Question 1

What age children do you care for?

Accepted Answer

I provide care for children aged 3 months to 6 years, offering age-appropriate activities and support for each developmental stage.

Question 2

What are your opening hours?

Accepted Answer

I am available Monday to Friday, 8: AM to 6:00 PM. Flexible arrangements can be discussed to meet your family's needs.

Question 3

How does government-funded childcare work?

Accepted Answer

The UK government provides free childcare hours for eligible children aged 9 months to 5 years. You apply through the government website, receive a serial code, and bring it to your childminder. Your childminder logs it into their portal using their EYS registration number. This funding can be combined with Universal Credit and Child Benefit claims.

Question 4

Do you provide meals?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I provide healthy, nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day. I can accommodate dietary requirements and allergies.

Question 5

What is an EYS number and why do I need it?

Accepted Answer

EYS stands for Early Years (Service). It's an official registration number for childminders approved to care for young children. You need this number when applying for government funding, child tax elements, and Universal Credit with childcare costs. It confirms the childminder is registered and inspected by Ofsted.

Question 6

What does Ofsted registration mean?

Accepted Answer

Ofsted registration means the childminder has been approved, vetted, and is regularly inspected (every 4-6 years) to ensure high-quality care. Registered childminders must complete training, follow strict regulations, and receive grades (Outstanding, Good, Room for Improvement, or Inadequate). This protects your child and ensures professional standards.

Question 7

Do you support children with special needs?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! I welcome children of all abilities and work closely with parents to provide appropriate support and inclusive care.

Question 8

Do you follow the EYFS framework?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework to support your child's development across all areas of learning.

Question 9

Why can't you take nuts at your setting?

Accepted Answer

Nut dust in the air can trigger severe allergic reactions (anaphylactic shock) in children with nut allergies, even if they're not eating the nuts. Even a tiny amount of nut dust poses a risk. While we store nuts safely in your child's bag outside the setting, we cannot allow them inside to protect all children in our care.

Question 10

What activities do you provide?

Accepted Answer

I offer a variety of activities including outdoor play, creative arts, reading, music, educational games, and regular trips to local parks and libraries.

Question 11

Why do you cut grapes into quarters?

Accepted Answer

Grapes are a choking hazard if not properly prepared. Current childcare regulations require grapes to be cut into quarters (not halves) to reduce the risk of choking. This is one of many safety standards we follow to keep children safe while eating.

Question 12

What happens during after-school pickup?

Accepted Answer

I pick up your child from school at 3:15 PM, conduct a safety check on the route, and bring them to my home. They wash hands, have a healthy snack, and settle in. I then provide a hot meal, homework support, play activities, books, and music. Depending on parental approval, I offer 15-20 minutes of screen time. I provide a 15-30 minute buffer for pickup after the regular end time.

Question 13

Is after-school care available during school holidays?

Accepted Answer

No, after-school care is term-time only (38 weeks per year). This aligns with the school calendar. School holidays and closure days are off. However, I may be able to offer full-time childcare during school holidays - please get in touch to discuss options.

Question 14

How many children do you take for after-school pickup?

Accepted Answer

I take 3-4 children for after-school pickup. This smaller group size ensures each child gets individual attention, homework support, and care. Availability is limited, so get in touch early if you're interested.

Question 15

Can I customize care based on my family's needs?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Every family is different. I work with parents to customize care including: screen time preferences (some families prefer no screens), dietary needs and allergies, homework focus levels, and activity preferences. This ensures the service works for your family.

Question 16

What safeguarding procedures do you follow?

Accepted Answer

I'm trained to identify signs of abuse, neglect, or harm. If I have concerns about a child's welfare, I can report to appropriate safeguarding organizations and social services. I follow strict child protection procedures and confidentiality guidelines. Child safety is always my priority.

Frequently Asked Questions