We know that choosing the right childcare is a big decision, and visiting a childminder often brings up lots of important questions. Below are some of the most common questions parents ask when they visit Maria’s Childminding—and our honest answers.
🕒 What are your opening hours?
We are open Monday to Friday, from 7:00am to 6:00pm, all year round. We are closed on bank holidays and take up to four weeks’ holiday per year (dates given in advance).
📄 Are you registered and insured?
Yes. I am a fully Ofsted-registered and insured childminder, with all required certifications and training, including paediatric first aid, safeguarding, and food hygiene.
📚 Do you follow the EYFS framework?
Absolutely. We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, supporting your child’s learning and development through structured activities, free play, and daily routines.
💬 How will I know how my child is doing?
We use the BabyDays system to record your child’s daily activities, development, observations, meals, nappies, and more. You’ll have access to this secure system as a parent.
We also use WhatsApp for quick daily communication and photo updates throughout the day.
🧒 How do you settle in new children?
We offer settling-in sessions where your child can visit for short periods, gradually increasing in time until they feel confident and happy in our setting. Every child is different, and we work closely with you to make the transition as smooth as possible.
🐶 Do the dogs mix with the children?
We have two friendly family dogs, Koda and Milo, who are used to being around children. They do not directly mixwith the children during childcare hours. They are always safely separated behind gates, and many children enjoy watching them from a distance.
🥗 Do you provide meals?
Yes, we offer healthy, balanced lunches for children aged 2 and up at a cost of £2.50 per meal. All meals follow current UK nutrition guidelines and are age-appropriate.
Parents are also welcome to provide packed meals if preferred.
💷 What are your fees?
Our standard rate is £6.00 per hour, increasing by 50p each April.
We offer flexible contracts for:
- Term-time only
- Half-term only
- All-year-round care
Visit our Fees page for full details or contact us to discuss what works best for your family.
💰 Do you accept government-funded hours?
Yes, we accept:
- 15 hours for all 3 & 4-year-olds
- 30 hours for eligible working parents
- 15 hours for some 2-year-olds
We also accept Tax-Free Childcare payments and are happy to help you navigate the application process.
🧼 What about health, hygiene, and safety?
We maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment. All toys, surfaces, and equipment are cleaned regularly, and we follow strict procedures for food safety, handwashing, and illness management.
We also follow safe eating and anti-choking guidelines as required by current UK childcare regulations.
🧾 Do you have policies I can view?
Yes. All our policies and procedures—including safeguarding, illness, complaints, behaviour management, and nutrition—are available to parents via the BabyDays system and can be discussed during your visit.
📞 Can I speak to current or past parents?
Yes. We are proud to have excellent relationships with many families, and references or testimonials can be shared upon request or viewed on our Testimonials page.
📍 Still have questions?
We’re always happy to help. Feel free to contact us to arrange a visit or chat more about your childcare needs. No question is too small—we want you to feel confident and informed every step of the way.