CMs how do you get Feedback from parents - any questionnaires???

[leeloo1]

Hi all,

I've just started doing my online SEF (which'd be much easier if they put the helpful notes on the same page and if the boxes to type in weren't 3 lines long on most pages ) and its talking about getting feedback from parents.

I just wondered how everyone else went about this - I only have 1 child at a time, so I do try to build up a good relationship with the parents, but its hard to get feedback... although I do ask for it/comments on policies etc!

I thought I might do a questionnaire for when they leave and wondered if anyone else did this, or what questions you'd include?

Thanks in advance!

I get references when they leave. I do questionnaires every so often, if I am trying to find out about something specific. I included my daily chats in my 'feedback from parents'. I do however find that the most effective way to get feedback is to drag them kicking and screaming in to have a parents meeting once a term.

(I am not a childminder)

How about putting a space on the daily diary (if you do them) with space for parental comments?) Feedback from parents isn't just comments on your 'service' iyswim it means engaging with parents and providing opportunities for them to develop a 2 way process with you.

Does this help? I gave it out before my Ofsted and it was lovely to hear what parents had to say.

Feedback Form
As a registered Childminder I strive to provide the best possible service for you and your child. In order to help me improve my practice it would help if you could let me know if you have a problem with any area of my work. I have devised the following form to allow you to tell me what I am doing well and how you think I could improve. Please only fill in the parts that are relevant to you.

Name Name of child
How do you feel you are made welcome in my home?

How do you feel about the way I care for your child?s basic needs?

How do you feel about the way I encourage your child to learn and develop?

How do you feel about the way I deal with any problems?

How do you feel about the way I manage the business side of my business?

Any other comments?

Many thanks for that - HSMM would you mind sending me a copy of your questionnaire - I tried to start one and my mind went blank - might be the effect of the SEF... I'm at northlondonchildminder (at) yahoo.co.uk

QandA - great minds and all that (and I'm hoping Ofsted see it like that!), I do actually have that very thing, but its invariably left blank, so I've started writing bits in that they tell me in the mornings (record that we've had the conversation and all that)... we do chat at the beginning and end of each day but I wasn't sure it was enough, especially when Ofsted's notes say:

?Do you ask parents and others to complete a questionnaire about how satisfied they are with the provision or do you meet with parents to discuss the provision?
?Are parents represented on the management body?

I don't have a management body and didn't know I was meant to!!!

Leeloo - my most recent one was based around the SEF - ie How do you think your child enjoys and achieves in my setting? next question - What can I do to improve this? How do you know your child is safe, etc. Go through your SEF, make questions which cover each section and the parents should give you all the answers you need to put in (if you're lucky).

Not read other posts.

I've only ever had references so far. Some from people who've left and I've had 2 from all families who have been with me the last couple of years (1 when I was looking to fill another vacancy so asked if they could do a ref for my website and the other was more a letter to Ofsted telling them how they feel about me and my service - I just asked them if they'd do one for my inspection).

Have been thinking about a feedback form moving forward though.

For my last inspection I made up my own feedback form and handed it out to parents.

Thanks everyone - harecare cross-posted with you earlier and only just saw your post! Thats just what I needed.

Hi I have a daily diary which has a parent comments section on it. I also have a parents questionaire. I can send it to you if you want.

Yes please llllll - the more questions I have the better I think!

northlondonchildminder (at) yahoo.co.uk