New childminder in need of some advice

[WeddingBelleJan10]

I am starting minding in January after a long wait! I am really excited but also a little nervous.

Does anyone have any ideas for breaking the ice/ getting to know you activities.

I will be minding 3 children full time (family members) 2 girls 6 months and 3 1/2 years and there cousin - boy - 18 months.

One of the parents will be attending sporadically for settling in in the first week - Any advice/tips welcome.

Thanks
Hayley X

I would just plan a day of activities and go from there - the children will know each other and the best way to get to know them/ them to know you is to play and interact. Good Luck

Hi there

I bet you are looking forward to getting going, will you have all the children all together all the time, or will there be times of the day where you just have the cousin or the siblings?

If you do these are a good time to do things where they get a bit more of you as you are not seeing to all 3 at once. They are nice ages how about things like hand print painting, plastic tea set and picnic snack, Just getting down on the floor with them and playing helps break the ice I think, I have had children start that will watch me in disbelief before gleefully joining in building a tower of stacking cups/ shaking musical instruments or whatever.

Have you asked parents to fill in a short 'all about me' for each child? These are really handy for knowing what their favourite toys/stories/foods/etc are and mean you can have things at yours in that first week that they will enjoy/find comforting.

Can I ask how easy it was to get a variation for 2 under one?
I'm thinking of asking Ofsted and been told it should be ok as it's for continuation of care.
Good luck for January.

Hi BradfordMum,

Sorry that is my punctuation .

That should read 2 girls, 6 months old and 3 1/2 years and a little boy of 18 months.

I believe that is correct regarding continuity of care. I had another full time enquiry and spoke to Ofsted regarding where I stood with that - I think it would have been a bit much to begin with but you will be asked about your evacuation plans, etc if you have 2 little ones as well as others. Like you say I think there are exceptions with siblings.

Good luck
Hayley