Essential Information
Opening Hours
The setting is open Monday to Friday 08:00 to 18:00 with other flexible hours offered by prior arrangement. I accept funding between 08:30 and 17:30 and childcare can be provided both during term time and school holidays. I take four weeks unpaid holiday per year. Annual leave will be discussed with parents in January every year. I am closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
Settling Sessions
To anybody who feels that Pip 'n' Squeak Childminding Services is for them, I offer free settling in sessions to allow your child to get to know me and to help you decide if you are happy with the bond your child is developing. I understand that as a parent it is vital for you to feel 100% confident that your child is happy and extremely well looked after while in my care. Therefore during this time I can get to know your child's routine, interests and needs.
Security
I take the security of all the children in my setting very seriously and therefore we have strict Safeguarding policies and policies on the use of mobile phones, laptops and computers in the setting. Parents and visitors to the setting are not permitted to enter the setting with these devices to protect every child who is in my care. Video recording and tracking devices are also prohibited due to data protection laws. We operate a policy where unknown adults are not permitted access in childminding hours and parent interviews take place in the evenings and on Sunday afternoons. I also do all of the children's personal care, such as nappy changing, potty training and sleep routines.
When I initially meet you and your child, I will discuss with you who has the right to collect your son/daughter and only the listed individuals will be able to take them home. If there are individuals who would not regularly pick up your child, we will also discuss the use of a password (that only you, authorised personnel and I should know.) This ensures that I know your child is going home safely. When we meet at this time, I will also collect emergency contact details and the permission to 'Seek Emergency Medical Treatment.' You will also be issued the policy pack on agreement of your child starting in the setting.
What to Bring with You
Once you are happy that you would like to leave your child in my care I will provide you with an information pack which will give you a guide on everything you need to know and everything you need to bring. I provide every child in my setting with morning and afternoon snack and a cooked meal at lunchtime. The children are offered, juice, cows milk or water to drink and this is available at all times throughout the day. Breakfast and an evening meal are as requested and as subject to contract. All individual needs will be discussed during pre-registration meetings and we can also discuss any dietary requirements your child has. Formula and follow up milk is not provided but weaning foods are provided.
Policies and Procedures
As a Childminder I work as a professional child carer and therefore the setting has many policies and procedures in place to ensure your child is cared for and always safeguarded. Copies of these documents will be given to you at the time of registration. Some of the policies include;
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Accidents and emergencies
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Behaviour
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Biting
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Bullying
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Confidentiality
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Complaints
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Dropping off and collection and non collection
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Emergency evacuation procedure
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Equal opportunities
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Head injury
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Health and safety
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Hygiene
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Internet
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Medication
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Observation
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Parental permission for observation
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Permission to seek emergency medical treatment
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Record of child's individual needs
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Safeguarding
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Settling in
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Working in partnership with parents