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About my service
I have been a parent for 38 years and have been a professional childcare provider for 24 years. I have been three times graded Outstanding by Ofsted. I am a childminder's ambassador, working as an adviser to less experienced providers. I have looked after children of all ages, as the name of my setting suggests, now specialising in Early Years. My home is smoke and pet free. I am a member of PACEY (Professional Association of Childcare and Early Years) ensuring that the quality of care remains high. I hold a level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce. I hold level 3 Certificates in Child Psychology and Autism Awareness, and a Foundation Degree in Early Years.
Care, learning and Play
Children are taken out on a regular basis, and enjoy regular outings to local parks and children’s centres and make use of the garden. Children are transported in rear facing car seats up to the age of 4 for added safety in the car. For every child under the age of 5, I make observations of their development and plan activities to help them learn and develop. I will share these observations with you and look forward to working in partnership with you to best support your child. After school children are provided with a snack and/or an evening meal and are given support with homework if requested.
Child Protection
My responsibility as a childminder is to ensure the safety and welfare of all the children in my care in line with the procedures laid out by my local safeguarding board. All members of my house have been checked by the Criminal Records Bureau. Any visitors to my setting are logged into my guest book. Existing injuries are routinely recorded in my incident book and also any accidents that occur whilst your child is in my care.
Settling in
I encourage parents to visit with their children before they leave their child with me and during the first few weeks your child can stay for less than the contracted hours, if you wish, to allow them some time to adjust to separation.
Food and Drink
I provide healthy meals for the children and they are included in the fees. I provide fruit snacks and drinks throughout the day. My setting has been inspected by the Environmental Health Department and is registered as a food business. I was awarded a 5 star food hygiene rating. I hold a level 2 qualification in food safety for catering. I am accredited as a Healthy Early Years setting. I aim to help children learn about a healthy diet and good hygiene, for example, by washing their hands before eating.
Managing Behaviour
I promote good behaviour by ensuring that children are able to understand the house rules, using positive language and by modelling good manners. We play games and have activities for team building which encourage sharing. Should I have a concern about your child’s behaviour I will discuss it with you to ensure we work in partnership to support your child’s social development.
Sickness
I appreciate that as a working parent you need to be able to go to work, however if your child is unwell then they will be better cared for in their own home with a parent. I am happy to care for children with minor coughs and colds but will not care for children who are very unwell, infectious or running a high temperature. I have to go out each day to do school and pre-school runs and need to consider the welfare of all the children in my care. If your child has had diarrhoea or sickness within the last forty-eight hours please do not bring them, but call and let me know.
Complaints
I hope that you are happy with the service that I provide, but I encourage parents to discuss any concerns with me at the earliest opportunity. Many concerns are easily resolved when there is good communication between providers and parents. I keep a record of any complaints made against me in writing, which is available for you to view at your request. A parent may contact the regulating body, Ofsted on 0300 123 1231. Ofsted produces guidance on concerns and complaints about childminders and childcare providers. This is available on the Ofsted website and provides guidance on the complainant’s right to contact Ofsted.
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