NCMA Training

I have successfully completed a CACHE (Council for Awards in Children's Care and Education) Level 3 Diploma in Home-Based Child Care and am a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

NCMA Quality Standards

As a member of the NCMA I adhere to the following Quality Standards for child care:

TAKING A PROFESSIONAL APPROACH. NCMA childminders:

Are registered and comply with the requirements of their registration

Have suitable child care insurance cover

Undertake relevant child care training where possible

Keep up to date with childminding regulations and legislation

MANAGING CHILDREN'S BEHAVIOUR. NCMA childminders:

Never slap, smack, shake, bite, frighten or humiliate a baby or young child

Take a positive approach to managing children's behaviour

Set clear boundaries for children's behaviour and share these with parents

Give praise and encouragement when children live up to expectations

Respond to unwanted behaviour appropriately, according to the child's age and level of understanding

PROMOTING EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY.  NCMA childminders:

Treat each child as an individual and with equal concerns

Give every child chances to learn and develop

Take into account each child's age and stage of development., gender, ethnicity, home language and any disability

Encourages children to develop a sense of their own identity and culture

Help children learn about cultures different from their own, and to develop positive attitudes towards people who are different from themselves

RESPECTING CONFIDENTIALITY.  NCMA childminders:

Do not share information about children and families without the permission of the family

Only break this rule in the interests of protecting a child, when they seek advice from appropriate professionals

PROMOTING CHILDREN'S LEARNING.  NCMA childminders:

Provide play activities and learning experiences suitable for each child's age and stage of development

Support and stimulate children's social, physical, intellectual, communication and emotional development (SPICE)

Build learning into everyday activities support and compliment what children learn at home, school and pre-school

Keep parents informed about their child's progress

WORKING WITH PARENTS.  NCMA childminders:

Know that parents are the most important people in a child's life

Recognise that parents know their own children best

Exchange information about each child with his or her parents

Show respect for each family's beliefs, traditions and wishes for the care of their children

Arrange back-up cover for emergencies

Review contracts with parents at least once a year

Understand children's need for ongoing care with the same carer

KEEPING CHILDEN SAFE.  NCMA childminders:

Ensure a smoke-free environment while they are child minding

Pay careful attention to safety and hygiene for your child

Make detailed plans of what to do in an emergency

Are aware of signs and symptoms of possible abuse and know what to do if they suspect a child is being abused

KNOWING ABOUT NUTRITION.  NCMA childminders:

Discuss children's dietary needs with parents

Provide children with a healthy, balanced diet

HAVING GOOD BUSINESS PRACTICES.  NCMA childminders keep:

Organised records of children's attendance, personal details and development

Accurate written records of accidents and incidents in an accident book

Financial records

GETTING SUPPORT.   NCMA childminders:

Seek advice from other professional childminders when necessary