kim baxter

Information about me

 

My name is Kim Baxter, I am a lifelong resident of Nottinghamshire, and I currently live in Bestwood Village, with my husband Ian. I have four wonderful children aged 5,14,17and 20.

 

Why did I decide to become a Registered Childminder?

 

I decided to become a Childminder because it fits in with my family life and because i love working with children. My commitment to you is that I want to provide your child with the warm friendly and stimulating environment that I want for my own children, and I want to encourage them to be secure and confident.
I am totally committed to the welfare and development of all the children in my care.

Qualifications

 

I have obtained the following:
Registration with OFSTED. My Ofsted grade is good and available for you to read. 
First Aid Certification in Emergency First Aid for People who work with Young Children .
Introduction into Childminding Practice (ICP).

Diploma in Home Based Child Care.

Safeguarding Children certificate.

Food Hygiene certificate.

 

Opening Times

My usual opening times are Monday to Friday from 7.00am till 6.00pm.  I am not registered to provide overnight care.

Charges

Please contact me for my fees.

Admissions

 

This is an introductory meeting where both the parent(s), child(ren) and I get together for an informal chat in my home. It usually lasts about an hour and gives me the opportunity to explain the childcare service that I offer, and to discuss the parent's requirements i.e. days and hours. I then give the parent one of my information brochures with a business card and suggest that they go home and consider everything (i.e. if the child will be happy in my care) and ask them to telephone me within a few days if they wish to proceed. If they do, another session is arranged where records are completed and a contract drawn up. I also ask that if parents decide that my childcare setting is not for them to call me and discuss the reasons for this. This is to enable me to learn and improve my childcare setting.

Behaviour Management

 

No child in my care will suffer pain or humiliation, as I believe in positive discipline as a more effective way of managing behaviour:
Reward good behaviour
Praise and give attention to avoid it being sought
Make children feel valued and set realistic targets
Be consistent in saying NO and explaining the reason for it
Ensure an apology and hugs are given to others
Have a set of house rules that apply to all
Communicate with parents if a problem arises to find a solution
Set a good example myself
Respond to unwanted behaviour appropriately, according to the age and level of understanding

 

Health

Children will have the opportunity to play in the fresh air throughout the year, either in my own rear garden or at local parks etc.
Parents are asked to keep their children at home if they have any infection and to inform me of the nature of it, so that I can alert my other parents and make careful observations of any child who seems poorly.

Hygiene

 
The toys and equipment in my home are always in a suitable state of cleanliness.
Hands will be washed with soap after using the toilet, touching animals or messy play etc and before having anything to eat or drink.
A box of tissues will always be at hand and children will be encouraged to blow and wipe their noses when necessary. Soiled tissues will be disposed of hygienically. Children will be encouraged to cover their mouths when coughing.
Floors and other infected areas will be disinfected using an anti-bacterial bleach or cleaner, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Soiled pants and clothing will be rinsed and placed in a bag to be taken home. All surfaces will be wiped daily with an appropriate cleaning agent.
I will always wash my hands thoroughly before handling food and after using the toilet.
Different cleaning cloths will be used for kitchen and bathroom areas.

Non-Smoking

A non-smoking policy is in force in my home and garden at all times and I expect all visitors to respect it.

Physical Contact

I like to inform parents in advance of the nature and type of physical contact that their child will experience whilst in my care. No physical punishment is given to any child whilst with me as I think that discipline should be taught through reason and affection. The three main types of contact are:
Nurturing: which includes hugs, non-intimate kisses i.e. on the head or cheek, hand holding, gentle tickling and carry cuddling.This type of contact is never given unless the child feels comfortable or they express it.
Safety and Guidance: which includes restraining children from harmful situations, separating children who are in physical conflict, directing children by gently leading or guiding them and administering first aid to injuries.
Hygiene: which includes washing of hands and faces, assisting with bathroom duties (according to the age and ability of the child concerned), nappy changing, examining rashes and unusual marks, nose blowing and any necessary clothing changes.

Working In Partnership with Parents and Families.

Being a registered childminder is a demanding occupation that involves sharing responsibilities with the children in my care and their families. Most importantly, recognizing the prime role that they play in their children's upbringing. Therefore I can assure you that I will never try to take over or act as a substitute parent. You as a parent know your child best and I will listen to your advice etc.
Communication is very important to me. When I accept a new family into my business, i hope that we'll be able to share any concerns or questions that may arise. I welcome anything that has a positive outcome etc on a child in my care.
You are free to telephone me anytime between 8 am and 6 pm. If you do call during the day, please be aware that we may be out or I could be busy with the children and not in a position to answer easily. However, just leave a message on the answer phone and I will call you back as soon as possible.

Sick Children

I am a “well-child” care provider and will not look after children who are ill. This is because, my own family, your child, others whom I child mind for and I will suffer in terms of health, well-being and safety. If your child is ill or showing signs of it, or your child is unable to participate in our normal routine, you must not bring them to me for care.
When a youngster is sick, they require the comforts of their home, plus the love and attention of their parent.
If your child is returned to my care before being fully recovered or not collected promptly when a parent is asked to, earlier than the contracted hours etc due to feeling poorly, everybody else is inconvenienced unnecessarily. Also, if my family and I catch an infection due to a child not being kept at home when appropriate, I will not be able to child mind, subsequently lose my income and other families will have to make alternate childcare arrangements which lead to disruption. Therefore, your co-operation in this matter is very important and much appreciated.
Allergy related symptoms and non-communicable illnesses do not require exclusion.

 

Confidentiality

Information held about a child and their family will never be shared without permission of the parent except when in the interest of protecting the child. For example, sharing relevant details with a specialist because of a health or behaviour problem etc or in the case of suspected abuse. However this is still subject to the principle of confidentiality. All information held about a child is stored in an individual file and stored away from children. Parents are free to come and look at the details held in respect of their own offspring at anytime.

 

So for more information please email me at Baxclan@ntlworld.com or ring me on 07804699053 or 0115 8401943

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