Policies & FAQ

When you initially make an enquiry about Little Acorns you can request a more in-depth list of all my written policies, risk assessments and safe guarding details. Here I have listed a few FAQs to give you a general idea!

Q. What does a typical day look like at Little Acorns?
A. The simple answer to this is no two days are the same here, and that’s the beauty of a childminding setting. We establish a routine once the children are settled – but day to day there’s lots of different things going on and we generally follow the weather and the mood of the children! Somedays we may go on a ramble through the woods, other days we may go to toddler groups and rummage round rock pools.  We play games, indulge in a bit of yoga (BIG stretching and lots of silliness!), dig, climb, splash, play, help, run, jump, get lots of fresh air, take risks and best of all HAVE FUN! 
Q. Is Little Acorns right for me and my child?
A. Here at Little Acorns your child will be in very safe hands. I can offer excellent reverences from previously very satisfied parents and I always encourage you to visit the setting and to meet me so we can talk things through. I like to think I offer parents and children the best of both worlds, flexible childcare within a safe and happy environment, but we can also get out and about in our local area. When we need to make more friends there are oodles of fantastic toddler groups where we can join in with singing and dancing and meet lots of other children. 
Q. What if I am late dropping off in the morning?
A. We’ve all been running late at some point and usually it probably won’t make any difference, however please remember that we may have plans to go out. As a rule if you are going to be more than 15-30 minutes late I would appreciate you letting me know as soon as you can.
Q. What if I am late collecting my child?
A. Picking up late can be inconvenient to me and to your child. Please try to always be on time to collect your child – your terms and conditions will highlight any extra charges that may be added to your account if this is a regular occurance. 
Q. What if the childminder is ill and has to close?
A. I will always try to remain open where possible but in the event that I am not well enough to look after your children I will always try to give us much notice as possible and a refund for that day or hours I am closed will be issued on the next invoice. In the event that I am unwell but not poorly enough to close I may offer a limited service to those parents that will struggle to find alternative care for their children. 
Q. What if my child is ill and cannot come into Little Acorns on their booked day/s?
A. As per our contract you will still be liable to pay for any days your child has off that is not a booked holiday, where 28 days notice is given.  I cannot look after poorly children or take them to a hospital or doctors so if they are taken ill whilst in my care you will need to collect them asap. I will of course keep them comfortable and care for them until you collect. 
Q. Do I have to pay upfront?
A. Yes, fees are paid one month in advance, which means along with your application form you will need to pay one month up front in advance of your child’s start date.
Q. I don’t think my child will settle easily, how can you help?
A. I can offer settling in sessions, charged at the usual hourly rate. Any comforting objects that your child may rely on at home will be very welcome in my setting, whether that may be a special toy, blanket, bottle, dummy or drinking cup. These little things always help. Your child will be given the chance to explore the toys and garden with you by their side for reassurance. When you both feel happy we will work on your child staying with me. We can take it as quickly or as slowly as we need to.
Q. How do you encourage healthy eating?
A. Your child will be encouraged to help prepare healthy snacks, whether that may include shopping for healthy food, washing fruit, cutting up vegetables, preparing a salad or arranging healthy food on a plate. Role play games such as shopping are encouraged and I provide a  till, plastic food and plates etc.
Q. My child doesn’t like anything on your menu can they have something else?
A. Menus are prepared in advance so please tell me on the application form their likes/dislikes so I can plan accordingly to make sure I provide suitable food. 
Q. Are you open on bank holidays?
A. No, due to family commitments I am not usually available on bank holidays.
Q. Do you have any pets?
A. Currently we have three very friendly cats and a a very frienly dog, although he likes to keep out of the way and will remain upstairs. I believe it is good for children to learn to be kind to animals – and the best place to start is usually a family pet.
Q. Will you apply sun-cream to my child?
A. As a rule I ask the parent or carer to apply sun-cream to their child before dropping off, I will of course reapply during the day if needed – but please send some in their bag in this instance. 
Q. What will my child need to bring?
A. It may vary depending on the time of year and the age of the child but as a general rule some of the things I may ask you to bring will be: sun cream, sun hat, long sleeved top to cover up in the sun, rain coat, wellies, gloves and hat, sturdy shoes, coat. Please name your things. 
Q. What mustn’t my child bring in?
A. I cannot accept tablets, phones, watches, computer equipment or anything else of value or that is precious or breakable. 
Q. Do the children play outside every day?
A. Yes! We always aim to go outside in all weathers, fresh air is great for kids! If you like the idea of a forest school then you will love my setting! We go outside as much as possible and we do lots of walking too. We’re out more than we’re in! 
Q. Will we have a contract?
A. Yes, we will have a legally binding contract to protect both parties. 
Q. What happens when the childminder goes on holiday?
A. My holiday dates are set well in advance to allow parents plenty of time to plan alternative childcare. I don’t charge you for my weeks off. I take 6 weeks a year so hopefully my dates can fit around your family holidays. 
Q. How much are your fees and do you accept funded children?
A. My fees are in line with other local childcare providers and I very much accept and welcome all children, funded or not funded. Please contact me for current fees. 
Q. Will my child get a learning story?
A. Yes! A detailed learning story will be issued and added to on a weekly basis with photos and information about all the things your child has been doing. I also send home certificates like star of the day and other things to show you how much fun your child has had! I will also text you information and send you photos of your child from our many outings unless you ask me not to.