As a parent I fully understand how difficult it can be for parents to leave their child with a childminder and return to work. I will therefore work with you to ensure your child is settled and that you are happy with the care that I am to provide.
I like to organise settling in sessions for the parents and child. This gives you the opportunity to provide me with lots of information about your child, their likes and dislikes, routines, favourite activities, how to comfort them if they become upset and how they have reacted when left before. It gives me the opportunity to start to build a relationship with you and your child and to understand both your needs and wishes. It is also an opportunity for you as the child’s parents to become fully aware of my policies/procedures and to observe my setting.
I am happy for you to stay until you feel that your child is settled. Some children do take longer than others to settle and some settle quickly and then become distressed a few weeks into the placement. I will work with you to support your child through this transition period and make it as easy as possible. It is important that you and your child are relaxed and happy in my home and with the care I provide.
Some parents find it helpful to call me during the day to find out how their child is. I am happy to take your calls, but may need to keep them brief if I am tending to a child’s personal needs, for example changing a nappy. Some parents feel it is sufficient to send me a text message and I am more than happy to reply to these.