Gloucestershire Childminder Pre Registration Information Booklet

Transcription

1 Gloucestershire Childminder Pre Registration Information Booklet Early Years Team March 2015 [Page 1]

2 Contents Page Gloucestershire Early Years Team contact details 3 Services provided by the Early Years Team 4 Gloucestershire Childminding Association 6 Local Group Information 6 Providers Details 7 Insurance policies 8 Childminder training 10 Useful Business information 11 Early Years Foundation Stage 13 Early Years Team March 2015 [Page 2]

3 Gloucestershire Early Years Team Do you have any questions or require support or advice? The Early Years Team is here to help; Cheltenham Locality Early Years Locality Adviser: Sue Williams Tel: Cotswolds Locality Early Years Locality Adviser: Fay Hayward Tel: Forest of Dean Locality Early Years Locality Adviser: Kay Jones Tel: Gloucester North Locality Senior Early Years Locality Adviser: Fiona McMorrow Tel: Gloucester South Locality Early Years Locality Adviser: Cath Davenport Tel: Stroud Locality Early Years Locality Adviser: Julie Ridley Tel: Tewkesbury Locality Early Years Adviser: Sarah Spencer Tel: or Administration Team Tel: Early Years Team March 2015 [Page 3]

4 Services provided by your Early Years Team Information, advice and guidance include: National legislation relating to running a home-based childminding setting National legislation relating to running a self employed business Training requirements for registration Early Years offer for childminders All childminders in Gloucestershire will be supported by a named Early Years Locality Adviser who will contact you to arrange a visit prior to your first full graded Ofsted inspection. This will happen any time from 3 months after your initial registration. After this, you may receive support visits tailored to your individual needs and dependent on Ofsted s grading. You will be encouraged to self-reflect about the care you offer, promoting opportunities to continually improve. Additional support: Access to telephone and contact with named Early Years Locality Adviser Opportunity for joint observation with named Early Years Locality Adviser + any member of staff Support where there are children identified as having SEND Eligibility for whole staff professional development meetings Opportunity to have named Early Years Locality Adviser model good practice linked to identified aspects of EYFS Eligibility for engagement with the Bristol Standard Improvement process which includes self-evaluation folder and mentor support Access to Early Years admin team for queries, signposting Access to Business Support (Early Years Team Business Support, Sarah Spencer) Eligibility for Early Years Lead Practitioner visit Eligibility to apply to become an Early Years Lead Practitioner Eligibility to attend Early Years Team training and one off events Eligibility to attend Best Practice meetings Eligibility to attend SENCO Professional Development Meetings / Childminder Inclusion Network Eligibility to attend network meetings e.g. Inspiring Creative Play network Eligibility to attend all other training advertised through the Early Years Team training directory and delivered by other linked bodies Loan of resources Guidance from named Early Years Locality Adviser with regard to completing audit tools e.g. Transition, SEND, Safeguarding and summative assessments e.g. Transition record Early Years Funded Free Entitlement for 2, 3 and 4 Year - Olds Every three and four year old is entitled to 570 hours of free early education a year that can be delivered over 38 weeks, or may be stretched over more weeks throughout the year Some two year olds are also eligible. A growing number of childminders offer funded early years education. When childminders become registered they will be invited to sign up to the Providers Guide so that they can offer this service. Gloucestershire Childminding Inclusion Network This network exists to support and up skill childminders to provide childcare for children with SEN and disabilities. Your Early Years Locality Adviser will be happy to discuss this with you. Early Years Team March 2015 [Page 4]

5 Best Practice and Professional Development meetings This is your opportunity to receive up to date information and training and for you to network with other practitioners. Best Practice meetings usually run three times per year with a different focus each time. Details will be available through the Training Directory, a publication ed to childminders termly. Support Groups Up to date information on local support groups and the services they provide. Details are available on the County Council web site: Bristol Standard Quality Improvement Scheme We can provide detailed information to enable you to access this quality improvement scheme which is suitable for registered childminders. The Bristol Standard spans the age range from birth to five and play provision and is a really useful tool for self evaluation Specific Training for Childminders We will provide you with up to date information on training opportunities that will help you to continue on your career path. The information will be sent electronically via in a termly Training Directory Free Toy Library Each area of the county has at least one toy library available to all registered childminders that is free of charge. This can be of considerable help whilst you are establishing your business. For a list of venues and dates visit Gloucestershire County Council s website at: Childminding Web Page Gloucestershire s Early Years Team has a page on its website for childminders. This website has useful information and templates for paperwork, such as risk assessments and planning. Visit Gloucestershire County Council s website at: Early Years Team March 2015 [Page 5]

6 Gloucestershire Childminding Association Registered Charity No: Gloucestershire Childminding Association is a representative body made up of volunteer working registered childminders who represents the childminding sector with the local authority. Following registration you are automatically a member and will be able to access the services they offer such as a county conference with an annual general meeting. This offers you the opportunity to meet other registered childminders, take part in a training session, listen to inspirational speakers and enjoy a fun day out. The association also sends representatives to the South West regional childminder meetings and the Professional Association of Childcare and Early Years (PACEY) annual conference. Also within the county there are several local associations, all run by local registered childminders, these local associations offer support and sometimes run local peer support groups. All of the associations charge a small registration fee and are affiliated to the PACEY. The small membership fee is used to help run support groups within your area, arrange annual days out, events and offer some support for training events and produce local area newsletters. There is a list of all the current local groups across the county and this is available on Gloucestershire County Council s website at: Childcarers Why should you join your local group or association? One of the benefits of joining your local group or association is that you will get a reduced cost when you are renewing membership to the PACEY in your second year and subsequent following years. You will get peer support from local childminders in your area. You will be consulted whenever there are changes to the local group or association. You may be invited to specific events put on locally for you and your minded children. Some areas have access to business support paperwork and other tools to support your business. Most areas provide an opportunity to meet other childminders during the evening to socialise. Some areas provide a local newsletter. At their annual general meeting some may invite guest speakers or organise a social event. During June each year most of the local groups provide activities for the childminders and their children to celebrate National Childminding Week. For more information about how to join your local association please contact your area locality Early Years Locality Adviser who will be happy to give you the information. Early Years Team March 2015 [Page 6]

7 Family Information Service Part of the role of the Family Information Service is to provide to parents, on request, lists of childcare providers in the sector of their choice e.g. Nursery, Out of School Club and Childminders. You will be contacted by the Family Information Service once you are registered to seek permission to include your details on the database of information provided to parents. Below is an example of what the Family Information Service makes available to parents. This provides you with a free advertisement of the service you provide so it makes good business sense to keep your details updated and factual. You will need to regularly up date your information with changes in your service, for example if: You have a vacancy You have achieved a Quality Improvement Award or qualifications You have changed the number of children you can care for You are now offering overnight care You are collecting children from a specific school Provider Details - example Childminder Age range (From) Opening Hours: Other hours: Availability: Cost Details Number Vacancies Further Vacancy information: Facilities: Other Info: QI Awards: Schools Mrs Susan Smith 13 Lucky Lane, Abbeydale, Gloucester Gloucestershire GL1 1FU Tel: Fax: Susan.smith@virgin 1 Years 0 Months Age Range (To): 14Years 0 Months Monday Friday 8.00am 6.00pm Closed bank Holidays and for own Holidays All Year 2 Vacancies Summary: Part time vacancy for child under 5yrs, Before and after school and holiday places available Arts and crafts, books, dressing up, cooking, trips to the local park, a kitchen garden, pets, playgroup visits, sand and water play, regular outings to make use of the local community, resources to support all ages and stages of development. Hot meals, drinks and snacks are provided. Full time, part time and school holiday cover provided. Large secure garden with a wide range of outdoor play facilities. Bristol Standards Heron Church of England Primary School. This information is valid at the time of print. Contact the Family Information Service on for up-to-date information. Early Years Team March 2015 [Page 7]

8 Insurance Specialists It is a requirement of registration that you hold Public Liability insurance The three providers below are the main insurance specialists who offer a package for registered childminders. PACEY offer a Quality Start package, which includes: 12 months PACEY membership and 12 months PACEY public liability insurance Free legal representation A Magazine four times a year An introduction to your local childminding support group Access to PACEY s information line A pack of 6 PACEY Childminding Contracts and a pack of 6 NCMA Child Records Forms A PACEY Attendance Register and PACEY Accounts Book A PACEY Accident, Incident and Medication record book A fire blanket Plus! An attractive, lockable case to keep your contracts, register, accounts and accident books and all your other important papers securely PACEY (previously National Childminding Association) was founded in 1977 by childminders, parents and local authority workers and is a unique, professionally staffed organisation with registered childminders involved at all levels and giving voice to all issues and aspects of home Visit the website on Morton Michel Provide the following services: Childminders Insurance Childminder products Easy Mind package Home child carer Morton Michel has celebrated more than 40 years of providing quality childcare insurance at competitive premiums. Morton Michel is the market leader in childcare insurance, and provides cover not only for childminders but also for nannies, pre-schools, nurseries, out of school clubs, holiday play schemes, youth groups, tuition groups, toy libraries, and many other childcare venues. They have extensive technical knowledge and are the only company to offer such a comprehensive range of childcare insurances. Visit the website on Early Years Team March 2015 [Page 8]

9 Pre School Learning Alliance Offer specialist membership for childminders including a package of benefits which include: An exclusive free online training package. Practical advice and individual support from a dedicated information helpline and free practical guides. Access to online pre-registration training, Understand how to set up a home-based childcare service Access to comprehensive, competitive insurance, underwritten by RSA Insurance. A confidential, 24-hour legal helpline offering advice on employment, tax, VAT and premises hire. 20% off our extensive range of specialist publications to help you run your provision successfully; including exclusive right to purchase the Statutory Framework for the EYFS. Ten issues of Under 5 magazine, packed with up to date news and in-depth articles. Fantastic offers from top early years brands. Exclusive online member area with access to free online seminars. 20% off the cost of our Level 3 Diploma courses. An opportunity to vote at the Alliance Annual Conference and AGM. Visit the website on Car Insurance If you are intending transporting the children that you provide childcare for, in your vehicle, you will be required to hold appropriate car insurance, the minimum requirement is Class 1 Business use Insurance. We strongly advise you to contact your own car insurance provider and explain your role as a childminder and ensure your insurance policy document specifies that you may transport minded children. Early Years Team March 2015 [Page 9]

10 Training for registered childminders It is a requirement for Ofsted registration that you must complete the following training courses before you can operate as a registered childminder: Childminders must have completed training which helps them to understand and implement the EYFS before they can register with Ofsted or a childminder agency (Statutory Framework for EYFS Sep 2014, 3.24) Early Years First Aid. First Steps to Childminding Gloucestershire County Council offer fully funded training for those who have attended preregistration briefings. The training will be run over three days and attendance at all three days is required. The course is delivered by experienced tutors who have a thorough understanding of the childminding sector and Ofsted requirements and will enable you to gain the required knowledge of legislation, childcare, child development, equality and inclusion, business practice and much more to enable you to be fully prepared to start your Childminding Business. This syllabus will meet the requirements of the Early Years Statutory Framework and the Childcare Register including the Common Core Skills and Knowledge for the children s workforce. Details of the course and a booking form are provided at the second session of the preregistration briefings. Other courses are available but may incur a cost. Once you have completed your training you will be able to download and submit your application form to Ofsted. 2. Early Years First Aid This course is a requirement of your Ofsted registration. It is a first aid course that consists of practical hands on examples of how to deal with many paediatric incidents and accidents. On completion you will receive a certificate valid for three years. You will be given details about how to book onto the course at the second pre-registration meeting. 3. Child Protection Training This is a requirement for registration; your Early Years Locality Adviser will provide details of current local authority approved training. Ofsted will not process the application until they have seen evidence that you have completed an Early Years First Aid Course and completed training which helps you to understand and implement the EYFS. Once you are registered, you will receive information direct from training providers informing you of a wide range of training/qualifications suitable for your professional development. We hope that you will take advantage of these opportunities. Early Years Team March 2015 [Page 10]

11 Useful Business Information Becoming self-employed The vast majority of registered childminders are self-employed and run their childcare businesses from their own homes. You will need to register as self-employed with HM Revenue and Customs when you begin your childminding career. You must do this within 3 months of starting your business or you will be liable to a substantial fine. Contact HM Revenue and Customs newly self-employed helpline on: to register. Alternatively you can visit where you will find more advice and online registration. Employing Staff Some registered childminders employ another registered childminder or an assistant to work with them in their own home. They must follow employment legislation and check the HMRC Employment status indicator. Further information can be obtained from HM Revenue and Customs employer help line on: Additional business support is available from the Gloucestershire Local Authority via Sarah Spencer, Early Years Adviser. National Insurance contributions National Insurance contributions are payments that build up and help you to qualify for certain benefits including the basic state pension, benefits and maternity allowance. If a company employed you they would pay your National Insurance contributions on your behalf but, as a self-employed person, you will need to arrange to pay this yourself. You can find out more about National Insurance contributions at or call HM Revenue and Customs newly self-employed helpline on: if you are starting out, or alternatively National Insurance self-employed helpline on: Benefits and Tax Credits If you are currently receiving any benefits or tax credits, such as Income Support, Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit etc, as a registered childminder you may be entitled to continue with these even though you are starting a self employed business. More information about benefits can be obtained from the website for the Department for Work and Pensions or from the HM Revenue and Customs Tax Credit Helpline: Telephone numbers are available in your local phone book for your local Job Centre Plus or Citizens Advice Bureau who also can offer information and advice. Tax Credit Calculator The HM Revenue and Customs online calculator can be used to see how much help you may be able to claim from Tax credits. This service can be found on This site will also help you to understand the different types of financial support you may be able to receive to help you with the costs of childcare. If you visit the local Job Centre Plus office they will also give you this information. The type of help that can be received will depend on individual circumstances. You can check to see where there is help available for parents who are working, studying, training or have additional needs. Early Years Team March 2015 [Page 11]

12 Planning permission As a childminder you will be working from your own home, running your own self employed childcare business. Running a business from domestic premises usually requires planning permission. Guidance has been issued in both England and Wales (PPS4 Guidance) that states that planning permission would NOT normally be required for childminding businesses. However our advice to newly registered childminders is that you should always check with your local Planning Office whether this is a requirement in your area, particularly if there will be more than one childminder working together. Additional information regarding planning permission requirements for childminders is available from the Gloucestershire Local Authority via Sarah Spencer, Early Years Locality Adviser Rented accommodation - Landlords Consent It is strongly recommended that If you rent your home either through a Letting Agent or have a rental agreement with a Private Landlord you should establish whether or not it will be acceptable for you to run a childminding business from your rented property. Not all landlords have permission from their mortgage lenders or insurance companies to allow you to run a business from the premises. You should ask for this consent in writing, from the property owner to retain on file. This consent should be received before you embark on the process of registering as a childminder. If you have further questions regarding running a business from a rented property contact Sarah Spencer, Early Years Locality Adviser Food premises registration As part of the registration process Ofsted will inform your local Environmental Health team that you are running a childminding business. As a childminder providing a food service for those in your care, you are required to be registered as a Food Business. At the time of going to print registering as a food business operator is free of charge. Data Protection As a childminder, you will probably take digital photographs and keep details about other people, including the children cared for, on your computer. This means that you are a Data Controller and as such will need to notify the Information Commissioner s Office (ICO). To find out if you need to register with the ICO go to There is an associated annual cost for registration. Early Years Team March 2015 [Page 12]

13 Early Years Foundation Stage 2014 The Early Years Foundation Stage pack is a vital document; you must obtain your own copy if you are going to proceed with the registration process. It is the legislation you must work to when offering childcare for the first five years of a child s life. (0 to 31 st August after the child s 5 th Birthday) There is also additional support information and guidance to help you provide the very best for the children that will be attending your setting. You must read the full pack and familiarise yourself with its content and how to use it to support your setting. When Ofsted carry out your pre registration visit, they will expect you to demonstrate how you will provide childcare in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage. Information about how these materials can be obtained will be given to you at the preregistration meetings. The Gloucestershire Early Years Team would like to offer you our best wishes in your choice of career and look forward to working with you if you choose to proceed with the registration process. Early Years Team March 2015 [Page 13]

14 Early Years Team Education Performance and Inclusion 3 rd Floor Bridge, Block 4, Shire Hall, Gloucestershire County Council, Gloucester GL1 2TP Telephone Number: Updated March 2015 Early Years Team March 2015 [Page 14]