How do I know you are Ofsted Registered?

My registration certificate is always displayed alongside my insurance certificates. You can also view my latest Ofsted Report on the Ofsted Website. You will need my unique reference number which is provided once contracts are signed. A copy of my registration certificate (with URN removed) is also provided in the welcome pack given to you at our first meeting

How long have you been registered with Ofsted?

I have been registered with Ofsted since October 2012.

Do you hold the appropriate insurance?

Yes. I have full Public Liability Insurance with Morton Michel. A copy of my insurance certificate is displayed on the parents board on the door.

How many children can you care for?

I am registered on both the compulsory and voluntary childcare registers to care for a maximum of 6 children under the age of 8 yrs at any one time. Of these 6 only 3 are aged 3-5 and only 1 aged under the age of one. Older children over the age of 8yrs are not included in these ratios.

How can I secure a place for my child?

A non-refundable deposit will be required to secure a place for your child/children. The amount of the deposit you pay will depend on how many children I will care for and on how many days or hours you require. The deposit is refunded at the end of the contract minus any outstanding fees.

If you wish me to keep a space available for future use a retainer fee may also be payable.

Do you provide the FREE entitlement?
I do not currently provide the FREE early years entitlement this is because I am yet to receive a grading from Ofsted at my next inspection.

Do you have policies and procedures in place?

I have various written policies and procedures covering all aspects of my service such as Admissions, Settling In, Behaviour Management, Working In Partnership with parents all of which can be viewed on request. 

 

Do you care for children with Special Educational Needs? 

All children are treated as individuals, equally and fairly regardless of their age, gender, abilities, race or religion and I do not discriminate against children or their families.

I have experience of working with children whom have special educational needs such as Autism and Aspergers Syndrome. Activities and experiences are carefully planned to ensure that all children can take part and that children's individual needs are met.

If your child has additional needs please rest assured that you can discuss these with me in confidence. I will need to gather further information about your child from you before I can come to an informed decision if the care I can provide care.

Do you accept Childcare Vouchers?

Yes. I accept Employer Childcare Vouchers as full or part-payment of childcare fees. Please contact me to arrange this method of payment.

Help, I need childcare at short-notice. Is is feasible that you can accommodate my child?

It is always worth ringing to find out if I have places available. I can provide flexible 'Pay and Go' Hours where you can book a slot of between 1-3 hours and only pay for the hours you use. 

If you require childcare on a longer term basis you will have to factor in time to fill out contracts, sign permission slips etc and settling in sessions before your child/children can start.

What sorts of activities will my child get up to when they are in your care?

As a Childminder I am required to follow the Early Years Foundation Stage to guide the care and education that I provide for children.  Children learn through a play-based approach to learning following the EYFS and activities are carefully planned to ensure that they are interesting, engaging and stimulating and allow children to reach their full potential. We go on regular outing to Barrow Park, Children Centres and Childminder Drop-in.


What schools do you pick up and collect children from?

I collect and take children to/from Parkside GGI  and Greengate Junior School, Sacred Heart RC School, Cambridge Primary and St Georges C of E Schools. If your child attends any other school I may not be able to collect/take children to these schools. 

I would have to consider the location and distance of your child's school before making any decision as to whether to provide such a service.  I do not drive and therefore  I provide a walking school bus and or make use of public transport.

What is included as part of the fees?

Children are provided with healthy snacks and drinks as part of the fees. All children must however, be provided with a packed lunch by parents.

Do you have any pets?

Yes. I have a cat called Lola. She is a really friendly cat and has has had all of her immunisations and has regular visits to the vets for health checks.