All children in the Early Years sector are monitored and observed through the Early Years outcomes and in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). When a child turns 2, a further development check is carried out which the parent/carer passes onto their health visitor.
At the beginning of the Child’s placement with me, meetings with the parent’s and any other professional’s notes will form a baseline assessment of their current level of development.
Every term each child has a progress report which will determine where they are in their development and what their next steps are for the following term.
As a childminder I work alone, I give continuous care and make sure each child is safe, secure and supported in their development as well as emotionally and physically well.
Parents/carers get daily face to face updates about their child’s progress and milestones. When a child starts, I find out as much information about them as possible, establish their strengths and weaknesses, areas for development, any customs at home, and language spoken. This helps me create a picture of the child enabling me to support them in the best way possible.
Every child is different and will therefore be working towards their own goals. To assist and support with this I regularly observe the children and evaluate what they do, referencing back to the EYFS. Any issues or concerns are discussed with the parent/carer. If further help is needed, my local development officer, and the Local Authority are available to offer me help or support in my provision.
All toys and resources are age appropriate to the children who attend my setting.
Whilst a child is in my care, I am responsible for providing a safe and secure environment, as well as making sure each child is emotionally and physically safe.
My setting has been risk assessed for safety, including regular checks of toys and resources.
The children have designed house rules which everyone should follow.
I am paediatric first aid trained.
Any medication is stored safely and out of the reach of children. A record book is kept including details of all medication held and dosage required/administered, along with time of administration which is then recorded and signed by the parent.
I have received level 3 safeguarding training, my setting has policies on safeguarding/child protection, special needs and equal opportunities/inclusion.
Having one of my own children needing seech and language therapy, I have been able to identify gaps within this area and have worked with the Speech and Language Therapist to overcome these speech barriers.
I also have a strong network of support from other child minders.
I can also access further advice from my local development worker and local authority.
I am paediatric first aid trained, and renew this every 3 years.
Training is on- going when necessary enabling me to keep up to date on current issues and training.
I am also happy to work with parents/carers and other outside agencies to learn specific skills to support children with additional needs.
Activities and outings are planned and are discussed with parents/carers.
All outings are risk assessed beforehand to make sure each child’s requirements are met.
I work from my semi-detached house in Woolston, Southampton. Access is via the side of my house via our shared driveway. I have no wheelchair access. The ground floor is used for child minding as is the bathroom/toilet located upstairs.
I have a secure rear garden for outside play with access to a gate for fire evacuation. I am also close to our local park.
Before a child starts I offer settling in sessions. This helps parents and their child to get to know me and to stagger their transition period. I help and work with parents to make sure the transitions to and from pre-school or primary school are also as smooth as possible.
Funding can be claimed for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). If I do not have the required resources then I would apply for funding from my Local Authority to assist me in obtaining these resources for each individual child. I would also attend any necessary training to assist me.
I will closely observe your child and decide whether or not your child will benefit from extra support once the 2 year check has been done. Conversations between parents, myself and development officer will be completed. If necessary an Individual Education Plan (IEP) will be arranged for your child.
Parents will be kept up to date about their child’s progress and care. It is important I work with all parents to help me to promote their children’s learning and development as much as possible.