Additional policies that helped achieve an outstanding grade

September 2, 2018 Karen 26 comments

When I was working as a registered child minder I was a member of the local child minding network meaning that I had to have some additional policies above that of an average child minder. I am convinced that this contributed  to me being able to get an outstanding grade at my inspection.

These were:

FIRE SAFETY PROCEDURES; which meant that as well as having the required smoke alarms on each level of my home, I also had to draw up a plan of escape routes in case of fire.

HEALTH AND SAFETY PROCEDURE; this included basic health and hygiene (back then smokers were permitted to smoke indoors) so I had it written in my policy that nobody was allowed to smoke in my house, EVER.

Also parents were asked to keep their children away  if they were ill or had an infection.

Safety; I had it written that the children were always within my sight and hearing, as well as the necessary safety catches on cupboards, fire guards and stair gates.

PET DISCLOSURE; I listed my pets, which were a dog, a cat and a rabbit and I confirmed that they were all vaccinated, treated  to prevent fleas and worms and that cages were kept clean.

INCLUSION POLICY; where I promised to include all children regardless of colour, race, religion or having special needs (I had undertaken training for special educational needs)

CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY; identified that I understood the need  for keeping records and other details about the children and their families private.

CHILD MINDER COMPLAINTS POLICY; as well as having the required information for parents on display, I also had a copy of this policy in my port folio and had a complaints page (which was empty) in my comments book that was always available to parents.

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY; this can be a sensitive subject so I always made it clear to parents from the beginning that I had to raise any concerns with social services  as a way of protecting children in my care.

PROCEDURE IF A CHILD IS NOT COLLECTED; I would of course try to contact the parents then the person named as an emergency contact  before phoning social services for advice.

LOST CHILD PROCEDURE; this would never happen as I didn’t let the children out of sight, but if it did I would call the police. I also had written that I had purchased some ‘identi kids’ wrist bands which the children wore when we were out, these wrist bands had my mobile phone number written on them and the children knew to go to a woman with children and ask her to ring the number I suggested that they find a woman with children because I felt this was a safer option( no offence meant!)

I had all of the above policies and procedures in a handy book which I purchased from Devon child minding association for a small fee.

As I have said I feel that taking the time to put together this additional paperwork, not only gave parents peace of mind but impressed my Ofsted inspector enough to grade me as outstanding.

As always questions, comments and topic suggestions are welcome.

Until next time.

Karen

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26 Comments on “Additional policies that helped achieve an outstanding grade

  1. Well done on your outstanding grade! You certainly put a lot of work into making it a safe environment for the children in your care, I can see why you are well trusted.
    #mixitup

  2. Good on you for getting outstanding. A comprehensive list. I must say I think the wristband idea is good for emergencies should the unthinkable happen
    #MixitUp

  3. Well done. It’s so important to have good policies and procedures in place and it must give Parents the peace of mind that you have everything covered. #KCACOLS

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