Who are Ofsted and what does ‘Ofsted registered’ mean?
Ofsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. They regulate and inspect the care and education of children and young people. To register as a Childminder, I had to undergo training and then an inspection of my home by Ofsted to ensure that I am qualified to take care of children and that my home is a safe place to do this in.
‘Ofsted registered’ reassures parents that I am both qualified and verified to provide a childcare service from my home.
For more information on Ofsted, please click here.http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/
What is the ‘Early Years Foundation Stage’?
The EYFS is a framework published by the Department for Schools and Families to regulate the care and education of children under the age of 5 years. The four themes of this framework involve encouraging your child to be unique, creating positive relationships, creating an enabling environment and stimulating their learning and development. All registered Childminders must undergo training relating to the EYFS and incorporate it into their daily childminding routine.
For more information on the EYFS framework, please click here.http://nationalstrategies.standards.dcsf.gov.uk/fl33/eyfs
Where do you live?
I live in Ilkley, West Yorkshire. For obvious reasons, I cannot display my full home address online but it will be provided for you should you wish to make an appointment with me. I live very close to Ilkley Rail Station.
My child has additional educational/dietary/cultural needs. Can you accommodate them?
I am committed to providing an equal opportunities service to all families. If your child has any additional needs, I will endeavour to accommodate them. Please contact me to discuss them.
I don’t work regular hours/days and/or am on a rotating shift pattern. Can you still take care of my child?
Childminders are often more flexible than institutionalised nursery settings, which means they can be more accommodating of irregular working hours. Please contact me to discuss whether or not I can accommodate your individual circumstances.
You have a ‘Pet Policy’. Does this mean you have animals?
All childminders will have a policy regarding animals both inside and outside the home. My house is home to two small dogs, a Chihuahua named Roxy, who is 4 years old, a Pug puppy named Timber and a dwarf hamster named Yoshi. My dogs have grown up with my 3-year-old nephew and are accustomed to both children and a busy house, which makes them extremely friendly. They love attention and mini marshmallows. My hamster is equally friendly; he’s just a little sleepy during the day! I encourage children to learn about handling animals and the related hygiene issues but they do not have to handle the animals if they do not wish to. My dogs are not allowed in the childrens’ room.
I have two children. Would it be possible for you to take care of both?
Yes, providing I have places available that match the ages of your children. Because a Childminder can take care of children of all ages, it is often more convenient for parents to use the same Childminder for all of their children.
For example, if you have one child under the age of 5 and one child over the age of 5, i.e. of school age, it is possible for me to take care of your youngest all day and drop off/collect their sibling from school as well. Please contact me to discuss your individual requirements.
How and when do I pay?
All payments must be made in advance, e.g. on the Monday for the childcare required in the week to come. Payment can be made via Standing Order, Internet Bank Transfer, Cash or Cheque. Receipts will always be given. You can pay either weekly or monthly for your childcare, but it must always be in advance.
Do you require a deposit?
Yes. To ensure your place, I will require the equivalent of one months’ fees as a deposit. This will be refunded at the end of your contract. This is standard practice for both a nursery and for Childminders.
I have another question that isn’t answered here!
Feel free to contact me with questions on anything and everything.
