Settling-in record
The first fortnight decides how the next two years go. This covers what to ask before they start, what to watch during the visits, and an honest review at the end of week two.
Nothing here is a statutory requirement — it is a working tool. The one thing that is required is that you have the emergency, consent and medical information you need before a child is in your care.
The child
| Name, and what they like to be called | |
| Date of birth | |
| Start date | |
| Days and hours agreed | |
| Key person |
Before they start — what I need to know
Ask at the home visit or first meeting. Some of this is safeguarding, some is what makes a settle work.
| Who can collect, and password | |
| Allergies, medical needs, medication | |
| Dietary needs and food they will actually eat | |
| Sleep — when, how, comforter | |
| Nappies / toileting stage | |
| Words they use for the toilet, food, comfort | |
| How they show they are upset | |
| What comforts them | |
| Languages spoken at home | |
| Any additional needs, or professionals involved |
Settling visit 1
Short. Parent stays. What did they do, and how did they separate?
Settling visit 2
Parent leaves briefly. Note how long, and what happened.
Settling visit 3
Longer, including a meal or a sleep if you can.
Settling visit 4
As close to a normal session as possible.
Two-week review
Honest. If it is not going well, say so now rather than at month three. What will you change, and what will the parent change?
Agreed with parent
| Date reviewed | |
| What we agreed | |
| Next review |
We’ll tell you when the rules change
Two statutory frameworks changed on 1 September 2026 — the EYFS and the Ofsted inspection framework. Most childminders found out from a Facebook post weeks later. Leave your email and we’ll tell you the next time something changes, in plain English, with what you actually need to do.
Only when something genuinely changes. Not a newsletter. Stop any time.