Hippopots
 
Search this site

Q & A's

Some frequently asked Questions:

  • May I see your registration Certificate  and insurance policy?
My OFSTED Certificate is kept in my police folder, you may see this folder at any time. I have full membership and public liability insurance with NCMA
  • Do you use a written contract?
Yes  I do, I believe it protects both parties. I use contracts from the NCMA
  • What arrangements do you make for holiday?
I do ask that you give me at least 2 weeks notice when you are away on holiday and have a form to fill in so I can add it to my records, payment is half price for this period. When I take a holiday I'll be giving you a months notice in writing and there will be no charge while I'm away. I'll help you find cover when I'm away.
  • Do I offer a smoke free environment?
I do have a no smoking policy in & out side of the house.
  • Do you collect from and take children to playgroups, nurseries or schools?
Yes I'm happy to do a school run.
  • Do you provide meals and snacks?

I provide 3 balanced meals per day, breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with healthy snacks. These meals will provide a healthy balanced diet. Vegetables and fruit are bought fresh and will be used as part of the child's 5 portions a day. Snacks will consist of fruit, vegetables, organic biscuits or home-made cake. Fresh juice or whole milk will be provided with meals, and water will be available all day. This is included in my hourly rate.

  • Do you offer recognised activities such as messy play and arts and crafts?
We do lots of panting and messy play, making masks, caterpillars, spiders, cards for family members.  Some of the best learning can be done making a mess :-)
  • Is there an outside play area and is it safe to access?
I have a very safe garden, it's completely fenced in and the back gate is pad locked. We have a Wendy house, climbing box with slide, little slide & seesaw, a selection of cars, trucks, bikes and scooters. Safe trampoline, sand pit. In the summer I have mini table & chairs so meals can be had outside, water slides (all water actives are constantly supervised), tents. We all so do planting.
  • What are your views on behaviour management?
I do not use any form of physical punishment nor do I use any methods which would result in the child feeling hurt or humiliated. I aim to use positive and constructive ways of encouraging children to behave appropriately. I find that talking to the child and explaining why their behaviour and actions are not acceptable works well, also trying to help them to understand how their actions hurt or upset others.

I work in partnership with parents to ensure that my methods are consistent with theirs and compliment each other.