Child-Minding

Overview

Framework:
RQF
Level:
Level 1
Unit No:
D/504/7443
Credits:
4
Guided learning hours:
40 hours

Assessment Guidance

Portfolio of Evidence

Aim

This unit introduces learners to the role of the childminder and how they can promote the development of children in their own home.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1

Know the law and regulations for child-minding in the home.

Additional details

Learners are not expected to have an in-depth knowledge of legislation but they should be able to list them.

Examples include:

  • Childcare Act 
  • Children Act
  • Equality Act
  • Data Protection
  • Health and Safety

Learners need to give reasons for policies on accidents, behaviour, safeguarding and equal opportunities. Examples may include that it is a requirement for registration; parents need to know their children are  safe; anyone coming into the home-based care knows what to expect.

Assessment Criteria

  • 1.1

    List main regulations and laws affecting child-minding in the home.

  • 1.2
    Outline why it is important for child-minders to have policies on:
    •accidents, illnesses and emergencies
    •behaviour
    •safeguarding
    •equal opportunities
  • 1.3

    Give examples of key content that should be included in each policy.

2

Know how to create a safe and healthy environment for home-based child care.

Additional details

Learners need to identify key elements of a safe and healthy environment. This could include:


  • clean environment, equipment and materials
  • precautions taken to prevent infection
  • personal hygiene and protection when carrying out physical care routines

Reasons for safe supervision of children must include the child's safety and that of the other children in the home. Other examples can also be provided for example prevention of accidents, avoid injury.

Learners should consider potential risks in the home environment. It may be helpful to group the risks according to rooms e.g. kitchen, bathroom, living room, bedroom, outdoor area.

Assessment Criteria

  • 2.1

    Identify key elements of a safe and healthy environment for children.

  • 2.2

    Outline the importance of safe supervision of children in the home.

  • 2.3

    Give examples of risks to children in the home environment.

3

Know the equipment required for child-minding in the home.

Additional details

Learners should give examples of equipment needed for working with children at home. This can include equipment:


  • to care for the physical needs of the child
  • for different types of play
  • for emergency situations or accidents

Reasons for this equipment should be given. 

Assessment Criteria

  • 3.1

    Identify equipment required for different ages of children cared for in the home.

  • 3.2

    Give reasons why key equipment is needed.

4

Know how to provide care for children in home-based childcare.

Additional details

This learning outcome covers a range of areas that need to be considered if working as a childminder. The learner may find it helpful to respond to each criterion in turn. 

Assessment Criteria

  • 4.1

    Outline the importance of child-minders working with parents.

  • 4.2

    Give reasons why a routine is important for children in home-based childcare.

  • 4.3

    Outline an example of a routine for a child in home based childcare that supports healthy development.

  • 4.4

    Give examples of play activities that can be provided in home-based childcare.

  • 4.5

    Outline how children can be ‘safeguarded’ in home based child care.

  • 4.6

    Give examples of how to support positive behaviour when child-minding.