This interview is sponsored by ZooBooKoo - Educational Toys and Games.
Meet Susanna Dawson, the Chair of the National Childminding Association, who also works part time as a childminder. Susanna talks candidly about how to find the right childminder, the pitfalls to avoid, dealing with difficult situations and how to go about becoming a childminder.
Profile:
As a family we moved to Hexham with my husband’s work, when our children were three and almost one. I needed to find some part time work. I knew I loved children and was keen to get to know some other people, so I decided to register as a childminder. That was almost 16 years ago and was one of the best decisions I ever made, I would recommend this career choice to anyone, its so rewarding and you get to make a real difference to children's lives.
There are some upsetting stories about incompetent childminders. How can parents avoid the pitfall of leaving their child with an inept childminder?
Scare stories about bad practice are very rare and parents can be reassured in many ways. First, ask around other parents and get recommendations - childminders rely on their good reputation to keep their business successful. Visit the childminder yourself and go with your child to see how they interact with your child and the other children they care for. Go with your instincts, and visit at least three childminders before settling on one. Also ask for their Ofsted registration number. You can check online for their latest Ofsted inspection report, which can tell you a bit more about the setting. Most childminders will be able to supply you with references from both current parents and those they have childminded for in the past.
How can you really know if a young child is being well treated behind closed doors?
Registered childminders must provide a standard of care in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage requirements, the same as other childcare settings. They are subject to registration and regular inspections at short notice by Ofsted in
In every relationship there is an element of trust, and you will know if things are going well. Your child will appear happy and relaxed when you pick them up and will settle quickly when you leave them. If you have any concerns, please talk to your childminder, as they can often allay your fears or come to an arrangement where they send you texts or pictures of your child throughout the day so you can see how happy they are. Childminders are well aware of parents’ anxiety when leaving their child and will be sympathetic to phone calls to check their child is okay. I am always happy when parents arrive early unexpectedly, or drop by on a different day to check some arrangement, collect a forgotten toy or to pay me. That way I know the parents know that the care their child gets is consistently good, not just when parents are expected!
Parents worry that their children won’t like the childminder. How do you create empathy with the children you childmind?
I treat every child as if they were my own. Registered childminders will usually be in the profession because they love children and want to make a difference to their lives. I also ask parents about their child’s usual routine and try to incorporate that into our day, including their favourite foods and activities. Some children like to bring something from home to help the transition, like a teddy or favourite blanket. Very soon a child will settle in and bond with the other children in the setting, rather like a big family.
What activities do you find particularly useful in occupying the children?
This varies from day to day and from child to child. Children can find all kinds of activities interesting as long as they are geared to their age and stage of development. Children love to try knew things, especially with the right amount of support, and they also love to do things that they may not get to do at home. We love to paint, build dens, dress up, play with duplo and brio as well as read stories and go out to toddler groups and the park. Variety is key, as well as moving on to a new activity before a child is bored.
And which activities have not been so successful when it comes to busying the children? I don’t find any of the activities I do unsuccessful as I managed to keep the children engaged by interacting with them. I rarely have only one activity on offer at a time so the children always have choice about what they do, particularly when we are at home.
What frustrates you most about being a childminder?
As I’m the sole carer in my setting, at times it can be difficult to balance the paperwork required by Ofsted with my need to constantly engage with and care for the children. For example, Ofsted requires us to do written observations of the children and carry out risk assessments. I do risk assessments all the time in my head as the children participate in different activities throughout the day.
How do you deal with inappropriate behaviour by the children you childmind?
Positive behaviour is rewarded, and I tend to ignore inappropriate behaviours, unless it has upset the other children. Children quickly learn what is expected of them. Sometimes a child benefits from a short period of time out, as it helps them to calm down quickly and then rejoin the play. If a child carries on behaving in a less positive way, I take them to one side and explain why we don’t do this. Childminders will never punish a child or use physical deterrent, as this is against the law. I also work closely with parents, particularly if there is a pattern of unwanted behaviour occurring so that we can approach the behaviour management consistently. I believe that it is always important that I am consistent in what I expect from the children and that I am fair.
What to date was your most rewarding moment as a childminder?
I particularly enjoy it each time a new child settles with me and becomes part of my childminding “family”. I also love seeing the excitement on a child’s face when they come to me having not been for a while, and when older children still want to come even when they are 10, 11 and 12. I really value the appreciation the children’s parents show me.
And what has been your worst moment as a childminder?
Occasionally I have a momentary feeling of panic when a parent arrives to collect their child, only for them to remember that I wasn’t looking after them that day! (phew!)
What would be your top tip to parents looking at alternative types of childcare?
Get recommendations from other parents, and people who may know local childminders. You can also contact your local Families Information Service to find out who has vacancies in your area, and discuss the type of childcare that will fit with your family needs.
It’s all about what’s right for your child and family. When considering different types of childcare you may like to think about the size of the setting, whether you would prefer your child to be in a home-based environment, and whether you want your child to be cared for by one person you can build a relationship with, or several different people. You should also think about opening hours and flexibility, and whether these will fit in with your work and family demands. Many childminders are willing to offer flexible hours, as well as weekend and overnight care. They can also look after a range of different ages, so siblings can stay together, and many are trained in caring for disabled children.
How can parents find reputable childminders in their area?
Once again, do ask around. Often new parents start attending toddler groups and meet local childminders or parents who can make recommendations.
What advice can you give to a mum thinking about a becoming a childminder? What is the first step?
Contact your Families Information Service or local council early years team, which will hold briefing sessions that can give you all the information you need to start up a childminding business. Think seriously about why you want to be a childminder before committing to the training and registration process, and be prepared for it to take up to six months before you’re ready to take children on. Joining NCMA will give you access to dedicated support, business advice, legal advice, public liability insurance and much more.
And finally, what do you enjoy most when you are not being a childminder - other than the peace and quiet?
I love to read, go to the cinema and have friends over for a meal.
Useful links:
National Childminding Association - for information on becoming a childminder or nanny. Or choosing home-based childcare.
To watch a free online film and download a list of questions to use when interviewing a potential childcarer, visit:
http://www.ncma.org.uk/for_parents/choosing_a_childminder.aspx
Visit Ofsted's website in
To find childcare, visit the National Families Information Service website for a list of FIS's in your area, they hold a list of all registered childcare providers in your area.
http://www.familyinformationservices.org.uk/
This interview is sponsored by ZooBooKoo - Educational Toys and Games.
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