As parents / carers you are the central adults in your child’s life. It is of upmost importance for your child that we work in partnership. This will give your child continuity of care and he / she will not become confused with different boundaries or standards of behaviour. I will endeavour to work closely with you to provide quality care for your child in accordance with your values and preferences.
Communication
It is extremely important that we communicate effectively and I will try to inform you of events and how your child is doing when they are being dropped off or collected each day. I understand however that as a working parent you may be in a rush to go to work in the mornings and in the evenings you may be tired and need to go as quickly as possible. I therefore like to use a Parent/Childminder contact diary to enhance communications. I will write in your child’s diary daily detailing things like what and how much your child has had to eat, naps they have taken and for how long, activities we have done, and any milestones achieved. Please feel free to write down any information or concerns about your child, particularly if you do not have time to talk with me. (Perhaps your child is to be dropped off or collected by a grandparent or friend for example and you will not have the opportunity to discuss a matter with me in person.) I would also request that you let me know if your child has had a poor sleep the night before or is feeling unwell. I am always happy to discuss your child and their care, whether in person or over the phone.
Contact Details
I would appreciate it if you could inform me as soon as possible if there are any changes to contact details including phone numbers (work and mobile numbers) and those of your emergency contacts.
Key Stages of Development
As your child grows and develops, issues will crop up that are very important for us to discuss in order that we can work together and your wishes be incorporated into my care routine for your child. These could include weaning, potting training, managing behaviour or starting (pre-)school. As these issues arise, I will arrange a suitable time to discuss with you in detail how you would like me to take forward this part of your child’s care. (This could be a ten minute appointment when you come to collect your child or a telephone conversation) It is very important that we work together on these key stages of their development so as to avoid upsetting or confusing your child and delaying their progress. If you wish me to incorporate a special activity into my routine, perhaps a festival or religious holiday that you celebrate please let me know.
Concerns
If I have any concerns about your child’s behaviour, development, eating etc I will share them with you immediately and if necessary work with you to seek support from outside agencies.
If you have any concerns or issues regarding the care I am providing for your child please do let me know. Often a concern is a simple misunderstanding that can easily be resolved, I will always do my best to work with you to provide your child with the best possible care.