Phone : 01977 706924 - Fax :
01977 706924 - Mobile : 07786 532194
E-mail : info@jackinabox.org
| Jack-in-a-box, We care for your children |
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Jack-in-a-box Childminders Welcome to our website. It has been designed to help you to make the right choice for the care of your child, and to show you why we are that right choice! To find the information you require, simply click on the link on the left hand side. What is a childminder? Childminders provide both full and part-time childcare. This can be from shortly after the birth of a baby right up to secondary school age. They will usually work in their own homes and are classed as being self-employed. Childminders are generally prepared to be flexible and meet the needs of individual parents, providing these are reasonable. Childminders can also be used to provide part-time childcare to school age children before and after school. All childminders, by law, must be registered with OFSTED. Although childminders do not have to have any formal childcare qualifications to become registered, OFSTED require them to attend pre-registration courses. This would normally be the first step to becoming a registered childminder. When registering childminders OFSTED will carry out the following:- They will make basic checks to ensure that the childminder is a fit person to have care of children Control the number of children each childminder is allowed to care for at one time Carry out police and social services checks on the childminder and other members of the household to ensure they have not been convicted of an offence against a child Check the childminders home for health and safety Carry out annual checks on each registered childminder Require every childminder to keep records of each child’s age, date of birth, details of parents, emergency numbers, and information on health problems and medication Encourage every childminder to take out full liability insurance Advantages of using a childminder can be:- They are registered and inspected by OFSTED Many childminders are likely to remain in the same area for many years, and therefore provide a continuous service of childcare Reasonably flexible hours may be offered. This can be from as early as 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Children of different ages can be cared for together. This is ideal if you have two children who require care Children can benefit from interaction with other children in the childminders’ care If the childminder is also a parent, this obviously will add to his/her experience in childcare It is usually cheaper than nursery childcare They are likely to have considerable knowledge of local activities and networks Please bear in mind the following.... Childminders do not usually look after sick children. It is not advisable to leave a sick child with anyone who is not a parent or close relative You may need to make alternative arrangements at very short notice if the childminder is sick How to Find a Childminder Your local Childcare Information Service and the National Childminding Association can provide you with information and advice about registered childminders in your area. Should you decide to advertise for a childminder or answer an advert in your local paper or shop window, you should take into account that all childminders are required by law to be registered. Ask to see a registration certificate and proof of their public liability insurance cover. This is in the best interests of you and your child. Interviewing It is important that as a parent you are sure that your child will be happy, safe and fully occupied in whatever childcare environment you choose for them. The most important consideration in choosing a childminder is whether you feel comfortable with him/her. It is essential to interview the childminder to find out what their views are on childcare issues that are important to you. Do not presume that the childminder has the same views on caring for children that you do. If possible, go without your child to a potential childminder’s home. This will allow you to have a detailed discussion without the distraction of your child. If all goes well, arrange a second visit when your child can meet the childminder and the other children in her care. See how your child reacts around the childminder, and very importantly, see how the childminder reacts with your child. Questions to ask your childminder about herself: Experience. Does he/she have the experience to look after your child? Number and ages of children in her care? Check that the information on the childcare register is correct. Childcare qualifications and training, especially any first aid training. Ask to see references from previous parents, and try to speak to them yourself. Her personal circumstances - who else lives in her house. Does she have children? Is her health good? Does she smoke? Does she keep pets? Is she religious? Topics to cover about your child What are her ideas on play, health, food? What are her views on, and how would she discipline children? What activities will she take your child to? Does she attend a local childminder group? How will your child’s day be filled? What does she find most rewarding about being a childminder? If your child will travel in her car, check that she has appropriate insurance cover and the required number of seat restraints for all the children in her care. What would she do if your child is sick? Questions about pay and conditions Hour’s available, availability for your child, any conditions of acceptance. Costs if you go on holiday or your child is ill. Arrangements if the childminder is ill or on holiday. You may be able to get help towards childminding costs if you are eligible for working families Tax Credit. Are you a shift worker? What are her terms for shift work? Thank you for looking at our pages, we hope to see you very soon. |
