Working with Parents Policy

I strongly value communication with parents/carers, particularly in the beginning and I will send WhatsApp messages daily which include information on what your child has eaten, any sleeps, toilet trips, photographs, things that your child has made, general information on what we did each day or anything else that I feel may be necessary.  I always welcome replies on what you have been doing at home too.

I am available at any mutually convenient time to discuss problems or queries.  It is important for your child to see that we all get along and that you feel comfortable with them being in my home.

As the parent/carer you know your child best and I am very keen to work with you to help everyone settle and feel welcome.

I encourage mutually respectful relationships between parents/carers, children and myself and create a welcoming, inclusive environment in my home. 

Procedure

I keep up to date about working in partnership with parents and carers and with relevant legislation, by taking regular training and by reading relevant publications, by looking at various childcare websites, by watching relevant news items etc.

All parents receive a copy of and have access to my policies and procedures folder.

1.    Contracts and records

*   I draw up and sign a digital contract with parents/carers before the placement starts. The contract is dated and signed by the parents/carers and myself. I give copies to the parents/carers and any other party involved in the contractual arrangements.

*   I review the contract with parents every 12 months or when circumstances change.

*   I issue monthly invoices in advance to parents/carers.

*   I endeavor to meet parents’ requests for the care of their children according to their values and practices, preferences and attitudes. I keep records of these requests with the child record forms which also contain emergency contact numbers, dietary requirements/preferences, doctor’s information, vaccinations, food allergies, health requirements, and information about who has legal contact with the child and who has parental responsibility for the child. These records are revisited and updated during regular reviews with parents.

*   I draw up and ask parents/carers to sign permission forms for taking photographs and doing observations, for taking the children out, for applying sun protection cream, for playing on outdoor equipment and for applying nappy rash cream if applicable.

2.    Communication with parents

*   I work with parents/carers to make sure that the care of their child is consistent.

*   I make time for discussion about each child’s needs by sharing information with parents/carers about daily routines and activities in our setting and in the child’s home.  Ways of sharing this information include email, telephone, face-to-face meetings, WhatsApp, photographs and informal day-to-day feedback.

*   I also complete end of term summaries of each child’s development and share these with parents/carers asking for their input and feedback.

*   I will discuss any changes in my or the child’s home circumstances which may impact on the child’s development or my ability to care for a child. 

*   I offer regular informal reviews with parents/carers to discuss their child’s care, how they feel things are going and if any changes are required. I also operate an open door policy and parents/carers are invited to speak to me at a mutually convenient time.

*   I welcome parents’ feedback on my service and have a “comments, compliments and complaints“ book in the kitchen for parents/carers information and use. Please refer to our Complaints Policy on our procedures for managing negative feedback.  I also send out an appraisal form each year for parents/carers to comment on the service that I provide.

*   I display my Ofsted registration certificate and the Ofsted poster for parents, which introduces Ofsted's childcare responsibilities and gives Ofsted contact details.

3.    Ofsted inspections

*   I will notify all parents /carers in advance when I am about to be inspected by Ofsted (usually every 6 years – my last inspection was in January 2020) so that parents/carers can contribute their views to the inspector.

*   I will supply parents with a copy of the Ofsted report within five working days of receiving it.  My previous Ofsted reports can be found here 120793 - Open - Find an Inspection Report - Ofsted

Policy Written by:       Ilana Hill       Date:    10 July 2011  

Last updated and reviewed on 17 October 2024