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
x
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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
Well done! Am delighted to save this to a mix folder as I teach myself. Great resource. #Mixitup
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
It’s very reassuring when any childminder gets a good inspection from ofsted but outstanding is, well outstanding! There’s so much work involved in all of this, without the ‘add-ons’. Thanks so much for linking to #AllSortsofBlogs
Thanks for this! I got a good on my first inspection 3 years ago. i will be due an inspection in the next 6 months i would think! #TriumphantTales
Well done on outstanding! that’s fab. Sadly our local primary school doesn’t have the premises to ever be outstanding with it’s old Victorian village building..
Good for you for going above and beyond in order to keep kids safe. #keepingitreal
My old boss used to always say ‘Determine what the rules are, play by the rules, ensure everyone else plays by the rules’ – great that you achieved outstanding 🙂
Well done on your achievements #DreamTeam – so long as policies that are good are also actually reflected in practice they are a good thing
Congrats! you did something right for sure!
Thank goodness for guidelines for childcare in the home. Some things would get overlooked if it wasn’t in writing.
This is really interesting, as ,my MIL used to childmind. It sounds there is a lot to think about!! Thanks for sharing with #bloggersbest x
Congrats of getting outstanding. There’s a lot of valuable advice here #blogstravaganza
I think it is important for Ofsted but also for parents to know the boundaries you have set and the policies that protect you and the children. Thanks for linking up with #globalblogging
Great advice and well done on gaining your outstanding grade. #TriumphantTales
Great that you put these in place! Well done on the outstanding achievement. Thank you for linking up to #PointShoot 📸
Well done you, sounds like you really care about your role which will really make a difference to others X .#Blogstravaganza
Well done on such a great grade. Thanks for sharing with #TriumphantTales, do come back next week.
Well done for getting an Outstanding rating! Great idea to have these policies in place. Thank you for sharing with #Blogstravaganza 🙂
Congratulations on gaining an outstanding rating. That’s a big achievement! Having policies in place and ensuring that they are reflected in your day to day running is so important. Thanks for joining us for the #dreamteam
Absolutely, OUTSTANDING! Nicely done. #KCACOLS xo
Ah that’s amazing. Well done for getting such an outstanding rating! That’s so great. Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next time
Back again, from #pointshoot xo
Well done! It’s not easy to achieve and outstanding! #KCACOLS
It takes alot to achieve outstanding so well done on creating and delivering such high standards!
Mainy
#KCACOLS
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
Well done for your good results .Good work 👌👏
Thank you, Mariana