities to learn and develop regardless of age, sex, race, religion, ability or disability. Teaching the children to show everyone and everything respect. We talk about similarities and differences. I use contributions & experiences by outings, teaching right from wrong, and people who help us themes etc, We celebrate a wide variety of festivals and special events throughout the year. During play I encourage the children to respect and value each other and are helped to understand that it is wrong to judge because someone is different.
Standard 10 – Special Needs
This standard focuses on how childminders need to understand the needs of every child in their care, sharing information with parents and organise the environment to ensure children can take part in appropriate activities.
If I think that a child in my care has special needs I will deal with this in a sensitive manner, by making observations, then sharing my concerns with the parent. I will then endeavour to support the parents and help them to seek professional help ensuring the family of full confidentiality.
If a child comes to be with special needs I would endeavour to include that child in all the activities if possible whilst learning as much as I could about their special needs so I am able to help them with their progress in life. If necessary accessing the correct equipment. Liaising with parents at all times is a must.
Standard 11 – Behaviour
This standard focuses on promoting positive behaviour, working with parents to develop strategies for dealing with unwanted behaviour, physical intervention and documentation.
I encourage positive behaviour management without the use of any physical punishment and do not smack, bit, shake or humiliate any child. I implement clear consistent and realistic boundaries and house rules. I encourage children in making decisions, teach children that it is wrong to bully.
I talk to parents if there is a problem to try and sort out the problem between us.
As well as teaching children that bad behaviour is wrong they are compliment on good behaviour and if children are exceptionally good they will receive a certificate stating that. I do implement time out for bad behaviour and the child is spoken to and explained what he/she has done.
Standard 12 – Working in Partnership with Parents
This standard focuses on childminders building positive relationships with parents, where information is openly shared to promote the development and well being of the child.
I use NCMA contracts which are reviewed every six months. I gather as much information as I can initially form the parents. I keep full medical records and records of there like and dislikes, favorite activities, toys and games and what there daily routine is like at home.
I inform all parents of my polices and procedures and all parents on signing contracts get a parent pack consisting of all the forms they need to fill in and sign. My policy, My about me, How I comply with the National Standards and any other leaflets that I think might be relevant for this parent. I will go through all the policies, the contract and form filling with the parent and encourage them to allow there child to come to me for a few hours alone before they start properly. I assure them of total confidentially at all times. I make sure they have all Ofsted telephone numbers and give them a copy of the Ofsted poster about complaints explaining that I hope they would come to me first if they have a problem with me.
For smaller children I keep a daily diary of events for the parents to read, but do try to talk to all parents at collection time to let them know what sort of day their child has had. During the summer months when we do lots of activities I send out newsletters to inform the parents of what we are doing.
Standard 13 – Child protection
This standard focuses on the Childminder having the knowledge and understanding of how to recognise possible abuse and deal with it correctly.
It is my responsibility as a childminder to insure the safety & welfare of all the children in my care as set out in this standard. If I have any reason to think that a child in my care is being abused, I will firstly talk to the parent as I know as a parent myself children can be clumsy and are continually falling over. If this is repeatedly happening and I feel the child is in danger I will notify the necessary authorities. All parents are required to sign a child protection form on enrolling with me and to read my child protection policy which states all this in both copies.
There are many forms of abuse, Neglect = not caring for a child properly by feeding or keeping clean. Physical abuse = constant injuries occurring. Sexual abuse = sexual activity experiences that are wrong for the age of the child. Emotional abuse = harming the emotional well being of the child by making them feel unloved or undervalued.
Standard 14 – Documentation
This standard focuses on the documentation that Childminders must keep, ie records, policies and procedures. And how they are stored, kept safe and for how long.
There are no set guidelines on how long most documentation must be kept (except registers, accident and medication records which must be kept for a minimum of two years). But I will keep my documents for up to 5yrs then they will be destroyed by shedding them.
All my records are kept securely to protect confidentiality but easily accessible in the event of an emergency. I have to inform Ofsted of any changes to my home or lifestyle that could affect my being a childminder.
I have to record all events that happen during the day for each individual child and daily diaries are wrote up each day for smaller children.
I have medical records, permission form, accident and medicine forms for each child with contracts and all documentation from parents. Each child has a separate folder and this is only accessible to me or the parents.
Annex A – Babies/ Children Under 2
This standard is to show that the childminder is able to demonstrate a sound understanding of the needs of babies and toddlers.
If there is a sleeping baby in my care and they are not in the same room I will check on them on at 10-15 minute intervals.
Special care is taken that only toys appropriate to the baby/toddlers age are available and there are no items that may cause harm to them
Feeding and nappy changing will take place at the baby/toddler demands and not as part of the childminding routine. Babies will always be held when bottle feeding and I do have facilities for sterilizing bottles and utensils and the preparation of baby food.
I will spend as much time during the day as possible interacting with baby/toddler. Their individual sleeping routines will be respected
Annex B – Overnight Care
This standard is to show that the minder/child ratio is correct. The child is within hearing of the childminder and has easy access to them during the night
I am registerd to care for one child under eight overnight. The child will have his own bedding and will be allowed personal privacy to a certain degree and according to age. If the child needs bathing, the child will only bathed by me and no one else in the house will access the bathroom whilst the child is undressed.
The room will be clean and fresh and the child will have his own fresh bedding. If the child stays regularly personal bedding will be supplied.
The child will be in the room next to mine while I am sleeping. While I am downstairs and the child is sleeping there will be a monitor in the room. No one other than me and my husband will have access to the house whilst the child is on the premises overnight.
Suitable meals will be provided by me after being discussed with the parents beforehand.
Before the child stays I will have a one to one with the parent so I have all necessary information about the child, ie: bedwetting nightmares etc.
An emergency contact number will be taken and all permission and contract forms must be signed before care is available
