Frequently asked questions

We understand that starting childcare is a significant transition for both children and parents. We use a gradual, flexible settling-in process that is tailored to each child’s age, temperament, and previous experiences.

This may include short initial visits, time spent with a parent present, and a gradual increase in session length. We prioritise building secure relationships, maintaining consistent routines, and responding sensitively to children’s emotional needs. Parents are kept informed throughout the settling process, and we work closely together to ensure children feel safe, confident, and supported.

Sleep and rest are managed individually, in line with each child’s age, stage of development, and home routine. We work closely with parents to understand children’s sleep needs and preferences.

All sleep arrangements follow safe sleep guidance. Babies and younger children sleep in appropriate sleep spaces, and older children are supported to rest when needed. Sleep routines are reviewed regularly and adapted as children grow and their needs change.

We encourage open and honest communication and aim to resolve any concerns quickly, fairly, and in the best interests of your child.

Raising a concern informally

• Parents are welcome to speak to a member of staff or Natalie at any time.
• Most concerns can be resolved promptly through informal discussion and shared understanding.

If a concern needs to be raised formally

• If a concern cannot be resolved informally, it may be raised as a formal complaint in line with our Complaints Policy.
• All formal complaints are acknowledged in writing.
• Complaints are investigated thoroughly and a written response is provided within 28 days of the complaint being received.

Recording and monitoring

• A written record is kept of all formal complaints, including the nature of the complaint and the outcome.
• Complaint records are retained for a minimum of three years.
• Records are available for inspection by Ofsted upon request.

If you remain dissatisfied

• If you feel your concern has not been resolved satisfactorily, you may contact Ofsted directly.
• Ofsted can be contacted regarding concerns that relate to the statutory Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements.

A copy of our Complaints Policy is available to all parents on request.

The welfare and safety of children is everyone’s first priority. If we have a concern about a child’s welfare or safety, we follow our safeguarding procedures in line with statutory guidance and local safeguarding partnership arrangements.

If a concern arises:

1. We act quickly and appropriately.
   If a child appears to be in immediate danger or at risk of serious harm, we would contact the emergency services (999) without delay.  
2. We follow our own safeguarding policy.
   Staff must report concerns promptly to the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) or appropriate senior person in the setting, who will then take the next steps.  
3. We record and share information accurately.
   Concerns, observations, or disclosures are recorded accurately and securely, using the child’s own words where appropriate. These records are then used to inform any necessary action or referral.  
4. We refer to relevant agencies where required.
   If the concern suggests the child is suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm, a referral is made to local authority children’s social care (often via the local safeguarding hub) and, if appropriate, to the police.  
5. We work with partner agencies.
   The local authority children’s services, police and other professionals determine the next steps. We cooperate fully with multi-agency enquiries and follow any advice or requirements they give.  
6. Our primary responsibility is the child’s safety.
   We do not investigate concerns ourselves — that is the role of statutory agencies. Our role is to raise concerns, share information and support the child’s safety and wellbeing at all times.  

If your child is going to be late or absent, please let Natalie Wile Registered Childminder know as soon as possible and no later than the start of your child’s usual session. This helps us plan the day safely and ensures we know your child is where they are expected to be.

If we haven’t heard from you and your child doesn’t arrive

As part of our safeguarding responsibilities, we have a clear procedure for situations where a child is unexpectedly absent:

• We will try to contact parents/carers using the contact details you have provided.

• If we are unable to make contact, we may also try emergency contacts.

• We will record all actions taken to check your child’s wellbeing.

• If concerns remain and we are unable to confirm your child’s whereabouts or safety, we will follow safeguarding guidance.

This may include seeking advice from the local safeguarding team or, if necessary, sharing information with appropriate professionals to ensure your child is safe. 

Please ensure your contact details and emergency contact information are kept up to date at all times.

Absence does not affect contracted fees, which remain payable in line with your childcare contract.

We believe that strong partnerships with parents are essential to supporting children’s wellbeing and development. We value parents as their child’s first and most important educators and work closely with families to ensure care is consistent, respectful, and responsive.

Partnership working includes open and regular communication, sharing information about children’s routines and progress, listening to parents’ views and concerns, and working together when additional support is needed. By building trusting relationships with families, we create a supportive, collaborative environment where children feel secure and able to thrive.

To enrol your child at Natalie Wile Registered Childminder, families are invited to complete an enquiry form via our website.

Once received, we will contact you to:

• Discuss your child’s needs, routines, and interests
• Provide further information about our setting, ethos, and availability
• Arrange a visit to the setting so you can meet the team and see our environment

Following the visit, and if a space is available, we will guide families through the enrolment process, which includes:

• Completion of registration paperwork and contracts
• Sharing key information about your child to support a smooth transition
• Discussing settling-in arrangements and start dates

We work in close partnership with parents to ensure each child’s transition into our setting is positive, well-planned, and supports their individual needs from the very start.

Yes. At Natalie Wile Registered Childminder, we provide healthy, balanced breakfasts, lunches, and snacks for children attending the setting, at no additional charge.

Meals and snacks are planned to support children’s health and wellbeing and are suitable for their age and stage of development. We work closely with parents to ensure all dietary requirements, allergies, cultural preferences, and medical needs are fully accommodated.

Parents are asked to share up-to-date dietary information on enrolment and inform us of any changes so we can continue to meet each child’s individual needs safely.

At Natalie Wile Registered Childminder, our curriculum is play-based, child-centred, and rooted in secure relationships. It is carefully planned and sequenced to support children’s development from infancy through to school age, in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

We place particular emphasis on:

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development – building secure attachments, confidence, and emotional wellbeing
• Communication and Language – supporting early language, listening, and interaction from birth
• Physical Development – developing gross and fine motor skills through movement and hands-on experiences

Children’s learning is guided by their interests, developmental stage, and individual needs. We use ongoing observation and assessment to plan meaningful experiences that support progress across all seven areas of learning, ensuring every child is supported to thrive.

At Natalie Wile Registered Childminder, parents are responsible for paying their agreed contracted fees. Fees are payable regardless of attendance, including absence due to illness, holidays, or other reasons.

The only time fees are not charged is when the setting is closed to all children, for example on bank holidays and during the Christmas closure.

Payment Schedule

All fees are paid in advance:

• Weekly fees are due on Monday for the week ahead
• Monthly fees are due on the 1st of each month for the month ahead

Changes to Your Contract

If you wish to reduce days or terminate your contract, a minimum of four weeks’ notice is required. During this notice period, parents remain liable for the full contracted fees, whether or not the child attends.

Clear Communication

We are committed to being open and transparent about fees. This information is clearly set out in our policies and contracts and is discussed with families before a place is offered. We ask that parents ensure they fully understand and agree to these terms before signing their contract.

All fees are paid in advance so if you pay weekly fees are due on the Monday of each week in advance, if fees are paid monthly it’s due the 1st of each month in advance. 

If you wish to have a reduction in days or a termination of your contract you must give a minimum of 4 weeks notice. You will be liable to pay the full current contracted fees for this period. 

We do try to go out of our way to communicate this to parents, by putting it on our policies and contract as well as explaining this before a place is taken up. Please be sure that you agree to these terms before signing your contract.  

Yes. Natalie Wile Registered Childminder is registered for Tax-Free Childcare.

As we are a childminding setting registered to a home address, our details may not appear publicly when parents search the Tax-Free Childcare website. Once your child’s place has been confirmed and registration paperwork is complete, we will provide you with the information you need to add us to your Tax-Free Childcare account.

We are happy to support parents through the process if needed.

Yes. There is a range of government support available to help families with the cost of childcare, depending on your circumstances.

This may include support such as:

• Tax-Free Childcare
• Funded early education hours
• Additional support for eligible families

We recommend that parents visit the government’s Childcare Choices website to check what they may be entitled to and to access the most up-to-date information.

Once your child’s place is secured, we are also happy to talk through how funding and support can be used alongside our fees.

The length of our waiting list can vary, as families have different start dates, days, and hours required.

To ensure the process is fair, spaces are offered in order of enquiry, taking into account the availability that becomes free. When a space arises, it is first offered to the family at the top of the waiting list whose requirements match the days and times available. If the available space does not meet that family’s needs, it is then offered to the next family on the list, and so on.

Where possible, we keep families informed about any expected upcoming availability, although this cannot always be guaranteed.

We recommend adding your child’s name to the waiting list as early as possible, including your preferred days and times. As soon as a suitable space becomes available, we will contact you.

Please ensure your child brings the following items each day, as appropriate to their age and stage of development:

• A change of clothing, including underwear and socks
• Nappies and wipes (if required)
• Nappy cream (if used)
• A bottle and formula milk (if required)
• A pair of slippers
• Weather-appropriate outdoor clothing, such as a coat, hat, and wellington boots

All items should be clearly labelled with your child’s name.

This is not a problem. We understand that plans can change.

Parents must inform us in advance, wherever possible, if someone different will be collecting their child. We will only release a child to a person who has been authorised by the parent or carer.

If we have not met the person collecting your child before, we will use our password system and ask for photo identification before allowing the child to leave the setting.

The safety and security of the children in our care is always our priority.

At Natalie Wile Registered Childminder, we place strong importance on working in partnership with parents and keeping you fully informed about your child’s development, wellbeing, and daily experiences.

Your child’s key person keeps an up-to-date record of their learning and progress. This information is shared regularly through learning stories and ongoing communication.

We keep parents informed in a variety of ways, including:

• Daily handovers at the end of each session, where staff will talk you through your child’s day, including meals, drinks, sleep, and general wellbeing
• Regular learning updates, including learning stories shared with families
• Termly progress reports, summarising your child’s development and next steps
• Scheduled parent meetings (including telephone meetings where appropriate) to discuss progress in more detail
• Group messages, where your child’s key worker shares updates about what the children are learning and experiencing
• Monthly and termly newsletters to keep families informed about wider setting news and upcoming plans

Parents are always welcome to speak briefly with staff at handover, and longer discussions can be arranged with your child’s key person or Natalie at a mutually convenient time.

We follow a consistent daily routine to support children’s wellbeing, while remaining flexible to meet individual needs.

• Breakfast is available until 8:00am and includes a choice of cereals, toast, and fruit.
• Morning snack is served at approximately 10:15am and typically includes fruit, breadsticks with raisins, or salad sticks.
• Lunch is served around midday. Our menus are carefully planned and shared with families. Copies are available via our social media pages and are also provided to parents whenever menus are updated.
• Afternoon snack is served at around 4:00pm and usually consists of a light cold meal, such as sandwiches, crackers, or a ploughman’s-style option.

Fresh fruit and drinking water are available throughout the day, allowing children to help themselves as needed.

All meals and snacks take into account children’s ages, stages of development, and any dietary requirements or allergies.

Unfortunately, due to our illness and infection control policy, we are unable to accept children into the setting if they have been sick.

For cases of sickness and diarrhoea, children must remain away from nursery for 48 hours after their last episode, even if they appear well the following morning. This helps reduce the spread of illness and protects the health of all children and staff in the setting.

We appreciate your understanding and ask that you let us know when your child has been symptom-free for 48 hours so we can welcome them back safely.

Yes. We are happy to be flexible with meals and snacks, and parents may choose to provide their own food for their child if they prefer.

If parents choose to supply food, we ask that:

• Food does not require any preparation within the setting (such as heating or cutting)
• Food is nut-free, in line with our allergy management procedures
• Meals and snacks are appropriate for your child’s age and stage of development and form part of a balanced diet

Parents are also asked to clearly label food containers and inform us of any dietary requirements or changes.

EYFS stands for the Early Years Foundation Stage. It is the statutory framework set by the government that all early years providers must follow to ensure children learn, develop, and stay safe.

The EYFS sets out the standards for:

• Children’s learning and development
• Their welfare and safeguarding
• How early years settings support children from birth to age five

The EYFS is made up of seven areas of learning, which are grouped into prime and specific areas.

The three prime areas are:

• Communication and Language
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
• Physical Development

The four specific areas are:

• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the World
• Expressive Arts and Design

Children’s learning is supported through play, meaningful experiences, and secure relationships. We use observation and assessment to ensure each child is making progress in line with their age and stage of development.

At Natalie Wile Registered Childminder, we recruit staff carefully to ensure continuity, quality of care, and the highest standards of safeguarding.

We advertise staff vacancies through appropriate channels, including the government Find a Job service, as well as through professional networks, social media, and word of mouth. Due to our strong team culture and supportive working environment, staff turnover is very low and recruitment is not required frequently.

For apprentices, we work closely with our approved training provider, who advertises opportunities through their own recruitment platforms and supports the placement process.

Our Recruitment Process

Our recruitment process follows safer recruitment principles and includes several stages:

1. Application & Shortlisting
   Applicants are asked to complete an application form and submit a CV. These are carefully reviewed, and shortlisted candidates are invited to a formal interview.
2. Formal Interview
   Interviews are conducted by two members of the team and explore candidates’ experience, values, understanding of safeguarding, and suitability for working with children in an early years setting.
3. Parent Involvement (Consultative Stage)
   As part of our strong partnership with parents, shortlisted candidates may be informally introduced to families. Parents are invited to ask questions and share feedback; however, all recruitment decisions remain the responsibility of the setting and are made in line with safer recruitment requirements.
4. Trial Session
   Successful candidates are invited to complete a supervised trial session within the setting, working alongside staff and children across all areas of provision. This allows us to observe practice, interactions, and suitability within our team culture.
5. Pre-Employment Checks & Induction
   Offers of employment are conditional upon:
    
   • A satisfactory enhanced DBS check
   • Suitable references
   • Identity and right-to-work checks

1.  Once cleared, staff complete a full induction before starting, including safeguarding, policies and procedures, routines, and our Belonging Before Learning™ approach.

Yes. At Natalie Wile Registered Childminder, we regularly support students who are at different stages of their early years training and professional development.

All students complete a full induction before starting, during which we clearly outline their role, responsibilities, and boundaries. This includes a detailed discussion of our Student Policy, which is available in our policy section.

Students:

• Are never left alone with children
• Are always supervised by an experienced member of staff
• Do not count in ratios
• Are not permitted to administer medication or undertake personal care tasks such as toileting
• Are required to follow all safeguarding, confidentiality, and health and safety procedures

We view the education and mentoring of future practitioners as vitally important and value the opportunity to model high-quality, professional practice. Supporting students also strengthens our reflective culture and contributes positively to the wider early years workforce.

At Natalie Wile Registered Childminder, children’s safety and wellbeing are our highest priority. We follow clear, robust safety procedures in line with EYFS statutory requirements and local authority guidance.

Our safety arrangements include:

• Daily risk assessments of the indoor and outdoor environment
• Secure arrival and collection procedures, including identification checks where required
• Clear supervision arrangements at all times, appropriate to children’s ages and stages
• Regular fire drills and well-practised emergency evacuation procedures
• Up-to-date safeguarding policies and designated safeguarding lead (DSL) responsibility
• Paediatric First Aid–trained staff present at all times
• Safe sleep, hygiene, and food safety procedures in line with national guidance
• Ongoing staff training to ensure everyone understands and follows emergency and safeguarding procedures

We regularly review our safety procedures to ensure they remain effective, responsive, and in line with current guidance, creating a safe, calm, and nurturing environment for every child.

Yes. At Natalie Wile Registered Childminder, outdoor learning is an important part of our daily practice and is offered every day, in all but extreme weather.

Children have regular access to our outdoor environment, where we plan meaningful play and learning experiences that support physical development, wellbeing, curiosity, and exploration. Outdoor experiences are carefully risk-assessed and adapted to meet the individual needs, ages, and stages of the children.

We use outdoor learning to support:

• Physical development and coordination
• Communication and language through shared experiences
• Curiosity, confidence, and independence
• Wellbeing and connection with the natural world

Outdoor learning is embedded within our curriculum and complements indoor provision, ensuring children benefit from a balanced, holistic approach to learning and development.

At Natalie Wile Registered Childminder, we take a positive behaviour support approach that focuses on understanding children’s emotions, developmental stages, and individual needs.

We support children by:

• Building strong, secure relationships so children feel safe and understood
• Using emotion coaching, modelling language, and gentle guidance
• Redirecting and supporting children to make positive choices
• Maintaining clear, consistent routines and expectations
• Helping children develop self-regulation at a developmentally appropriate pace

We recognise that behaviour is a form of communication, particularly for young children. When a child needs additional support, we work closely with parents and, where appropriate, other professionals to ensure strategies are consistent and supportive.

All approaches are in line with the EYFS statutory framework and are reviewed regularly to ensure they remain appropriate, respectful, and effective.

We are open Monday through Friday from 7:00am to 5:00pm.

It means we focus first on helping your child feel safe, settled, and emotionally secure. When children feel a strong sense of belonging, they naturally become curious, confident, and ready to learn through play and everyday experiences.

We’ve made our own approach because children don’t arrive as a “one-size-fits-all” learner — they arrive as a whole child, with emotions, experiences, relationships and individual needs.

At Natalie Wile Registered Childminder, Belonging Before Learning™ was created to clearly and intentionally reflect what we see every day in practice:

Children learn best when they feel safe, secure and deeply connected.

Why create our own approach?

• To make our values explicit
  Many settings do these things, but we wanted to clearly name, protect and prioritise them — so families, professionals and inspectors can see exactly why we work the way we do.
• To put emotional wellbeing first
  Before children can explore, concentrate, communicate or regulate, they must feel a sense of belonging — to people, to routines, and to their environment.
• To reflect real children, not theory alone
  Our approach is rooted in child development, attachment theory and trauma-informed practice, but shaped by real relationships with real children and families.
• To support every child fairly, not equally
  Children come with different starting points. A bespoke approach allows us to respond flexibly, respectfully and inclusively — especially for children who need a little more time, reassurance or support.
• To strengthen partnerships with families
  By naming our approach, parents understand how and why we do things — creating trust, consistency and shared understanding.
• To align with the EYFS and exceptional practice
  Belonging Before Learning™ underpins everything else: communication, behaviour, learning, independence and progress — not as a bolt-on, but as the foundation.

Key workers are allocated intentionally, based on each child’s individual needs. We consider existing relationships, emotional security, attendance patterns, staff strengths and family communication.

Are key workers allocated randomly?

No. Allocation is never random or based solely on availability. The child’s wellbeing and sense of security are always the priority.

What is the main factor when choosing a key worker?

Our guiding question is:

Who will help this child feel safest, most secure and most understood?

Do parents have a say in who their child’s key worker is?

Parents’ views and observations are valued and taken into account wherever possible, particularly where a child has already formed a strong attachment.

Can a child’s key worker change?

Yes. Key worker roles are flexible and reviewed regularly. Changes may be made if a child’s needs, routines or circumstances change.

How do you ensure consistency for the child?

We prioritise continuity of care by considering attendance patterns and staff availability, ensuring children experience predictable, secure relationships.

Why is the key worker role important?

A secure key worker relationship supports emotional wellbeing, communication, behaviour, learning and strong partnerships with families.

At Natalie Wile Registered Childminder, we follow a play-based, child-centred curriculum that is carefully planned and sequenced in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

Our curriculum places strong emphasis on the prime areas of learning, particularly:

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development – supporting secure relationships, confidence, and emotional wellbeing
• Communication and Language – developing early language, listening, and interaction skills
• Physical Development – supporting both gross and fine motor development through active, hands-on experiences

Children’s learning is shaped by their individual interests, developmental stage, and needs. Through play, routines, and meaningful interactions, we support progress across all seven areas of learning, helping children to build strong foundations for future learning.

It means we respond to children’s emotions and behaviour with calm support, reassurance, and clear routines, helping them feel safe, confident, and understood — especially during times of change or big feelings.

At Natalie Wile Registered Childminder, we focus on strong relationships, gentle guidance, and emotional wellbeing alongside learning.
Note to parents: This does **not** mean we expect children to have experienced trauma. It simply reflects a nurturing, understanding approach that supports all children’s emotional development and wellbeing.