Why do you have so many policies?

The policies help ensure that children are cared for safely, consistently and fairly. They also help parents understand what to expect and how different situations will be managed.

Do parents need to read every policy?

Parents should be aware of the full policy pack and should read the policies most relevant to their child, such as safeguarding, illness, medication, attendance, food, safe sleep, behaviour, arrivals and departures, and complaints. Parents are welcome to ask questions about any policy.

How often are policies reviewed?

Policies are reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes to EYFS requirements, safeguarding guidance, legislation, local procedures or setting practice.

What happens if my child is ill?

If your child is unwell, you should keep them at home and inform me as soon as possible. If your child becomes unwell while in my care, I will contact you and may ask you to collect them. Children with vomiting or diarrhoea should not return until they have been clear for at least 48 hours.

Can you give my child medication?

Medication can only be given with written parental consent and clear instructions. Medication should be in its original packaging and clearly labelled. I will record any medication administered and ask parents to acknowledge this.

What happens if my child has an accident?

I will comfort your child, administer first aid where needed, contact you if appropriate, and record the accident. Serious injuries will be reported to the relevant authorities where required.

What happens if my child bumps their head?

All head injuries are treated carefully. I will monitor your child, inform you, provide written advice about symptoms to look out for and seek medical help if needed.

How do you keep children safe on outings?

Outings are planned and risk assessed. I take emergency contact details, a first aid kit, a charged mobile phone and any required medication. Children are supervised closely, and headcounts are carried out regularly.

Who can collect my child?

Only parents, carers or authorised collectors can collect your child. If someone different is collecting, you must tell me in advance. I may ask for identification or use an agreed password.

What happens if I am late collecting my child?

You should contact me as soon as possible. If I cannot reach you, I will contact emergency contacts. If no authorised adult can be reached and I am concerned, I may contact children’s services or the police.

What happens if my child does not attend and I have not told you why?

I will contact you to check that your child is safe. If I cannot reach you, I will contact emergency contacts. If I cannot confirm your child’s welfare, I may seek advice from children’s services or the police.

Can my child bring a packed lunch?

Yes, where agreed. Packed lunches should be healthy, balanced and safe. Grapes and cherry tomatoes should be cut lengthways, and nuts or nut products should not be included.

Do you take photographs of children?

Photographs or videos will only be taken with written parental consent. Images are used for agreed purposes, such as learning records or sharing progress with parents, and are stored securely.

Can parents take photos in the setting?

Parents must not take photographs or videos of other children. If a parent wishes to photograph their own child, this must be agreed with me first.

How do you support children with SEND or additional needs?

I observe children carefully, work closely with parents, make reasonable adjustments and seek advice from other professionals where appropriate. Children do not need a diagnosis to receive support.

How do you manage behaviour?

I promote positive behaviour through praise, routines, clear boundaries, emotional support and calm adult responses. Behaviour is understood as communication, especially for very young children.

Do you use physical punishment?

No. Physical punishment, humiliation, threats or shaming are never used.

How do you support settling-in?

Settling-in is flexible and based on the child’s needs. This may include visits, short sessions, gradual separation, comfort items and regular updates to parents.

How do you support safe sleep?

Babies are placed on their backs to sleep in a firm, flat, clear sleep space. Safe sleep guidance is followed, and babies are checked regularly.

Is smoking or vaping allowed?

No. The childminding setting is smoke-free and vape-free. Smoking and vaping are not allowed around children, in the setting, in outdoor play areas or in vehicles used to transport children.

Are visitors allowed in the setting?

Visitors may attend where necessary, but they are managed carefully. Visitors are supervised, may be asked for identification, and are not allowed unsupervised access to children.

How do you protect personal information?

Personal information is stored securely and only shared where necessary, with consent, or where there is a legal or safeguarding reason to do so.

What should I do if I have a concern or complaint?

Please speak to me as soon as possible so we can try to resolve the concern. If needed, you can make a formal complaint in writing. Formal complaints will be responded to within 28 days.

Can parents contact Ofsted?

Yes. If parents are concerned that EYFS requirements are not being met, they can contact Ofsted directly.

What happens if there is an emergency?

I will follow my emergency procedures, keep children safe, contact emergency services if needed, inform parents as soon as it is safe, and record the incident.

What happens if you are too ill to work?

If I am too unwell to provide safe care, I will inform parents as soon as possible. Parents should have emergency childcare arrangements in place in case the setting has to close unexpectedly.

Can policies change?

Yes. Policies may be updated if guidance, law, EYFS requirements or setting practice changes. Parents will be made aware of significant changes.