Take a professional approach to registered childminding

NCMA Childminders:

• Are registered and comply with the requirements of their registration

• Have suitable insurance cover

• Undertake relevant training where possible

• Keep up to date with childminding regulations and legislation.

Manage children’s behaviour

NCMA Childminders:

• never slap, smack, shake, bite, frighten or humiliate a 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.

Promote equality of opportunity

NCMA Childminders:

• Treat each child as an individual and with equal concern

• Give every child equal chances to learn and develop

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

• Encourage children to develop a sense of their own identity and culture

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

Respect confidentiality

NCMA Childminders:

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

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

Promote children’s learning and development

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 every day activities

• Support and complement what children learn at home, school and pre-school

• Keep parents informed about their child’s progress.

Work in partnership with parents

NCMA Childminders:

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

• Recognise that parents know their own child 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.

Keep children safe

NCMA Childminders:

• Pay careful attention to safety and hygiene

• Ensure a smoke-free environment while they are childminding

• 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.

Know about nutrition

NCMA Childminders:

• Discuss children’s dietary needs with parents

• Provide children with a healthy, balanced diet.

Have good business practices

NCMA Childminders:

• Keep organised records of children’s attendance, personal details and development

• Keep accurate written records of accidents and incidents in an accident book

• Keep detailed financial records.

Seek support

NCMA Childminders:

• Seek advice from other professionals when necessary
• Take advantage of the opportunities for mutual support provided by the NCMA and local childminding groups.