Our Kids Hub
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New family checklist
Work through this before a child starts. Half of it is paperwork you need anyway; the other half is the conversations that prevent every common falling-out in month six.
Contract terms and data handling carry legal weight. Use a contract template from a childminding organisation or get one checked, rather than writing your own from scratch.
Paperwork you need before day one
- Signed contractHours, fees, notice period, holidays, what happens if you are ill
- Emergency contacts — at least two, with numbers you have tested
- Written consentsPhotos, outings, sun cream, emergency medical treatment, nappy changing
- Permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment
- Who may collect, and your password arrangement
- Medical informationAllergies, conditions, medication, GP details
- Immunisation status, if you ask for it — and be consistent about whether you do
Policies to actually walk them through
- Safeguarding — including that you may have to report without telling them firstBetter said now than discovered later
- Sickness policy — what you exclude for, and for how long
- Safer sleepEspecially if their practice at home is different
- Behaviour — how you handle biting, hitting and big feelings
- Complaints — how they raise something, and that they can go to Ofsted
- Confidentiality and how you store their data
Money, in writing
- Fee, and exactly what it includes
- What is charged extraMeals, nappies, outings, late collection
- How and when you invoice, and how you want to be paid
- Funded hoursWhether you take them, when they start, and any top-up
- What is charged during your holiday, and during theirs
- Notice period for leaving, and for a fee increase
- Late collection charge — say the number out loud now
The conversations worth having early
- How you will tell them something difficultSet the expectation that you will, and that it is not a criticism of them
- What you do if their child is unhappy for a sustained period
- How they should raise a worry with you
- Screen time, food, and disciplineWhere your practice may differ from home
- What happens if you disagree about somethingAgree the route now, while everyone is friendly
Before they walk out
- They have a copy of everything they signed
- They know your emergency arrangements if you are suddenly unwell
- They have your Ofsted URN
- Settling-in visits are booked and in both diaries
- You have told them one thing you are looking forward to about their child