Book Contents

Section 1 Childminding: An Overview

• Considerations Before Registration
• Childminding Services
• Childminding Standards and Other Legislation

Section 2. Registration & Inspections Uncovered

• Registration
• Registration Inspections
• Inspections for Existing Childminders
• Complaints

Section 3. The Art of Getting Customers

• Market Research
• Designing Your Advert
• First Contact

Section 4. Working in Partnership

• Partnership
• Communication
• Understanding Parent’s Feelings
• Assertiveness
• Resolving Common Conflicts
• Working with Other Professionals

Section 5. Keeping Effective Records

• Attendance
• Contracts
• Record of Information
• Permission Forms
• Accident and Incident Records
• Correspondence
• Organising your Office

Section 6. Money Matters

• Setting Fees
• Payment
• Accounts
• When Parents Don’t Pay
• Benefits
• Insurance
• Pensions

Section 7. Health, Hygiene and Safety

• Health
• Your Health
• Nutrition and Diet
• Hygiene
• Fire Safety
• Hazards
• Risk Assessment
• Considerations when Keeping a Pet

Section 8. Out and About with Children

• Keeping Children Safe
• Child Car Seats/Restraints

Section 9. Child Protection / Safeguarding Issues

• Factors Increasing Vulnerability of Children
• Recognising Abuse
• Taking Action
• Working with Abused Children and Their Parents

Section 10. Equal Opportunities

• What is Equal Opportunities?
• Legislation Covering Equal Opportunities
• Prejudice and Discrimination
• Equal Opportunities Provision
• Religion and Culture

Section 11. Caring For Children With Special Needs

• Using the Right Language
• Special Educational Needs
• Adapting the Environment
• Introductions to Specific Special Needs

Section 12. Child Development and Education

• Child Development
• The Curriculum
• Example Activities and their Value
• Curriculum Planning

Section 13. Childcare Unravelled

• Choosing Equipment
• Caring for Children
• Meeting Children’s Needs
• Routines
• Communicating with Children

Section 14. Observation, Assessment & Evaluation

• Observation
• Assessments
• Evaluation

Section 15. Managing Children’s Behaviour

• What is Unacceptable Behaviour?
• Encouraging Acceptable Behaviour
• Responding to Undesirable Behaviour
• Meal Time Problems
• Bullying
• Screaming Children
• Destructive Children
• Lying
• Stealing
• Reasons for Unacceptable Behaviour

Section 16. Networks and Accreditation

• The Role of Childminding Networks
• Process Involved in Joining a Network
• Process of Being Accredited

Section 17. Maintaining a Portfolio of Policies and Procedures

• Creating Your Portfolio
• Writing Policies and Procedures
• Example Policies

Section 18. Courses & Qualifications

• Distance Versus Centre Based Learning
• Courses Available
• Completing Course Work
• Finding Resources

Section Section 19: Useful Organisations

• Childminding Support Groups
• Childcare Related Organisations
• Advice for Specific Special Needs
• Animal Related Organisations
• Child Protection/Safeguarding Children