Question:
I am a childminder and have a copy of the Early Years Foundation Stage Pack but I have been told recently that this has been updated. Who do I contact for a new pack and is there any reference numbers I need to quote?

Answer:
Yes there was an update in May 2008 and to obtain your new pack you will need to contact: DCSF Publications PO Box 5050 Sherwood Park Annesley Nottingham NG15 0DJ.
Tel 0845 60 222 60 Fax: 0845 60 333 60 Textphone: 0845 60 555 60 Email: dcsf@prolog.uk.com Quoting reference: 00261-2008PCK-EN

Question:
I have a friend is who also a childminder and she has told me that the annual fee for being a childminder is due to go very soon - is this true?

Answer:
There has been a consultation conducted by the Department for Children, Schools and Families from 21st November 2006 to 20th February 2008, on fees bands for childcare providers. We are currently awaiting the findings of the consultation which we hope will be published shortly and this will confirm the fees which will be charged in the future. To find out further information you could visit the DCSF website: http://www.dfes.gov.uk/

Question:
I meet another childminder at my local 'Stay & Play' where she discussed booking her Child Protection & First Aid Course. She mentioned that these needed to be renewed, is this correct?

Answer:
Yes your Child Protection Training & First Aid (12hr Paediatric) Course need to be updated, every 3 years. Ofsted have issued Inadequate ratings to childminders for not having a First Aid Certificate, in date. You should contact Ofsted to notify them of not having a current First Aid certificate & explain your individual circumstances. In the National Standards - Suitable person 1.5 - A current first aid certificate is maintained. Child Protection procedures are checked by Ofsted. During the Introduction to Childcare Practice homebased course, that all newly registered childminders have completed includes a session on Child Protection & should be renewed after 3years of this date. All childminders have who have completed separate Child Protection Training will have a certificate that states this will need to be updated after 3years. Ofsted could issue an action to anyone who has no knowledge of current Child Protection procedures. It is good childminding practice to be aware of latest procedures, if in doubt please check, you are responsible for renewing these courses. You can contact the Workforce Development Team to discuss booking of these training courses Tel: 01603 222900 Email: eytraining@norfolk.gov.uk Website: www.norfolkchildcare.info The 'Training News' will be delivered during June, with these courses & others available, book as soon as possible.

Question:
I am a registered childminder and I was recently asked by a parent if I had a separate kettle for making up babies bottles? At present I only have one kettle, do I need a separate one for making feeds?

Answer:
No you don't need a separate kettle to make up feeds however it is best when making up feeds to empty out the kettle and use freshly-run tap water as re-boiled tap water may have high levels of minerals that are unsuitable for young babies. Also feeds need to be made up as they are required and not made up for the day and stored. Any feed that has not been used within two hours should be discarded and any left over feed should be discarded and never saved for later.