NCMA's Quality Standards
The following are the standards that all NCMA childminders aim to meet.
- Take a professional approach to registered childminding
NCMA childminders:- are registered with their local authority 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 Behavior
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 behavior 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, 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 interests of protecting the 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 everyday 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
- recognize that parents know their own child best
- exchange information about each child with his or her parents
- show respect for each families 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
- make detailed plans of what to do in a 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 organized 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 NCMA and local childminding groups.
