Click on a statement to see more information about providing a high quality childminding service working in partnership with families. Each statement also contains a drop down list for the SSSC Codes of Practice for Social Service Workers where relevant. These will help you to see the connections between what you do and these indicators of best practice.
DEVELOPING RELATIONSHIPS
I know and understand the importance of clear communication with families
Think about…
• The various methods available to you and the parents you are working with and which method suits the needs of both whilst ensuring information is kept confidential
• Regularly reviewing communication methods to ensure they are effective
SSSC Codes of Practice for Social Service Workers
1.2 I will respect and, where appropriate, promote the views and wishes of people who use services and carers
2.2 I will communicate in an appropriate, open, accurate and straightforward way
I know and understand how to maintain a professional relationship with the families I work with.
Think about…
• The methods you use to communicate with parents and how effective these are
• Discussing situations with other childminders who may have encountered similar issues ( be careful to maintain confidentiality) to build confidence
SSSC Codes of Practice for Social Service Workers
1.2 I will respect and, where appropriate, promote the views and wishes of people who use services and carers
2.1 I will be truthful, open, honest and trustworthy
2.2 I will communicate in an appropriate, open, accurate and straightforward way
2.4 I will be reliable and dependable
2.5 I will honour work commitments, agreements and arrangements and, when it is not possible to do so, explain why to people who use services, carers and my employer
I know and understand my legal responsibilities with regard to storage and sharing of information about children
Depending on how you store information about children you may need to be required to register with the Information Commissioner’s Office. You can find out if it will be needed by completing a short questionnaire.
Think about…
• the methods you use to confidentially store personal information about children
• if there is a need for you to register with the ICO
• the type of information you need to pass on and who to inform
SSSC Codes of Practice for Social Service Workers
2.3 I will respect confidential information and clearly explain my employer’s policies about confidentiality to people use services and carers
I know and understand the emergency procedures I have in place and share these with parents and carers, and children as appropriate.
Think about…
• Regularly checking that emergency contact details are current
• Ensuring parents/carers are aware of these emergency procedures, know the emergency named person and what their role will be
DEVELOPING PARTNERSHIPS
I know and understand the importance of families being aware of my duty of care.
Think about…
• Who is the local child protection contact for your area and how you can contact them
• How often to update your knowledge and understanding
• How this knowledge can be used to enhance your practice
SSSC Codes of Practice for Social Service Workers
3.2 I will use established processes and procedures to report allegations of harm and challenge and report exploitation and any dangerous, abusive or discriminatory behaviour or practice
I know and understand the need for the policies I have and how to promote these to families
Think about…
• the need for policies and procedures, how would people know what service you provide without them. However if the policy is written but not used it is a waste of paper.
• how you keep families informed about your policies and procedures to help promote communication and understanding.
SSSC Codes of Practice for Social Service Workers
3.2 I will use established processes and procedures to report allegations of harm and challenge and report exploitation and any dangerous, abusive or discriminatory behaviour or practice
I know and understand how children may react when they see their parents or carers and I need to be clear about how to support the child and parents with this transition
Think about…
• How the child is feeling and why this may be affecting their behaviour
• The strategies you can use to sensitively intervene if this is appropriate
• Having clear guidance on managing transitions
• How to support parents
SSSC Codes of Practice for Social Service Workers
3.2 I will use established processes and procedures to report allegations of harm and challenge and report exploitation and any dangerous, abusive or discriminatory behaviour or practice