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Oxhey Farm Childminding Service
Childminding Handbook
Our aim is to provide excellent stimulating childcare in a safe, secure farm environment in
partnership with parents to provide all children in our care a clean, loving home like environment
where everyone feels valued. Respect towards self, others and environment will be emphasized.
We aim to provide a quality caring environment of learning opportunities, both structured and flexible.
Equal Opportunities
All children will be treated according to their needs regardless of gender, religion, language,
disability age or sexuality. All children will be offered an equal opportunity to fulfil their own potential.
Rates/Fees/Payment Procedures
Fees are payable one week in advance (see contract) and cheques are only accepted with a
guarantee card.
* Before and after school, also school holidays *
Hourly Rate £3.00
Daily Rate £18.00
Bank Holidays (not worked)
Unsocial Hours (before 7.00am-after 6.00pm ) £4.00
Working Families Tax credit
Please note that you can claim 70% of your childcare fees through the Working Families Tax Credits,
please contact the Inland Revenue for details.
Enrolment Policy
The following forms will be completed prior to the start date for child care:
• Contract
• Child Records Form
• Child Registration Form*
• Parent Consent Form ( Medication /Outing/Transport Permission)
• Permission form to feed and play with animals (supervised)
If you have any questions regarding completion of the forms, please feel free to ask.
All information will be treated in strict confidence. The first month of the child's enrolment will be
classed as a trial, or settling in period. Between the signing of the contract and the commencement
of care we would prefer that the children come to visit at least twice. The first visit should be with a
parent. On the second visit your child should be left in our care for a short period of time. This will
help the transition period and is less stressful on the child as s/he does not feel abandoned to strangers.
Arrivals and Departures
Prompt timing is appreciated and a telephone call if you have any delays. My normal procedure is
to release the child only to his/her parents, or someone else who the parents designate. If
someone other than the parents is to pick up the child, it is essential we are notified ahead of time.
A verbal notice is fine on the day, if the person is on the list of people who are authorised to pick up
your child. If the person is NOT on the list, I must have written permission to release your child.
Please inform emergency contacts, or people designated to pick up your child. If I do not know them,
and the child is to young to identify them then I will need to ask for identification, this is simply to
protect the child
Drop off and collection times are not a good time to discuss serious problems. Little ears and
minds hear and understand more than we give them credit for. Please however feel free to call
me out of working hours.
Meals
Depending on the hours of care meals and snacks will be provided as appropriate and by
negotiation. The menus will be displayed on the notice board.
Activities
The main goals of the day are to have fun, improve social skills and enable creative expression.
A variety of activities will be used to accomplish this goal including free play, reading, arts and crafts,
roll play, puzzles and educational TV/Videos. Animal care and observation, gardening, cooking and
food preparation will nurture a sense of well being and belonging and contribute towards there
development. They will also be encouraged to be independent self-sufficient and develop
self-esteem.
Indoor and Outdoor play
A range of age appropriate toys for indoor play will be provided. These toys will allow children to
develop their fine motor skills, use their imagination and develop hand-eye co-ordination. Children
will be encouraged to tidy away the toys after the play session. Gross motor skills will be developed
through outdoor activities using the slide, swing and climbing frame in the safe play area..
House Rules
Can be viewed on the childcare notice board as you enter the farmhouse
Child protection
Is of utmost concern and regulations and procedures are in place to protect your child. The whole of
society has an obligation to protect children. As a Registered Childminder and in accordance with
the guidelines laid down in " The Children Act" (1989 ), I have a duty to report any suspicious
incidents as well as accidents to the relevant authorities, as the welfare of the child is of paramount
importance.
Any injuries that your child has upon arrival will be logged in my ' Accident book' under' existing
injuries 'a brief explanation from you on how the injury occurred will be required and also your
signature will be required to witness the entry.
Behaviour Management
As a Registered Childminder and member of the National Childminding Association, I aim to offer
a quality childcare service for parents. I do not and will not administer physical punishment of any
form. Good behaviour is encouraged by positive discipline:
• Rewarding good behaviour
• Encouraging self-discipline and respect for others
• Setting realistic limits according to age and stage of development
• Setting a good example
• Encouragement, not orders and instructions
• Being consistent - saying no and meaning no
• Praise, appreciation and attention
• Building children's self esteem
Illness/Medication
Sick Child Policy: Under no circumstances may a parent bring a sick child to day care. If the child
shows any signs of illness, or is unable to participate in the normal routine and regular day care
program. Sick children expose other children to the spread of their illness and require additional
care and attention that I am unable to give. Moreover, sick children want to be cared for by their
parents in the comfort of their own homes.
In the event a child becomes ill and needs to be picked up, the parent(s) will be contacted and are
expected to come and pick the child up. If the parent(s) cannot be reached, the emergency contact
person will be called and asked to come and pick up.
Complaints procedure
It is your right as a parent to pass comment on, or make a complaint about the service provided, or
the care given to your child whilst they are in my care. I am always available to discuss any issue
regarding the care of your child, please talk to me about it, and if necessary we will arrange a time
to meet to talk further without the children being around.
If you feel you are still unsatisfied with the care your child is receiving, it is your right to contact the
Registration and Inspection Unit at ofsted.
Revision to Handbook and Contract
All families will have their contract reviewed on a regular basis. I reserve the right to make changes
in rates and policies, as I deem necessary. You will be notified in writing of any changes that may
occur. Every attempt will be made to give at least two weeks notice of change.
If you require any other information do not hesitate to call either of us - Helen or Andy - on
Tel 01457 810186 or e-mail me at childminder@denshaw.net.
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