25 September 2009

Do you think your child has swine flu?

Dirty BertieDo they have a high temp-erature (38°C or above), and two or more of the following symptoms?
  • Cough or shortness of breath
  • Loss of appetite
  • Aching muscles
  • Chills
  • Runny nose
  • Diarrhoea/vomiting
  • Tiredness
  • Limb or joint pain
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
If so, please do not bring them in. Please take your child home and contact either:

The National Pandemic Flu Service
Tel: 0800 1 513 100
Minicom: 0800 1 513 200

OR your GP if
  • Your child is under 12 months old
  • Your child has underlying health problems
  • Their condition is getting worse after five days
  • Their condition suddenly gets much worse at any time
Swine flu is generally mild and most people recover at home.

Check your symptoms, using the NHS Direct flu symptom checker

Latest swine flu information from the NHS here

Download Dirty Bertie storybook leaflet (PDF, 263K)

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WELCOME TO NESSA'S

Storytime
Hello, my name is Vanessa. I have been a registered childminder for 16 years, and work with husband Mark, from our home in Birkenhead. Since we began childminding in 1993 we have cared for more than 50 children and, while it can often be a demanding occupation, we have found it a very rewarding one too. I hope this site gives you some insight into our daily routines and requirements as childminders. If you would like further information regarding any aspect of childminding, please do not hesitate to contact us.

WHY CHOOSE CHILDMINDING?

Because childminders only look after a small number of children, they can offer more individual attention than nurseries or kids' clubs. They can easily meet children's individual needs, sleeping patterns or homework projects.

Childminders can cope with a baby's sleeping and feeding patterns. They can also offer all the time, attention and patience needed when babies are learning to walk, talk, feed themselves or use a potty.

Children often stay with the same childminder from being a baby to starting secondary school, so they benefit from the kind of stability other sorts of childcare don't provide. Childminding also allows parents to form a stable, ongoing relationship with their children's carer.

Three Girls Shouting Because childminders care for all ages, brothers and sisters can be looked after together, which makes life easier for the whole family. All children learn from being around other children of different ages. And children from different families who are looked after by the same childminder often form friendships that last into adulthood.

Many childminders look after children from early in the morning until late in the evening. This means children whose parents don't work from 9 to 5 can enjoy consistent care with the same carer. Childminders are also willing to take children to playgroups, nurseries, schools and clubs, and to pick them up.

Because childminders don't follow a strict timetable, they can be spontaneous. An unexpected sunny or snowy day is a great opportunity for outdoor play and learning. And if the children are feeling tired or under the weather, they can curl up and take it easy, just like they would at home.

Children looked after by childminders enjoy real-life experiences like cooking, shopping, gardening, mealtimes and outings to the park and library. From these everyday activities the children can learn basic science, maths, social skills and language skills.

As childminders live locally, your child can go to nearby toddler clubs, playgroups and after-school clubs with their friends and stay part of the local community. Childminders are part of the local community too, and take account of its varying cultural needs.

ABOUT US

I am an Ofsted registered childminder, a member of the National Childminding Association, and Wirral Childminding Association. I have certificates in Emergency First Aid for Childcare Providers, Child Protection Awareness, The Language of Baby, Birth to Three Matters, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Food Hygiene, and Health & Safety. I have recently completed my NVQ3 in Children's Care, Learning & Development. Husband, Mark is registered as an assistant; he collects the children from school and, as an artist, is often found amusing the children (and himself) with his play dough sculptures and drawings. He is also responsible for this great website.

ABOUT OUR HOME

Child Sleeping
We believe it is important that children feel they are in a loving, caring environment that is safe, clean and with activities that are fun and educational. Our home is situated in a quiet road near Birkenhead Park, and is equipped with a wide variety of toys, books, arts and crafts. There is a large kitchen/dining room which is used for those messy activities such as painting, gluing and play dough. Children are able to play safely in an enclosed garden with a variety of toys, including a slide, play tent, ball pond and sand/water pit.

Children can also watch television and bring along their favourite videos.

Sleeping children are checked on regularly, and have a baby monitor in their room.

We have regular inspections by Ofsted and the Department of Health. All health and safety requirements have been met. They include fireguards, safety gates, smoke alarms, and safety film on glass. We take every precaution possible in maintaining good food hygiene.

We have a no smoking policy and ask that this be respected.

Webcam
We understand that parents can become anxious when they are away from their children for several hours each day, and so we were one of the first childcare providers to install a webcam. It is situated in the main play area where parents can keep a 'virtual' eye on their children without having to leave the workplace. The camera is in operation throughout the day and a password is required to gain access to the images. Parents are, of course, welcome to phone or drop in at any time.

ACTIVITIES

Hand Painting
We provide the best possible service by ensuring that, through play and activity sessions, all children have fun while learning something new each day.

We are only minutes away from some excellent recreational facilities including, Birkenhead Park, Tam O'Shanter Urban Farm, Williamson Art Gallery, Birkenhead Library and toddler groups. We also arrange occasional visits to Chester Zoo and Liverpool Museum.

Other activities include, arts and crafts (drawing with crayons, chalk or coloured pencils, gluing, painting and play dough); role-play (dressing-up outfits available); garden (sand/water pit, ball pond, slide, play tent and tunnel); toys and games (jigsaws, construction sets, kitchen, shop etc); a wide range of books and toys are available for all ages, gender and cultural groups. We also have quiet time, when children can either watch tv, draw, read or sleep.

Parents will need to provide nappies, change of clothes (in case of accidents), feeding bottles, beaker, formula milk, dummies, wet wipes, and their favourite cuddly toy etc. Fees include snacks and drinks. Other meals are extra or can be provided by parents (see menu).

POLICIES - SUMMARY

Children's needs and welfare are of utmost importance to us, and we endeavour to provide activities and learning experiences that help stimulate their emotional, physical, social and intellectual development. We support and build upon what children learn at home and school, and keep parents informed about their child's progress.

Car Baby Seat Safety within our home and on outings is important too, and we ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to prevent accidents. We take positive steps to prevent the spread of infection and appropriate measures when children are ill.

Children are provided with regular drinks and food in adequate quantities for their needs. It is properly prepared, nutritious and complies with dietary and religious requirements (see menu).

We actively promote equal opportunities. Each child is treated as an individual, with equal concern and given equal chance to learn and develop. We take into account each child's age, stage of development, sex, ethnic origin, and disabilities. Children are encouraged to develop a sense of their own identity and culture, and helped to develop positive attitudes towards people who are different from themselves.

Children's behaviour is managed in a positive way. Clear boundaries are set, and these are discussed with parents. Praise and encouragement is given when children live up to reasonable expectations, and appropriate responses given to unacceptable behaviour, according to the child's age and level of understanding.

Parents are the most important people in a child's life, and we recognise that they know their own child best. We exchange information about a child with his or her parents, and show respect for each family's beliefs, traditions, and the way they want their child to be looked after.

All information about children and their families is confidential and will not be shared without the family's permission.

For full details of our policies, click here.