The service I provide

First of all it is important to reassure you that I provide a fully confidential service where any details held by me will be kept in a secure place and will in no way be divulged to a third party (unless witholding such information is considered detrimental to the wellbeing/safety of a child).

By attending regular training opportunities and working in partnership with parents, I strive to continually improve the service I provide and as such welcome any suggestions you have. After all who knows their child better than you?

My registration allows me to provide care for 5 children under 8 years, of which no more than 3 may be under 5 years and no more than 1 may be under 1 year at any one time. I provide a safe, caring environment for children aged 0 upwards, regularly reviewing my home and practices to ensure that this is maintained.  In addition, regular inspections by both Ofsted and Environmental Health are carried out to ensure that my premises and practices are adequately maintained and that I continue to abide by and be competent in the standards set by both bodies relating to the caring of children.

My rates are reasonable and like my service, are tailored to suit your needs.  My service is available throughout the year on both a part-time and full-time basis (7.00am - 7.00 pm negotiable) as well as during school holidays.  It is important to me, as a professional child carer, that both you and your child feels welcome in my home and that you are secure in the knowledge that I can provide the sort of care you're looking for. On my part this includes providing your child with a safe, caring environment in which I endeavour to provide them with a stimulating and fun day and where both you and your child will be treated equally at all times.

Children have 2 quiet rooms where they can sleep and a play room. They are provided with a well balanced diet (please see Menu page) where cultural and other dietary needs will be met. I actively promote equal opportunities and individualism, by providing a service that is available to all, with activities and resources that are easily adaptable, depict equality across the board and enable a child to make their own choices. There is a homework session for school age children, which parents have the choice of using. Many have found it beneficial as it means that all work is completed before children go home, thus enabling parents and children to spend more quality time together.

Activities

Some of the children’s time will be spent as freeplay, where they can choose their own activities.  However, group activities are also organised to encourage social interaction.  Either way, I aim to provide your child with a fun and stimulating environment, with plenty of time for both play and rest.  Activities that children have access to include a wide range of books, craft materials, puzzles, board games, musical instruments, videos, walkers, dolls, buggies, etc. There is a computer area where children can use educational and fun software for both learning and creating. There is a role play area (eg play kitchen, dressing up, etc) and a table tennis table. We do have both a playstation and wii console, which children are allowed to use for limited periods of time only but only with educational/fun programs (parental permission required). There is a wide range of outdoor play equipment including a slide, swing, playhouse, climbing frame, car, etc, all in a barked area of our safe and child friendly garden.

We spend alot of time outdoors at parks, museums, libraries etc and during the summer erect a large swimming pool in the garden to which children have supervised access.

To promote independence, children are encouraged to help with minor household chores (eg making lunch, tidying away, gardening etc) and to participate in supervised cooking activities. 

The children and I attend a local Children's Centre twice a week, where they have access to the centre's resources and benefit socially by playing with other children.

Policies and procedures

As with any professional body I too have policies in place, which help to create and maintain as safe an environment as possible for your child.  Parents/carers will receive a copy of each of these as part of the contract.  

Complaints procedure
Emergency & Contingency Policy
Parental Involvement Policy
Equal Opportunities Policy
Child Protection Policy
Health & Safety Policy
Health & Illness Policy
Behaviour Policy
Confidentiality Policy

Contracts

By asking me to provide a service, I must, in my professional capacity, issue a contract outlining the conditions by which that service will be provided.  To do this there are some forms that need to be completed, which will be discussed during your initial visit.

Please note that this is a very important and legally binding document which should be adhered to by both parties. It will be discussed with you at interview and once signed forms the basis of your commitment to its terms and conditions.