I offer a childcare service within my home which is located near to Reading Town Centre and on the 17 bus route. The downstairs and garden have been adapted so it is a warm and friendly environment where children can explore, play and learn.

Updated September 2023

As a childminder I provide all children with learning opportunities and experiences that link to the Early Years Statutory Framework. I complete observations and plan activities from what I have observed which are then assessed against the framework. Should a child not be meeting their areas of learning then I would plan targeted activities to help them meet these. However, should these still not be met then I would work with both the parents and professionals to investigate and plan interventions specific to the child's individual needs and help identify as early as possible any concerns. Early interventions are the most effective, which then enables a child to meet there full potential.

I will always take the time needed to be able to communicate to parents about their child and how they are progressing within the Early Years Framework. Should time constraints or confidentiality be an issue with collection and drop off times, then I can arrange meetings at the weekends or phone calls at a convenient time for both parties. It is crucial that myself and parents take the time necessary to communicate as its aids the children's progress and well-being.

I offer a wide variety of resources and activities relating to all children's levels and individual needs. Should I require specific adaptations to my property to support your child then as far as is reasonably possible, these will be made. 

Should I have a child with additional needs within my setting then I would seek guidance from the SENCO at Reading Borough Council Early Years for advice and guidance to support your child. I would also undertake specific training to gain a greater understanding of the child's needs to help and what I can do to support them. 

I have a range of sensory activities for children with SEN and am happy to purchase items to support the individual needs of any children in my care. I would work with parents to help seek advice and guidance for their children and work together to achieve best outcomes for all children in my care.

I complete observations which are then assessed against the EYSF to help me plan next steps activities for all children in my care. Three times a year I review all children's progress against the last review (or baseline assessment if new to the setting) and would share my results with parents. This can be by a written report, meeting at my setting or telephone call - depending on what is best for the parents. I would welcome and encourage parents to share WOW moments the child has had at home to help form part of my assessments as these are as important in getting a full picture of how a child is progressing. 

SEND children require the same opportunities to meet their full potential as their peers would. I would need to consider what specific needs the child has and find solutions to this. An example would be taking an autistic child on a trip to a museum and travel on a train. I would work with the child and look at websites and videos of both the museum and station to help them understand what it will be like and discuss what to expect. The child may struggle with the noise of the trains, so I would make sure ear defenders will be provided. I would discuss this fully with parents when arranging such a trip as they will have valuable information and experiences to help me prepare for any potential issues.

I live in a rented house that is a small terrace house, therefore accessibility is an issue. Due to bad parking in my area wheelchair access to and from my property may be an issue. Also I have a narrow corridor in my hallway and to the garden. I do however, have a downstairs bathroom and all activities are located on the ground floor of my house. I am limited to any adaptations I can make to my house as I do not own the property.

To help a child transition to a new a school or setting I would spend time with the child talking about the new place. We would look at the website if there is one or ask for photographs to be sent. If possible I would take the child there to spend time at the new place in a relaxed and informal visit. I would happily arrange visits from staff to come and visit the child at my setting to help build key person relationships.

I am limited to what adaptations I can do the property my setting is located in as I am renting. Before a child with SEN joins my setting,I would welcome parents into my property to discuss suitability and what I can realistically do to help the child. I have worked with a child with SENs and my property as able to meet the child's needs - parents agreed before a contract was signed.

I welcome all enquiries. You can contact myself directly.

I encourage all parents to talk to me daily about their child and how they are doing. I send out feedback questionnaires 6 weeks after a child has started to parents to give them the opportunity to let me know what I am doing well and how I can improve my service and setting. I display details of Ofsted on my notice board should a parent have issues, but would always encourage parents to discuss with me first.