Understand how to establish a safe and healthy home based childcare environment for children
Table of Contents
Case Study
Surinder runs a successful childminding business with her husband and daughter. They find it beneficial to work together, firstly because they can take more children, but secondly because they all have slightly different opinions and ideas, so the children benefit more than if they were being cared for by just one person.
However, when it comes to outdoor play, things have been a little difficult at times. In particular, there is tension because Surinder feels strongly that it is not safe for the younger children to climb the garden trees and walk on the low wall. Her husband, however, thinks it is excellent practice to let them try what they feel able to do, so long as they are supervised.
They decide to get feedback from the parents about this and, as you would expect, they get a range of answers, with some believing it is not at all safe and others thinking that being stretched through appropriate risk-taking is an essential part of growing up. One parent even comments that having a go and possibly even falling off builds resilience and teaches children how to make themselves safe while still having fun.
- Who do you think is right and why?
- Should Surinder and her husband have involved the parents?
- Should the parents be informed of the outcome of their decision-making about climbing trees?
- If some parents decide they would rather go with a different option to the setting’s general policy, should the childminding team treat those children differently in the garden according to their parents’ wishes?
It is rare that there is just one way to respond to a scenario or situation, so do not consider that the response you have chosen to this scenario will be judged as right or wrong. Share your scenario with a work colleague and ask them to tell you if they think you have responded appropriately. Ask them to challenge your response if necessary. You do not need to submit this task for assessment unless asked to do so by your tutor.