My Service

As a registered childminder I have to work within certain boundaries and guidelines set out by the Care Commission, our regulating body.  Within my portfolio (look in downloads to get a copy) you will find information on the policies and guidelines that I operate within my childcare setting.  If you are unsure about any of them, please just ask me, I will be more than happy to explain it more clearly.

Included in your weekly fees your child will receive breakfast, lunch, snacks and juices. All books (diary), petrol costs to and from nursery, and any materials your child uses while in my care are all covered.  There are a few exceptions, for example if you lose the daily diary (if used) you will be charged £7 to cover printing costs.  Also if your child’s school is out with my local area, then I will have to charge extra to cover the cost of petrol.

When you decide that this is where you would like to place your child while you are at work, then we will arrange a suitable time to meet up and discuss things further.  You will be given a contract which details your working hours, your hourly rate, and any other costs that you may incur.  It will be signed by both of us.

If the placement is not to start immediately then a retainer fee must be paid.  This is usually a week’s fee.  The fee charged is also dependant on the length of time you wish me to hold the place open.  If it is less than a month then the fee will be one weeks pay.  If its more than one month, then we will work out an appropriate fee for each week you would like me to hold the place open.   This fee is non refundable and is not a credit towards your childcare
fees.  See retainer policy for more details.

Insurance

My public liability insurance is with Morton Michel.  I comply with all the requirements laid down by the insurance company.  I have appropriate car insurance for business use and always ensure that children are restrained in a safety seat or with seat belts suitable for their age/weight.

Contracts

Each child in my care has a contract and each contract sets out all the hours and fees etc. This is revised on
occasion usually 6 monthly but not without prior notice to all parents.  However, if you feel that you would like to make any changes to the contract such as the number of hours the child is looked after or changing the days then this can be discussed accordingly.  All concerned parties must sign the contract i.e. both parents and childminder.  This is a legally binding contract, and if any payment default is made, then it can be taken to the small claims court.

When your child first starts with me, I provide what is called a trial contract for 4 weeks. This gives us time to see if your child settles in my care and whether we need to tweak any hours such as start times/pick up times etc. Thereafter contracts are on a 6 monthly basis. Should the contract not be continuing after the trial period ends, then the 4 week termination of contract shall be given’.

All contracts have a 4 week termination notice for both parties.  If you wish to terminate your contract, you must give 4 weeks WRITTEN notice.  The same applies to myself, unless there are certain circumstances where I feel the need to terminate with immediate effect (please see exclusion policy).  If you pull your child out with no notice or before the 4 weeks are up, then you will still have to pay any outstanding charges.

Registration

What does registration mean?

A
Childminder MUST BY LAW register with the Scottish Care Commission. The purpose of registration is:

To protect children

To provide reassurance to parents using childcare
To ensure that childminding services meet acceptable standards

To achieve registration a Childminder is required to comply with standards of safety, equipment, numbers of children etc. The home environment is checked to ensure that it meets the standards required and that it is suitable to care for children.
References and health checks are required as are police checks on all individuals in the household over the age of 16yrs. Following on from registration, childminders are inspected annually by the Scottish Care Commission.

I am registered to look after a maximum of 6 children at any one time under the age of 16, of whom no more than 4 are not yet attending primary school, and of whom no more than 1 is under 12 months.  This also includes any of my own children that fall within these age groups.