Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know you are registered with Ofsted?
My registration certificate is available for you to view when you come and visit me. My Ofsted inspection report. |
Do you hold appropriate insurance?
My Public Liability Insurance, Employers Liability Insurance, and car insurance (which includes business use) is available for you to view when you come and visit me. |
I am going back to work in 9 months time, how far in advance should I contact a childminder?
Around 3 months in advance gives you plenty of time to look about and see what local Registered Childminders have to offer. I also have a waiting list if I do not currently have the right space that you are looking for. |
Help, I need a childminder next week how feasable is it that you have spaces?
It is always worth ringing to find out. If I am unable to help you I may be able to signpost you to someone who can. You will need to factor in time to fill in contrats and permission forms, and settling in sessions if possibe before your child/children can start. |
How easy is it to find childcare for more than one child?
It can be harder to place more than one child as Registered Childminders have strict ratios, look in advance if possible. |
Can I use Tax Free Childcare for part or full payment of fees?
Yes I am registered for parents to use the Tax Free Childcare scheme. Depending on your circumstances your child may be eligible for free funded hours. www.childcarechoices.gov.uk |
How can I secure a place for my
child? A deposit will be required to secure a place for your child/children. The amount will depend on how many children you have and how many days they are attending. If I have a place available for your child before you wish them to start with me a retainer fee may be payable. |
Do you care for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities?
All children in my care are treated as individuals and with equal concern, taking into account their age and stage of development and any additional needs they may have. I have experiance of caring for children with various additional needs and medical conditions. If your child has an special educational need and/or disability please be assured you can discuss this with me in confidence. I will need specific information to ensure I can make a judgement on whether I have the facilities to care for your child. |
If my child is eligible for Funded hours what will I need to do?
All children become eligible for 15 hours of Universal Early Years Education funding the term after their 3rd birthday. Eligible children will be able to claim the Working Childcare element of funding for children ages 9 months old up until they are 4 years old. www.childcarechoices.gov.uk For any claim I will need to see the child's birth certificate or passport and parents will need to fill in a headcount form each term detailing the number of hours they wish to claim. |
Do you have written policies?
Yes, I have many policies such as Working in Partnership with Parents, Behaviour Management, Equal Opportunities and Inclusion. These are all available to view when parents visit me. |
How many children do you care for?
My setting is busy with some children coming to me all week and some for 1 day a week. In total (with after school numbers included) I usually have between 3 and 5 children per day. |
What are the meal/consumables arrangements?
Children bring their own lunch and flask. Snacks, drinks, an evening home cooked meal, outings, travel, crafts, ingredients etc are included in the daily and set morning rate. |
Do you take the children out in a car?
We do go on lots of walks and also go on lots of outings in the car. I have lots of car seats from stage 2 onwards. |
Which schools do you collect from?
Tavistock Infant School. |
Do you have any pets?
Yes! We have 3 cats which have access to all areas, but tend to stay away from noisy parts of the house. |