Childminding is just one of the options available to parents for care of their children. •   Parents home page •   What is a childminder? •   Why choose a registered childminder? •   Information Childminders may be able to provide for parents •   Finding a childminder and other types of childcare •   Family Service Directory		If you have decided that a childminder could offer you the childcare you require for your children you should contact: Norfolk Family Information Service (previously the Childcare Information Service) 0344 8008001 or visit their website, www.norfolk.gov.uk/fis The details of all registered childminders in Norfolk are held on a database. Tell them the area in which you're looking and they will give you a list of childminders. If your child has special needs you will need to know that the childminder who cares for your child can meet these. When looking for a childminder, points to consider may be, location in relation to your place of work, pre-schools, nurseries and the school you will be using for your child's education. Contact the childminders who have vacancies. Arrange to visit the childminders. Try to visit as many as you can. See how you feel about the childminders when you visit and check whether the services they offer meet your needs. Prepare your questions for the childminder.. Will the childminder collect your children from pre-school or school? What does the childminder provide in the way of food, drinks and other snacks? Will s/he prepare food that is suitable for your child’s religious beliefs/usual diet? What is the childminder’s behaviour management policy? Does the childminder have a written statement on the procedures to be followed in relation to complaints from parents? Does the childminder have a written statement to be followed for the safeguarding and protection of children? How much will the childcare provided cost? Does the childminder attend any groups? What activities are available through the week? The childminder’s Ofsted registration document must be on display whilst minding. You should also ask to see their portfolio, which may contain a public liability insurance from the National Childminding Association (NCMA), as your childminder may be a member of the NCMA. It should be noted that all registered childminders have to be insured – ask to see the insurance certificate. Ask to see the childminder’s portfolio containing her/his Ofsted registration document. S/he may be a member of the National Childminding Association and have public liability insurance through them, however, all registered childminders have to be insured – ask to see the insurance certificate. Ask to see the childminder’s certificates for training courses, also her/his policies, procedures and any testimonials from other parents (or ask if you can contact other parents whose children they childmind for a reference). Negotiating a contract. You need to establish a business-like relationship with the childminder as s/he will want you to sign a contract which will include things like: how much you need to pay per hour (or day, week etc); what you pay if your child is sick; what you pay if your child is on holiday; how much notice you need to give if you are going to be taking your child away on holiday or permanently; etc. Settling your child with the childminder When you have chosen a childminder who meets your needs, arrange to visit several times with the child, first accompanied and then leaving the child, gradually building the up the length of time. Most childminders prefer to settle children in gradually and many will request this. Tell your childminder: • What your child enjoys doing • About their siblings and family set-up – and special family names • Whether your child has been away from you before and whether it was a good or bad experience for her/him • Your child’s daily routine. Does s/he like a morning or afternoon nap? • Has your child a special cup, beaker or bottle they prefer? • Does your child have a comforter and does s/he have a special name? • Ask to look all around the childminder’s home with your child and introduce them to the rooms and garden • If you know your child will be reluctant to be parted from you talk to your childminder and agree a plan for leaving your child. Your childminder will want you to say goodbye to your child. Once a plan is set you will need to stick with it. Give your child time to adjust and settle. A good childminder will have your children’s best interests at heart at all times. If communication between you is good, your child will be assured of receiving a caring, stimulating and fun time that will give everyone concerned peace of mind.