WORKING WITH PARENTS STATEMENT
I, Eve Theobald, aim to work in partnership with
parents to meet the needs of all the children in my
care. All children and adults are treated with equal concern and are made to feel welcome in my home.
I, together with parents, will endeavor to make sure that the care of
their child is consistent. A consistent approach benefits the child’s
welfare and ensures the child is not confused.
I keep up to date about working in partnership with parents and carers
and with relevant legislation by taking regular training, regular contact
with NCMA’s Children come first network, by regularly reading
newsletters and articles posted on the OFSTED and DFES websites and raisingkids.co.uk, and by reading relevant publications such as Childcare, Who Minds and Nursery Education magazines.
All parents receive a copy of my policies and procedures, which detail
how I run my setting. I draw up and sign a written contract with parents before the placement starts or during the settling-in period, which details the expectations of the care to be provided, activities and business arrangements. The contract is signed by the parent(s) and myself and dated. A copy is given to the parent(s) and any other party involved in the financial arrangements. I issue receipts for all monies paid, on request. The contract is reviewed every six to twelve months or when circumstances change.
Wherever possible I try to meet parents’ requests for the care of their children according to their values and practices, preferences and attitudes. Family customs and beliefs about dietary requirements, dress code, hair and skin care, help required with toilet and washing are respected. Records of the requirements agreed are kept attached to the child record forms. These records are revisited and updated during regular reviews with parents.
I will notify all parents in advance when I am to be inspected by Ofsted so that parents can contribute their views to the inspector if they want to. I will supply parents with a copy of the Ofsted report within five working days of receiving the report.
If a child is identified as a child in need (section 17 of the Children Act 1989) I will, normally with the parent’s permission, give appropriate information to referring agencies.
I keep a diary to record details about the children’s day. I keep parents regularly informed about my daily routines and childcare practices and share information about the children with parents by email, telephone, face-to-face meetings or mobile texting. I use parent’s preferred method of contact as advised by them. I informally share information when the children are collected or dropped off.
Children will only be released from my care to the parent(s)/carer(s), or to someone named and authorised by the parent/carer. A password might be used to confirm identity if the person collecting the child is not previously known to me.
I maintain a record of parents’ and emergency contact details, contact details for the child’s GP and appropriate signed consent forms. All details will be kept confidential and records are kept secure.
Both I, and my assistant/driver, Chris Theobald, carry ‘childminding passports’ containing important, contact and medical details, about ourselves and the children we care for, in case of an emergency.
I expect parents to inform me of any changes in the child’s home circumstances, care arrangements or any other change which may affect the child’s mood or behaviour, such as a new baby, parents’ separation, divorce or any bereavement. All information shared will be kept confidential unless there appears to be a child protection issue.
I offer regular review meetings with parents to discuss their child’s care and education and any issues or concerns, preferably when the child is not present. If I do not share the same first language as the parents, I will take whatever action necessary to facilitate effective communication. This may include seeking guidance from the local early year’s team.
All complaints will be investigated. Please see my Complaints Policy.
All significant incidents are recorded in an incident book and will be shared and discussed with parents so that we can work together to resolve any issues.
Meeting the Early Years Foundation Stage welfare requirements
Safeguarding andpromoting children’s welfare – The provider must take necessary steps to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.
