Working Together

Having worked in childcare for several years, I can really appreciate the need for good relationships between a child's family and childcare provider.

I rely heavily on parents supporting me with the policies and procedures in our setting, including our house rules. Children depend on their parents judgements to help them learn how to behave and react in different situations that may come their way.

Settling In

We therefore try to make the settling in process as comfortable as possible for both the child and their parents. We will arrange several visits for the family to meet us at the setting to help everyone get used to our home and routines. We hope that parents are also then able to talk to their child at home about coming to play so the child will be as used to us as possible when they start.

Home Visits

I can also offer a visit to the child's own home as an opportunity to build up a positive relationship before settling in, if the family feels this may be useful. This can also help me to learn a little bit more about your child's favourite games and the routines your child has at home, so that I can try to provide similar experiences at Footsteps to help your child feel comfortable and enjoy their time with me.

Sharing Each Day

Each child will have their own diary to record what they have been doing whilst at Footsteps. I will detail activities, meals and other information to help share your child's experiences with you each day. They will also act as a two way correspondence so that parents can record any messages or information that may help me plan for their child's needs. For examp le this could include what the family has done at the weekend, holidays, trips to see grandparents, if the child has been up since 5 and may need extra sleep, changes in needs, developmental milestones, achievements and general well-being. This can also be a great tool in developing communication and memory skills too!

Feedback

Parents opinions are of great value to me. They help me to evaluate my policies, procedures and practice and provide great ideas and suggestions to make the care at Footsteps even better. Please let me know if you have any suggestions or queries. Similarly if things aren't right I need to know so that I can work with parents to find a solution. I am happy to arrange a meeting to discuss any issues or questions in person, or alternatively you can contact me via letter, email or telephone.

Here are a few comments from the Parents of children I have cared for:

If you would like to add to these comments please email me via our Contacts Page.