ARNFIELD CARE LTD’s Post

Sid Penders is helping childcare organisations across Zuid-Limburg to implement healthy practices. As a Health Sciences/Global Health alumnus and PhD candidate, Sid monitors and evaluates a learning network of childcare organisations. The member organisations join forces and learn from each other regarding healthy practices and policies. These best practices are implemented in childcare organisations to benefit the quality of care for children in their earliest development years. The rise in health inequalities—obesity, poverty, and educational challenges—has been a persistent issue in Zuid-Limburg. To break the trend, GGD Zuid-Limburg formed a regional partnership with, among others, Maastricht University as a knowledge centre. Sid: “Breaking the trend means focusing on prevention at different stages in life. I focus on our youngest generation and evaluate the outcomes of the learning network and the effectiveness of health interventions at childcare centres. Childcare is the ideal place to focus on the health of kids aged 0-4, and by helping kids form healthy habits, we’re also reaching a lot of parents. It was great to see that childcare providers wanted support, which shows they're willing to work on health and prevention.” Those interventions vary from drinking water instead of soft drinks, stimulating physical activity, promoting sun protection and creating environments where everyone feels safe. Sid: “If we create policies for these topics that all childcare organisations can use, their employees can rely on evidence-based information to improve their work and further normalise healthy behaviour and habits among children. That doesn’t require much effort all the time. Small changes can also have a large impact”; one example is a childcare centre that mounted a sunscreen pump to a wall close to the door as a reminder to check if children need sunscreen on a sunny day. They shared their tip with the network, and others quickly adopted the idea.” Sid monitors and evaluates the work of the learning network. The overall success is measured by a questionnaire addressing a range of health-related topics, including nutrition and physical activity. The network’s ideas inspired the creation of a magazine, “Hop on Board” (Dutch: Spring Mee!). It’s filled with practical tips that childcare staff can implement right away. The first issue, focused on healthy food, was a big hit. “Next up, we’ll dive into fun ways to encourage physical activity,” Sid says. Check out the magazine: https://lnkd.in/eiX2Z5mN NUTRIM - Institute of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism

The Childcare Team Members' Perspective on Worldwide Kids Accreditation   When hotels/ resorts receive Worldwide Kids Accreditation, the childcare team is naturally overjoyed. They are pleased that their department is being taken seriously, and that management recognises the special and niche nature of little guest offerings. Caring for children is a significant responsibility, and our accreditation signals to hotels and resorts its importance.   Recently, we trained a team on their accreditation journey, and some feedback from the learners during one of our live classes stood out:   "Over the years, we've received various trainings, but they've always been general. It feels like we're finally being acknowledged. Despite our years of experience, we've never received childcare-specific training until now. This opportunity allows us to gain new skills and knowledge from experts." Then comes the audit...   Most hotels will highlight that they have already undergone health and safety audits or local government inspections. However, these audits solely focus on compliance with building regulations or other aspects not related to childcare standards/ best practices or the luxury hospitality experience.   Because they're not childcare experts,   - They won't mention the need for netting around open slides on high floors to prevent potential accidents if a child decides to climb over.   - They won't advise that the swimming pool you have in the middle of your playground should have a variety of child-specific safety measures accompanying it.   - They won't highlight that it's best practice for fencing around kids' clubs to be at least 1.5m in height, preventing children from wandering off unsupervised.   - They won't suggest displaying staff profiles at the entrance of children's facilities to allow kids to familiarise themselves with the team at their own pace.   If you've ever been a parent, guardian, or childcare team member who's dealt with these types of situations, you'll understand the constant need to monitor every move the children make, with your hands poised and ready to intervene if needed. It's a demanding and often taxing experience, isn't it?   We approach audits from the perspective of enhancing the child and family experience. We collaborate with you to manage risks and elevate the overall family experience.   When these changes are implemented to enhance the experience for family guests, the childcare team feels proud, recognised and empowered. They can then take joy in the service they provide.   From the viewpoint of childcare team members, this accreditation represents an investment in their careers, their working environment, and their professional development. And we're happy to be the advocate for that! #childcare #development #luxuryhospitality #hotels #resorts #kidsclub #babyclub #teensclub #family #holiday #vacation

Sid Penders is helping childcare organisations across Zuid-Limburg to implement healthy practices. As a Health Sciences/Global Health alumnus and PhD candidate, Sid monitors and evaluates a learning network of childcare organisations. The member organisations join forces and learn from each other regarding healthy practices and policies. These best practices are implemented in childcare organisations to benefit the quality of care for children in their earliest development years. The rise in health inequalities—obesity, poverty, and educational challenges—has been a persistent issue in Zuid-Limburg. To break the trend, GGD Zuid-Limburg formed a regional partnership with, among others, Maastricht University as a knowledge centre. Sid: “Breaking the trend means focusing on prevention at different stages in life. I focus on our youngest generation and evaluate the outcomes of the learning network and the effectiveness of health interventions at childcare centres. Childcare is the ideal place to focus on the health of kids aged 0-4, and by helping kids form healthy habits, we’re also reaching a lot of parents. It was great to see that childcare providers wanted support, which shows they're willing to work on health and prevention.” Those interventions vary from drinking water instead of soft drinks, stimulating physical activity, promoting sun protection and creating environments where everyone feels safe. Sid: “If we create policies for these topics that all childcare organisations can use, their employees can rely on evidence-based information to improve their work and further normalise healthy behaviour and habits among children. That doesn’t require much effort all the time. Small changes can also have a large impact”; one example is a childcare centre that mounted a sunscreen pump to a wall close to the door as a reminder to check if children need sunscreen on a sunny day. They shared their tip with the network, and others quickly adopted the idea.” Sid monitors and evaluates the work of the learning network. The overall success is measured by a questionnaire addressing a range of health-related topics, including nutrition and physical activity. The network’s ideas inspired the creation of a magazine, “Hop on Board” (Dutch: Spring Mee!). It’s filled with practical tips that childcare staff can implement right away. The first issue, focused on healthy food, was a big hit. “Next up, we’ll dive into fun ways to encourage physical activity,” Sid says. Check out the magazine: https://lnkd.in/eiX2Z5mN NUTRIM - Institute of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism

Understanding Household Staffing Roles In today's dynamic family environments, the roles and responsibilities of household staff can vary significantly. Whether you're a parent seeking support or a professional looking to join a household team, understanding these roles is crucial. Our latest blog post on Adventure Nannies breaks down the essential household staffing roles that keep a home running smoothly. From supervisory positions to hybrid and childcare roles, here's a closer look at the key players in a well-managed household. Key Roles Highlighted: 1. Supervisory Roles: - Estate Managers: They oversee the operation and maintenance of large properties, managing staff, budgets, and vendors to ensure everything runs like clockwork. - Household Managers:These professionals are responsible for the day-to-day management of the home, including scheduling, supervising other staff, and coordinating events and activities. 2. Hybrid Roles: - Nanny/Family Assistant: This hybrid role combines childcare with family assistance, providing nurturing care for children while also supporting the family's day-to-day needs and organizational tasks. - Nanny/Educators: Beyond traditional nanny duties, these individuals offer educational support and structured learning activities, tailoring their approach to meet the developmental needs of the children. 3. Childcare Roles: - Nannies: Central to the household, nannies provide comprehensive care, from daily routines to emotional support and developmental activities, becoming trusted members of the family. - Newborn Care Specialists: Experts in infant care, they support families during the critical early months, offering guidance on feeding, sleep routines, and developmental milestones. - Private Educator: Focused on the educational and social development of children, they implement structured learning programs and ensure the children’s academic development. Understanding these roles helps in fostering better communication and expectations between families and staff. Dive into our full blog post to explore these roles in detail and see how they can transform your household dynamics. 👉 Read More --->

Childcare at the Olympics! 🥇 Recent examples of childcare initiatives in the workplace include the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, where the organizers introduced a nursery at the Olympic Village for athletes who are parents. This marks the first time such a facility has been offered, allowing athletes to balance their professional commitments with parenting. The initiative included free childcare services and products, highlighting the importance of supporting working parents even in high-stakes environments like the Olympics. This trend reflects a broader shift in workplaces recognizing the need for childcare support to enhance employee well-being and retention. Companies are increasingly providing on-site childcare, partnerships with local daycare centers, or subsidies to help employees manage work and family responsibilities. By offering such options, companies can improve employee satisfaction, reduce absenteeism, and attract top talent, especially as the demand for work-life balance grows. Implementing childcare options can range from creating in-house daycare facilities to offering flexible schedules for parents to manage childcare needs As companies continue to adapt to the evolving needs of their workforce, providing child care options will likely remain a key strategy in maintaining a stable and productive team.

Life is ever changing, and in line with our mission to ensure that financial freedom can and should be available to all who require, it is important to understand the pressures and challenges that many of us face from time to time. With that in mind we thought we would focus on the challenges faced by parents. Personally, I have to say it can be tough trying to juggle business and running a business, with family and running a family! We identified some of the difficulties working parents come across and the need to come up with ways to make it easier to achieve both. Childcare is a significant challenge for many working parents. Balancing the demands of a career with the responsibilities of childcare can be stressful and overwhelming. Here are some common issues that working parents face in relation to childcare: Cost: Childcare expenses can be incredibly high, often rivalling or exceeding the cost of rent or mortgage payments. This financial burden can be especially challenging for single mothers or families with low incomes. Availability: Finding quality childcare that fits with one's work schedule can be difficult, particularly in areas with high demand and limited availability. Waiting lists for daycare centres or quality childcare providers can be long, leaving working parents scrambling for alternatives. Flexibility: Many jobs do not offer flexible work arrangements that accommodate the schedules of working parents. This lack of flexibility can make it difficult for parents to balance work commitments with childcare responsibilities, leading to stress and burnout. Guilt: Working mothers often experience guilt about leaving their children in someone else's care while they work. This guilt can be exacerbated by societal pressure and judgment from others, leading to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. Work-life balance: Juggling work and childcare responsibilities can make it challenging for parents to achieve a healthy work-life balance. Without adequate time for self-care and relaxation, working mums in particular may experience increased stress and exhaustion. Support systems: Many working mums (again in particular) lack sufficient support systems to help them manage childcare responsibilities. This can include a lack of reliable family members or friends who can provide assistance with childcare when needed. Addressing these childcare issues requires a combination of supportive policies at both the workplace and governmental levels, such as affordable childcare options, flexible work arrangements, and parental leave policies. Additionally, building strong support networks among family, friends, and other working parents can help alleviate some of the challenges faced. Really interested in other’s thoughts in how challenges like this can be addressed?

Imagine being able to drop your child off just down the hall from your office, knowing they are safe, engaged, and well-cared for while you work. For many working parents, this scenario feels like an impossible dream, yet it’s a reality in many progressive companies around the world. The benefits of offering childcare solutions in the workplace are far-reaching and mutually beneficial, impacting employee well-being, job satisfaction, and ultimately, the company’s bottom line. In India, where extended family support is often cited as a safety net, many parents still face significant challenges in balancing childcare responsibilities with their professional lives. With urbanization and nuclear families becoming more common, the traditional support systems are no longer as available. As more women enter the workforce and families navigate these changes, workplace childcare solutions are more relevant than ever. Benefits of Workplace Childcare Solutions Increased Productivity: One of the most immediate benefits of offering workplace childcare is the increase in employee productivity. When parents are confident that their children are in a safe and nurturing environment, they are less likely to be distracted by concerns about their child's well-being. Exploring Childcare Options Now that we understand the importance of workplace childcare solutions, let’s explore three key approaches companies can take to support working parents: 1. In-Office Childcare Facilities In-office childcare is perhaps the most comprehensive solution. Companies that offer on-site daycare facilities provide an unparalleled level of convenience and support for working parents. Employees can check in on their children during breaks, creating a sense of proximity and security that’s hard to match. These facilities are usually tailored to meet the needs of both infants and older children, with trained staff to provide education, care, and recreational activities. Large multinational corporations and tech companies like Google, Accenture, and Infosys have embraced this model, recognizing that investing in their employees' families is an investment in the company’s long-term success. 2. Childcare Subsidies For companies that may not have the resources to build in-office facilities, offering childcare subsidies is an effective alternative. By providing financial assistance to cover part or all of the cost of daycare, employers can help ease the financial burden on working parents. 3. Flexible Childcare Arrangements Another way employers can support working parents is through flexible childcare arrangements. This can include options such as: Allowing parents to work from home part-time. Offering compressed workweeks or flexible hours. Partnering with childcare providers that offer flexible drop-off and pick-up times.

Childcare and play by day Business mum by night. Yip, summer hols means my work day routine has changed. One of the choices we made when we had kids later in life was for our kids to come higher up the chain That means i work somewhere between FT and PT at work, and mostly 'FT-FT' as a mum (how does that work out?) This arrangement comes with a range of pluses and minuses, financial and other. I can hear my own parents voices whisper 'you cut your cloth accordingly' They never earned lots: one was a taxi driver and lay preacher, my mum not working for many years and receiving state sick benefit. I've spoken to many mums about childcare and how the summer hols pan out. One thing I hear often is 'I feel guilty for working'...and "we work to make ends meet and give us treats too'.Yip, I hear you.. It's sooo tough being a working parent, primary carer - balancing the need to work, the wish to be present with your kids, to manage your energy. My tips - organise manageable play dates with buddies - harness green space, outdoors is FREE, visit new parks (take mates with you) - don't be afraid of boredom, it's to be encouraged! - be a tourist in your own county, walk around town, take a pack up, and cheap disposable camera for the kids (make an list of can you find and snap x, y, z ) - or of they have phones, they can do it that way.. - look for FREE activities, there often are some, other mums and dads will know this too. - everyday have time on your own, taking some slower breaths.. - Keep expectation low and do everything slow.... So go you, amazing working parents, think OXYGEN MASK. Look after you first, so you can look after those you love and care for. Love Dr. Sands xx sandra@mindfulness-skills4life.co.uk

'So you just place nannies.... thats easy'- A real line of communication i once had and it really bothered me. I believe it is SO important that families find the right fit and thats why my job is NOT easy. In today's fast-paced world, balancing professional commitments and family life can be a challenging endeavour for many families. Hiring a good nanny is not just about convenience; it is a crucial investment in the well-being and development of children. Here are several reasons why finding a skilled and reliable nanny is essential: 1. Child Development and Education A good nanny does more than just supervise children; they actively engage in their development. Experienced nannies are trained in early childhood education and can provide stimulating activities that promote cognitive, emotional, and social growth. They can tailor learning experiences to each child's unique needs, bringing a love for learning and helping children reach their developmental milestones. 2. Consistent and Personalised Care Children thrive in stable environments with consistent routines. A good nanny ensures that children receive individualised attention and care tailored to their specific needs and personalities. This consistency helps children feel secure and builds a strong foundation for their emotional well-being. 3. Safety and Health A well-trained nanny is equipped with the knowledge of first aid and other emergency procedures. They can maintain a safe environment, prevent accidents, and handle health-related issues promptly and efficiently. This expertise provides peace of mind to parents, knowing their children’s safety is a top priority. 4. Emotional Support and Companionship Children benefit immensely from having a trusted adult who provides emotional support and companionship. A good nanny forms a close bond with the children, offering comfort, understanding, and a sense of stability. This relationship can have a positive impact on a child’s emotional development and self-esteem. 5. Flexibility and Reliability Families often require flexible childcare solutions due to varying work schedules and commitments. A dependable nanny can adapt to these needs, offering flexible hours and being available during unforeseen circumstances. This flexibility is invaluable in maintaining a smooth family routine. 6. Role models and Life Skills Nannies often play a significant role in teaching children essential life skills and values. Through daily interactions, children learn about manners, responsibility, and social interactions. A good nanny serves as a positive role model, guiding children towards becoming well-rounded individuals. If you are struggling to find a nanny with these qualities or you are a nanny with these qualities please reach out to me: a.wilkins@littleoneslondon.co.uk

Being a caregiver can reshape your career in unexpected ways. Skills that caregivers develop while caring for loved ones such as crisis management, adaptability, and leadership are incredibly valuable in the workplace.  𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻'𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝘄𝗼 𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲𝘀—𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆’𝘀 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿-𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗲𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁.  #CdnCaregiving #WorkingCaregivers #FutureofWork