Permissions for parents to sign - updated 03.2015
Some childminders prefer single sheets - one for each permission - while others prefer to write permissions over 1 or 2 pages and ask parents to tick yes / cross no and sign at the bottom.
There are 3 permissions which are required by the EYFS -
• Medication administration permission - which must be individual to the child and the medication or treatment as stated in the EYFS.
If a child arrives with medication and you do not have signed permission to give the medication, then you cannot give it!
You can find FREE medication administration permission forms here - http://www.childcare.co.uk/informati...dminding-forms.
• Permission to leave children with an assistant (unsupervised by the childminder) for up to 2 hours a day (if relevant)
• Permission 'to share information directly with other relevant professionals' (EYFS requirement 2.5)
NOTE - from Sept 1st the revised Eyfs 2014 does NOT include a requirement to ask permission to take children on outings!!
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Other permissions which are recommended because they have come up during childminder inspections include -
• Sun cream administration
• Sleeping in a lie flat buggy
• Taking photographs and other digital recordings - you must be registered with the Information Commissioners Office as a data handler to take and use digital photos or store children's information on digital media - Home | ICO.
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Other wording on your permissions form -
You might want to confirm with parents in writing that some things have been discussed. You are not asking their permission because it is not a requirement of the EYFS to ask permission - but you do want them to acknowledge that they are aware of, for example...
• Your outings - which should be detailed on your daily routine and shared with parents
• Your commitment to keeping children safe which includes a requirement to inform the LSCB if you have concerns about a child's wellbeing or safety or if a child tells you they are being abused
• Your commitment to healthy eating and suggested lunch box contents (if relevant)
• You will need to share personal / contact information with your emergency contact in case you are forced, in an emergency situation, to leave their child with your contact.
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Childminders have permissions for all sorts of things! Sometimes they are as a result of an Ofsted inspection comment and other times they are recommended by other childminders or Local Authority advisors.
As a general rule, be careful about asking permission for anything that might leave you unable to do your job properly!
For example, if you ask permission to administer first aid and the parent says 'no' where does that leave you if the child is injured? Instead, you could ask parents to sign to confirm they have seen your first aid certificate and are aware you will carry out first aid (including using hypo-allergenic dressings) on their child.
Similarly, if you ask permission to observe or assess the child's learning and the parent says 'no' you will not be able to comply with the requirements of the EYFS which are statutory. Instead, discuss how you sensitively observe children, assess their learning and plan for their future learning, involving parents in the process ... and ask them to sign to say they have been informed.
Some childminders go a little 'permission crazy' sometimes - but - if you think it's important then include it on your form :D
