Working with Families

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
It is important to be proactive about communicating with parents and carers, informing them about what you are planning, and keeping them informed about what you have done. This helps build trust and can help to promote the unique and complex role of the childminder. The variety of ways you choose to communicate with parents will help show you are actively promoting clear communication.

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.
Childminders often report it can be difficult to discuss boundaries with families with many reporting they worry about to offending or upsetting parents. However, your relationship with families is key to a quality childminding service. Knowing how to sensitively work with families if there are any issues will not only help you to maintain a professional relationship, but also support parents to understand your needs and the needs of your business. It is also important to member that a parent who, for example, stays late to chat to you may be doing so because they are seeking help or support

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
There are two main issues to be aware of with regard to sharing information about children. The principles of data protection and your duty to pass on information about children according to the principles of Getting it Right for Every Child. You need to be clear about your responsibilities with regard to each.

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.
You are required to have clear procedures in place to deal with any emergency situations which may arise. This will include having a named person to look after the children if you are unable to do so. These procedures are separate from planned absences.

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.
It is important that families are aware of your duty of care and this should be clearly stated in your policies and procedures as well as being reinforced during the initial meeting with families. It may not be appropriate to discuss your concerns with the parent/carer but to seek professional help and advice from your local authority child protection services; It is essential that you regularly update your knowledge and understanding of child safeguarding in order to have the confidence to know what to do in these situations.

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
Policies and procedures are necessary to support the work that you do. It is important that parents/families are aware of and understand these and agree with them before they sign a contract. It is also important to make them aware of any changes to your policies and procedures.

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
Whilst you have clear behaviour expectations, these may differ to family expectations. Childminders often report that children display different behaviours at drop of and pick up times when they see their parents or when their parents are about to leave. Understanding how such transitions affect children will help you to manage these situations.

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