Portfolio Contents
Many childminders find it helpful to create a portfolio containing information relating to their childminding business. This can be helpful when prospective customers are visiting, as it provides all the information they are likely to need in one place saving you hunting around for insurance certificates, etc. Childminders that are accredited and belong to a network will need to have a portfolio.
Your portfolio should reflect your services positively so take some time on it and make it as neat and professional as possible. Buy a folder for putting the information in and consider plastic wallets as these keep pages neat and any spills will wipe off. If possible, type up your policies etc using a computer, this can help make them look extra professional. If you do not have access to a computer make sure your writing is neat and easy to read. You may like to make your first page a contents page, this will make the information in your portfolio easier to locate.
NOTE: Your portfolio should not contain any information or records which contain confidential materials.
Documents
Your portfolio would be a good place to store the following documents:
- Public Liability Insurance Certificate
- Legal Insurance Certificate (not compulsory)
- Registration Certificate
- Fire Safety Certificate
- Car MOT Certificate
- Car Insurance Details
- Car Seat Safety Certificate (from Trading Standards, not compulsory)
- Example Record of Information
- Example Contract
- Example Parent Permission for Transport Form
- Example form for Permission to administer Non Prescription Medicines
- Example form for Permission for Emergency Treatment
- Planning Permission Documents
- Environmental Health Reports
- Equipment Maintenance Records
- Gas and Electrical Safety Checks
- NCMA Quality Standards (if member)
Policies
Your portfolio could also contain copies of your policies on:
- Behavior Management
- Disease Exclusion and Sick Children
- Equal Opportunities
- Special Needs
- Fees
- Collection of Child
- Accident and Emergency Procedures
- Smoking
- Smacking
- Health, Hygiene and Safety
- Nutrition
- Daily Routines
- Settling Children In
- Provision of Basic Play and other Activities
- Working in Partnership with Parents
- Child Protection
- Business Practice
- Confidentiality
NOTE: You may not have all of these policies, or several may be combined into one document.
Information
Your portfolio could also contain information on the Following:
- Example Menu
- Example Activities List
- Ages and Times When Present of Existing Children
- Useful Addresses and Telephone Contacts
- Child Protection Procedures
- References and Thank you Letters
Qualifications/Courses
Your portfolio could also contain certificates from, or a list of childminding related courses you have attended including:
- Child Protection Certificate
- First Aid Certificate
- Introducing Childminding Practice
- Special Needs Training
- NVQ/NNEB
For more qualifications see our training and qualification page.
