Frequently Asked Questions
General
Do you offer free childcare and early education places for two / three and four year olds?
Honey Bumpkin is registered through the Government funding scheme to accept places for 2 year olds and can offer the free 15 hours Government funded places for 3 and 4 year olds. You will need to meet particular criterias for this schemes.
What are your opening hours and holiday dates?
Honey Bumpkin childminding services are open from 7am to 6:30pm – Monday to Friday. We offer placements in school time and during school holidays. Please note, we are not open on public holidays.
What happens if my child arrives late?
In the event that you arrive late with your child, your child will still be accepted into the setting and you will still be charged for the contracted hours agreed.
Do you accept same-day bookings? If so, is there a cut off time / additional charges?
Unfortunately at present we are unable to offer same day bookings. This may be something Honey Bumpkin will look into in the future.
How many children do you look after at any one time?
As a childminder I am permitted by Ofsted to care for a maximum of 12 children at any one time.
Can children move freely around the setting?
We have large playrooms for children to play in as well as our conservatory, living room and dinning room. They will also have access to the securely gated garden area. Children will be supervised at all times. Any rooms that are not permitted are gated so children can not enter.
What is the adult to child ratio?
As a childminder I am permitted by Ofsted to care for a maximum of 12 children at any one time.
Can children choose their own activities?
Yes, we encourage children to make their own choices of toys and activities.
How will you keep me informed about my child's progress?
As part of Ofsted Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) I keep full records of your child's educational progress. This is all fully documented and available to you as a parent. This information is also made available to the Reception class of your child's chosen primary school.
I will use daily home dairies for Early Years children in my care. This is a diary for myself and you as a parent can use to inform and keep track of your child's achievement or where some help may be needed at home or during my care. I am here to help to give your little ones the best start in finding their strengths and fulfil their potential on their learning journey, this in turn will help them become school ready.
What qualifications and experience do you have?
I have undergone full childminder and Early Years training with the nationally recognised childcare organisation, Pacey. I have also completed my Paediatric First Aid and well as a course on Safeguarding of children. I have to young boys who are now 7 and 9 years old.
How will my child's individual needs be met?
I will, under the guidance of Ofsted's Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), for children not yet of school age (0 to 5 years), give your child a secure and safe environment. They will be encouraged to learn, express themselves, gain knowledge and skills that will provide your child with the right foundation and prepare them for school.
For children of school age, I will be aware of their interests and will provide games, toys and outdoor activities to keep them stimulated while in my care.
How does the key person system work in this setting?
As I am currently the only childminder at this setting, I will be the key person at this setting.
What can I do to support my child's development and learning?
We ask that as a parent we work together in the development, learning and education of your child. We will continuously feedback information relating to the progress and stages of development of your child. This is so you can continue to work on the same stages of development to help your child achieve their Early Year educational goals.
How will you know about and respond to my child's interests?
I will at the start of any new child to my setting ask parents and your child to complete a starting point form. This will then give me an insight to your child's interests, family life, food likes/dislikes and the levels your child is working at, I can then work on their next steps to achieve over the seven areas of learning under the guidance of Ofsted's Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
Cost
Do you require a deposit?
You will not need to pay any deposit. However, if your child is under a term time only contact and you wish to continue childcare with ourselves in September, then we ask for a retainer fee on the last invoice before the summer holidays. This retainer fee will then be deducted from you September invoice.
What are the hourly / sessional / daily rates?
Full details on our hourly rates along with predefined packages can be found on our fees page.
What are the costs if my child is taken out of provision for a holiday?
If you as Parents arrange a Holiday/Annual Leave and this is within the contracted days/hours agreed for your child to attend Honey Bumpkin setting, the full fee will be charged on all contracted hours/days of children who are absent.
How do I pay – cash / Direct Debit / cheque?
We encourage bank transfers for settlement of invoices. We do not operate a direct debit scheme and we do not accept cheques.
Do you accept childcare vouchers?
Yes, we accept childcare vouchers. Please inform ourselves in advance as to which operator you are using to process your vouchers. Please add additional days when paying via childcare vouchers to allow for funds to clear.
Do you take payment in advance – weekly / monthly / half termly / termly?
We do not charge you in advance for our services. Invoices are created approximately 5 days before the end of each month. These invoices will detail your particular changes in detail and settlement will need to be made no later than the last day of the same month.
Welfare
What happens if my child is ill or can't attend?
If your child has become ill or if you are unable to drop off your child through illness, the full fee will be charged on all contracted hours/days of children who are absent.
What menus / meals are offered? Is there a choice?
At Honey Bunkin we offer a breakfast club, lunches and home cooked dinners. We do try an offer as much variety as possible and will cater for any dietary requirements of your child. A weekly menu is available on our website and will so be on view at our home.
Is water readily available? What about snacks?
Water is always made available at all times to children and healthy snacks will be provided throughout the day.
What are the emergency procedures?
We do have emergency procedures in place. These are part of Honey Bumpkins Policies/ Procedures and permission forms that are sent to any parent/carer using my childminder services.
What are your policies on health and safety / safeguarding including child protection / equalities including special educational needs and/or disability / complaints / behaviour management / administering medicines / responding to specific health needs / risk assessment?
We do have these policies in place. These are part of Honey Bumpkins Policies/ Procedures and permission forms that are sent to any parent/carer using my childminder services.
Do you have a settling in process for new children?
Yes, we offer a settling period for all early years children. Myself as a childcare provider, and yourself as a parent, want to make sure that your child in happy and settled. It can be very daunting for a young child to be left in a new unknown environment and we want to make sure that your child is happy with their new surroundings.
Is there a place for children to rest or be calm?
With our early years children is is important that we continue routines from home. This will include a regular nap time in a quiet and calm location.
What happens if I am delayed and late picking up my child?
If is safe and legal to do so, then please inform ourselves that you are running late. We will always reassure your child and keep them informed. These things happen from time to time and you can be assured that your child will be well looked after until your arrival.
