Choosing Childcare
When parents and carers are selecting suitable childcare provision for their children
there are many things to consider such as:
The type of setting the child will attend
The type of person/people who will be caring for them
Health and safety issues
The type of care the child will receive
The cost of the provision
The list can be endless.
Choose your childminder carefully
However, the essential thing to keep in mind is-
What is important to your child?
Children view things very differently from adults, and although the issues we consider as a parent/carer are very important for our children’s safety and well-being, they are often not the things most important to young children.
A Childs view
Does anyone notice when I come in? Do they say hello?
Can my mum/dad stay if I want them to?
Can I reach the things I need (toys, handles, toilet)?
Can I see out of the window?
Are there any people, or picture of people, who look like me?
Is there somewhere safe for my things?
Is it noisy, are people shouting, will they shout at me?
Is there somewhere I can be quite/by myself?
Questions you may wish to ask the childminder.
Can I see a copy of your registration and insurance certificates?
What are your normal hours of work?
What are your fees?
What charges are made for absent/sickness?
What arrangements are made for holidays?
What are your overtime rates?
Do you provide for children with special needs?
Do you have emergency arrangements with another childminder?
How many other children do you look after and their ages?
What training or experience do you have?
What is your routine and what activities do you provide for the children?
How do you manage difficult behaviour?
Who else will be in the house whilst you are minding?
Are you a member of the NCMA?
Do you drive?
Do you smoke?
Do you have a garden?
Do you have pets?
How can I reserve a place?
What do childminders provide?
Registered Childminders provide full time or part time day care for the under 5s, and before/after school and holiday care for school aged children up to 8 years of age. Additional children aged between 8-14 years will also be taken into consideration when deciding how many children a childminder can care for, however the childminder does not have to be registered for this age group.
Childminders can provide a wide range of activities for children including taking them to a selection of groups, such as toddler groups, libraries, parks, outings, play centres. Most childminders provide meals this would be discussed at our first meeting.
Please contact me with any questions or requirements.
Charlotte Barton