I work from my home, which is situated in a semi rural area of Caversham, Reading. I encourage all children to enjoy and to reach their individual potential. I support children to develop their independence skills and work with their individual interests, through play. 

Updated and reviewed - April 2023

As an early years educator, I assess and observe all the children in my care continually, in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) set out by the government. I have discussions with you regarding your child and any concerns you may have about your child’s development and progress.

All children who are new to my setting are assessed as a starting point to see their individual progression.

I talk with all my parents at the beginning/end of each day.

I share regular progress reports with parents of all the children.

A 2 year development check is undertaken and given to parents to review ongoing progress.

I have extensive child development knowledge which I have gained through training and working within childcare for over 20 years. I use this knowledge when making judgements and decisions about support.

Any concerns I have will be discussed with you initially and, with your permission, I would then speak to professionals to gain further specific advice.

If I have concerns about any child, I would follow my Inclusion policy.

How will you and I know how my child is doing and how will you help me to support my child’s learning?

As a parent/carer you will be kept informed continually about your child’s progress and achievements. This is done through discussions, daily diaries and learning journals containing observations and photographs, which I use to inform their planning.

We can arrange to meet and chat informally at a mutually convenient time.

I am always happy to suggest activities for you to do with your child at home.

Any concerns are shared firstly with the parent/carer and, with agreement, I will seek further advice from Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY) co-ordinator, or other relevant professionals – whichever we agree seems most relevant.

I have a varied selection of resources in my setting, which are accessible as developmentally appropriate.

I have a Parents as Partners policy.

I use the EYFS curriculum as a guide for each child’s development.

All curriculum planning is based around the child’s own strengths and needs, using observations as a starting point to assess what they can do.

All planning is individually tailored to your child’s developmental needs, rather than their age.

I use your child’s interests and preferences to stimulate and encourage their participation and interest.

Children can explore and investigate confidently in the setting, both indoors and outside.

Your child’s overall wellbeing is my personal concern.

I am responsible for each child’s safety and security, both physically and emotionally during their time in my care. Emotionally I aim to support and enhance each child’s self-confidence and self-esteem. Physically I am able to keep them safe from harm.

As a parent/carer you will be kept informed continually about your child’s progress and achievements. This is done through discussions, daily diaries and learning journals containing observations and photographs, which I use to inform their planning.

We can arrange to meet and chat informally at a mutually convenient time.

I am always happy to suggest activities for you to do with your child at home.

Any concerns are shared firstly with the parent/carer and, with agreement, I will seek further advice from Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY) co-ordinator, or other relevant professionals – whichever we agree seems most relevant.

I have a varied selection of resources in my setting, which are accessible as developmentally appropriate.

I have a Parents as Partners policy.

As a childminder, I have an inclusive service and this is naturally extended to all activities outside too, including trips.

Before undertaking excursions, I seek your advice as you have the most up to date and relevant knowledge and information concerning your child's needs and requirements.

All trips are risk assessed, taking into consideration all children I have in my care.

Excursions are planned with your child's needs accounted for.

My inclusion policy is always in practice.

I work from my home, which is a semi-detached house in Caversham, Reading.

There is a small step from my drive, into my front door. There are two steps down from the playroom door to access the garden area at the rear of the house. The outdoor area is on one level. There is a downstairs toilet. My doorways are not wide enough to allow acess for a full sized wheelchair.

I have an admissions/setting in policy which I follow for all new children attending the setting.

Initial meetings are with both parents and the child, giving us the opportunity to meet each other and get to know you both better. This creates a good environment for future discussions.

Once a parent has decided they would like their child to attend the setting, we then discuss a flexible settling in time table in the weeks/days leading up to their start date.

Most importantly, the settling in period gives your child opportunities to become familiar and comfortable within the setting and to meet other children in my care. I would ask you/your child about their individual likes, dislikes, fears, needs and comforters.

For children moving onto a new early years setting, or school, the professionals from these services are welcome to call me, to discuss your child, or to visit them here, in my home, if they wish to, with your written poermission.

With your permission, the professionals can have a copy of your child's transfer record.

As a parent/carer you will be kept informed continually about your child’s progress and achievements. This is done through discussions, daily diaries and learning journals containing observations and photographs, which I use to inform their planning.

We can arrange to meet and chat informally at a mutually convenient time.

I am always happy to suggest activities for you to do with your child at home.

Any concerns are shared firstly with the parent/carer and, with agreement, I will seek further advice from Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY) co-ordinator, or other relevant professionals – whichever we agree seems most relevant.

I have a varied selection of resources in my setting, which are accessible as developmentally appropriate.

I have a Parents as Partners policy.

I review my practice regularly and also endeavour to keep upto date with current SEND training and thinking.

I am always happy to discuss your child's development, progress, or any concerns you might have. This can be face to face, or on the telephone, whichever is more convenient for you.

I do not currently have a website for my business.

I can be contacted on 07879225766 or paula-jane.1611@hotmail.com

Parents will be continually consulted. As parents, you will be kept up to date with your child's progress and care.

Regular parental questionnaires are completed to help me assess how parents feel about the service I am offering them.

You can also have a daily diary, which is for written two-way communication between yourself and me.

You will also receive newsletters and have opportunities for informal chat, or to make an appointment, if you prefer.

Joint working with parents is always mutually beneficial, especially for your child.