What are your rates?

I have a set hourly rate, thats in keeping with others locally and the funding.

I also offer a day rate, I recommend a minimum  of a 5 hour day, and for children under 2 a minimum of 2 days a week, this is purely because 1 day a week is a long gap between visits and some children struggle with short days or long breaks etc. ( This is purely a recommendation)

That said your hours are flexible to your needs where ever possible, So if people do a block of hours over 6 hours in a day, I do a block day rate tailored to the amount of hours you need. I don't believe in setting a block day of 8 hours if you only want 7hrs, and I can tailor the funding claimed if eligible as long as its within the government guidance. ( max 10 hrs in a day, max 2 settings in a day, max allowance per week. 

Do you except the new free childcare?

In a simple reply yes but it's worth noting it's not free, the government support funding is 15 or 30 hrs over 38 weeks (depending upon eligibility it's 570 or 1140 hours in a school academic year) 

I don't currantly add consumables or top up fees, as parents bring their child's own nappies, packed lunch etc. ( however if you use all your hours goverment allowance per week, or we are doing stretched, then parents must pay for additional hours at my standard providers rates.

There is alot of information your welcome to discuss it further in person. 

Do you have an assistant ?

No it's just myself and so numbers are very small within ofsted's ratio's requirements. 

Do i have a waiting list?

Yes your welcome to add your details to this list 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JWZXCXH

I will contact you when spaces become available, I would recommend you to also use the contact form on this website as well to let me know. 

Will my child learn with you?

Yes we all learn every day and children learn though play, I have lots of resources and experience in helping children to collect information and learn in activities, based in the 7 key areas in the Early Years Statutory Framework, that is used in early years settings ie nursery’s, pre-schools ect. ( Childminders have a slightly adapted version of the EYFS as the work generally alone of with a max of 2 others however the main learning goals is exactly the same) 

I use the difference supporting documents like birth to 5 matters ect to help plan a curriculum to help each child develop and grow. 

I am more than happy to discuss this further and show you in our meeting. 

What hours do you work.?

I am open a minimum of 45 weeks of the year.

I do close for a week at Easter and a week in August as well as all Bank Holidays and generally 2 weeks at Christmas.

There are also odd days throughout the year for training or family situations, or mini breaks.

I try to provide a minimum of 6 weeks notice of a closed day. ( except in unforseen circumstances) all parents must have a back up plan for childcare, especially in the situation of me or my family being unwell. 

If I am closed no fees are due from yourselves, ( I also transfer the funding to another day is spaces available or return hours to local authority) if your on holiday or sick etc fees are still due and funding may still be claimed. More details can be given on the open hours page or at our first meeting.

IF YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS PLEASE DON'T HESITATE TO CONTACT ME.

WHO SUPPLYS FOOD ?

ALL FOOD , SNACKS, NAPPIES, CREAMS ETC ARE SUPPLYED BY PARENTS, AFTER THE GOVERNMENT CHANGED FUNDING THET WE ARE UNABLE TO ADD COSTS TO COVER THESE ITEMS UNLESS WE BREAK IT DOWN FULLY IE 3 X NAPPIES 16P PER NAPPY USED ETC, AND THEY HAVE SAID WE CANT CHARGE A TOP UP BETWEEN THE FUNDING THEY PAY WHICH IS LOW AND OUR HOURLY RATES, THE ADMIN FOR WHAT WE CAN AND CANT BILL IS TO MIXED AND EVER CHANGING, IN ORDER TO STAY WITHIN THE LAW AND STILL MAKE A INCOME TO SUPPORT MY FAMILY I HAVE TAKEN THE HARD DECISION TO NOT PROVIDE EXTRAS.

(I do have spares of everything and your child will never be left in a wet nappy or not fed in emergency situations when you run out, or forget I promise you that) 

Do you go to toddlers or days out ?

In a simple reply yes absolutely and I try to go to places that are free or of very little cost, I have a couple of groups that I visit that I have worked out a set rate with them and I fully cover this with the funding in term time and no fuel costs to get there etc are billed to parents. 

HOWEVER an added note 

If we plan a trip that's bigger ie zoo, or adventure that's going to cost more than £3.00  a head I plan them well in advance and you will be advised and I ask for a donation of the difference over the £3.00 per child if the uptake of children able to pay is sufficient enough to go we go and have fun on a day that's suitable for all. 

More information about this can be discussed at our initial meet and greet. 

 What's the difference between a childminder and a babysitter?

The main difference between a childminder and a babysitter is the type of care they provide, the level of qualifications required, and the legal obligations they have: 

 Childminders must be qualified and registered with the relevant government authority. In the UK, this is OFSTED. They must also undergo a childminding course, such as EYFS for children under five and Childcare Register for children over five. A childminder is a regular form of childcare that contributes to a child's overall development,

Childminders can set their own opening hours, and work in their own homes, that are regularly inspected along with the childminder to make sure they are meeting the high standards expected of them. Childminders are bound by official rules and regulations, and are liable to comply with legal obligations.

Babysitters are responsible for ensuring the safety of the children, interacting with them, and adhering to feeding and sleeping schedules. They are not expected to look after the long-term development of the child. Babysitters visit the child's home to provide care. Babysitters is ad hoc care that focuses on a child's physical and emotional well-being, normally in an evening. 

  Does everyone get government funding? 

https://www.gov.uk/check-eligible-free-childcare-if-youre-working

Should help answer this question. 

 When the children go out what forms of transport do you use?

I have multiple buggies, back packs that I can attach reins to if required. If we go out in the car I child age, weight, and height appropriate and I buy new from a reputable company ie halfords every 4-5 years and I keep rear facing as long as the childs sizes remain appropriate for the seats. ( I also don't buy the cheapest ones and I make sure they fit correctly into my vehicle) I don't agree with coats or thick layers in the car under the seat belt as it's been proven to be dangerous so children have a blanket over the top ) 

My father is a retired grand 6 instructor who grained me and kept a check on my driving performance, If I am feeling even slightly off colour I will change my plans, I take driving other people's children extremely seriously. I have the required business insurance and breakdown cover. 

Your welcome to ask any further questions at our meeting. 

 Do you share funding with another setting?

Yes I am happy to work with you and another setting in sharing funding,  supporting development etc, All I ask is your open and discuss with me what is happening preferably in advance. I have lots of support and help in a  funding information pack your welcome to ask about. 

Will my baby get an education?

Yes — childminders do teach, especially younger children, but in a more informal and home-based way than a school teacher.

What they teach

Childminders support learning through play and everyday activities, such as:

Early literacy (letters, sounds, reading stories)

Basic maths (counting, shapes, simple sums)

Social skills (sharing, taking turns, manners)

Life skills (tidying up, washing hands, independence)

Creative skills (drawing, crafts, music)

In places like the United Kingdom, registered childminders follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, which guides learning for children under 5.

Do they teach babies?

For babies, teaching is more about:

Talking and singing to support language

Sensory play

Encouraging movement (crawling, walking)

Building attachment and emotional security

and lots lots more

So they don’t “teach like your thinking ” babies in a classroom way — but we put our hearts in to absolutely everything to support early development. 
We are really a form of Early Years Educators  

 There are more questions I need help with? 

Everyone has lots of questions and over the years I take every question asked at meet and greets and have made a pack that I will give you at our meeting which hopefully answers everything, However if there are questions that you would like to discuss before our meeting then please feel free to contact me on the button below and I will endeavour to reply to you when I am not working caring for children.