Catherine Armstrong - Childminding Services

Hello, I am a Mum to three (now adult) children, have been a Childminder for over 20 years, and manage a very busy setting! I am a pro-active Childminder who attends ongoing training & I have achieved the Reading Quality Assurance Award and a NVQ3 in Childcare. I drop off/collect from NewBridge Nursery during school hours, and drop off and collect from The Hill Primary School, Emmer Green as that is my catchment school. I work all year round and can accommodate short term or long term contracts, term term or full time hours.  

Ofsted inspection grade: Good. Age range 0 to 12 years.

This setting has signed up to offer Tax Free Childcare.

Who to contact

Contact Name
Cathy Armstrong
Contact Position
Childminder
Telephone
07773 960958 07773 960958
E-mail
cathliteon319@btinternet.com

Where to go

Name
Caversham
Address
Caversham
Reading
Berkshire
Postcode
RG4 5JD
Directions to RG4 5JD
Notes

I live in a 'no-through' road with available parking outside my property. 

Costs

Costs
£5.50  Per Hour

Inclusion Information

Wheelchair access
No
Special Needs provision
Yes
Special Needs Experience
Speech & Language difficulties
Hyperactivity
Emotional needs
ADD & Hyperactivity
Language impairment
ADHD
Challenging Behaviour
Yes
Social & Emotional needs
Hearing Impairment
Downs syndrome
Dyslexia
Delayed speech
Autism
Autistic spectrum
Global Development Delay
behavioural problems
Epilepsy
Adults with SEN
Learning difficulties
Aspergers Syndrome
Details
I previously worked with Specific Needs in a residential home in Caversham Heights. I have also had experience working with children with varying degrees of social and emotional issues in a partial residential Home in Caversham. Eczema, hayfever, asthma, allergies. Epi-pen trained.
Provision for special dietary needs
Yes
Details
Have cared for many children with minor allergies and also some that have had severe allergies. I keep up with current First Aid training & Safeguarding training and follow parental guide lines & medical advice.
Can make special cultural provisions
Yes
Details
I am an inclusive setting which celebrates as many cultural experiences as I can. I have ongoing training and use the Shap Religious Calendar & British Values Calendar for guidance.

Childcare Information

Vacancies

Immediate vacancies
No
Details
No vacancies.
Updated
05/02/2024

Funded Places

Has 3 & 4 year old funding
Yes
Has 2 year old funding
Yes

30 Hours Extended Entitlements

Additional 15 hours of *Free* childcare offered
Yes
Intending to provide 30 Hours?
Yes
30 Hours Partner Summary
Newbridge Nursery

Opening Times & Facilities

Opening Times
Opening Times
DayOpening TimeClosing Time
Monday 07:30 18:00
Tuesday 07:30 18:00
Wednesday 07:30 18:00
Thursday 07:30 18:00
Friday 07:30 17:00

School Pickups

Offers school pickups
Yes
Schools
New Bridge Nursery
The Hill Primary School (Caversham)
Details
I only drop off and collect from Newbridge Nursery School morning sessions as cannot accomodate the afternoon sessions due to commitments with collection from The Hill Primary School.

Ofsted Information

Ofsted URN
EY259982Link to latest Ofsted inspection report 
Inspection history
Inspection History
DatetypeOutcome
06/09/2007CareGood
26/01/2011Inspection (Early Years Register)Outstanding
21/04/2016Inspection (Early Years Register)Outstanding
04/02/2020Inspection (Early Years Register)Good

Local Offer

Description

I have filled in all the relevant Local Offer details on the Local Offer form, please view details there. Thank you.

Contact Name
Cathy Armstrong
Contact Telephone
07773 960958
Contact Email
cathliteon319@btinternet.com
Local Offer Age Bands
Early Years (0-4 years)
Primary (4-10 years)
Needs Level
Low
SEN Provision Type
Universal
Local Offer Updated
05/02/2024

Early Years Private, Voluntary & Independent Settings

Description

I have a very busy setting, starting at 7.30am & finishing at 6.00pm. I drop off and collect children to and from The Hill Primary School , Emmer Green & also currently do a Newbridge Nursery run in Caversham.

I have been Childminding for over 20 years and have 3 adult children of my own. I consider myself to be a pro-active Childminder, enabling all types of experiences and learning opportunities. I go out every day, in all weathers to encourage children to embrace the elements and thrive on teaching outdoors as much as possible.

 

1: How does the setting identify children with additional needs or SEND?

By following the EYFS curriculum, I am able to spot if a child is not meeting their milestone requirements for their age group. I am able to access additional support from my Early Years Team, and with the support of other SEND professionals & working in partnership with the family, trust that early intervention would enable the child to be more closely monitored & support being put in place.

2: How will I be informed / consulted about the ways in which my child is being supported?

Regular communication with family & SEND professionals, and monitoring the child with regular observations & feedback between all parties involved. The aim being that all strive for the best outcome for the child.

3: How will the setting adapt the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum for my child's needs?

I will work closely with SEND professionals & the family to work out a Learning Plan in order to fully support and meet the needs of the child.

4: What teaching strategies does the setting use for children with additional needs or learning difficulties?

I adapt most projects at the moment to suit different ages so with adopt this method to make sure the SEND child's needs are also being met with minimum disruption to the learning pattern.

Feedback & observations will be regularly monitored.

5: What additional support does the setting provide for children with additional needs or SEND?

I work closely with other settings such as The Hill Primary School currently for a SEND child I have at my setting. With the parents permission, the School shares information & strategies with me, letting me know on a daily basis if the child has had a good/bad day as this can have an impact on how the after school session is managed.

6: How will the setting monitor my child's progress and how will I be involved in this?

A good trusting relationship with my setting and my families are essential, so that families feel that they can approach me to discuss any issues with me they might have.

7: How do you ensure children with additional needs or SEND can be included in the same activities as other children, including trips?

Mainly planning trips so that all children can attend, being focussed & organised to deal with any eventuality should it arise.

Activities. such as craft projects, are always 'tweaked' for different ages, abilities & interests.

8: How accessible is the building for children with mobility difficulties / wheelchair users?

I do not have wheelchair access currently.

9: How will you support my child's transition to a new setting or school?

I will ensure that an up to date Transition report is passed to the new setting or school, so that they are made aware of the child's progress, likes/dislikes etc. If it were possible and/or appropriate I would offer to sit in any meetings/discussions with the parents permission to offer support to aid a smooth transition.

10: How does the setting assess the overall effectiveness of its SEN provision and how can parents / carers take part in this evaluation?

I regularly attend online training on SEND & stay up to date with any current changes in regulations applying to SEN, and my current SEND child is fully supported by myself, family & school setting who share information.

11: Who should I contact if I am considering registering for a place at the setting?

Cathy Armstrong

cathliteon319@btinternet.com

12: What arrangements does the setting have for feedback from parents / carers, including compliments and complaints?

I do a Parental/Carer Questionnaire at the start of every year for feedback & suggestions, which would include compliments (I would hope!) & complaints should there be any.

If there were ever to be any complaints, I would deal with them in a professional manner, working with the family to resolve any issues quickly and satisfactorily to both parties. I would seek further support from my Early Years Team should I not be able to resolve matters in the first instance.

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Disclaimer

This information has been collected from third party providers therefore the Reading Services Guide, Reading Borough Council (RBC) and Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC) cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy of this information and recommends that parents, carers, young people, residents and professionals check with providers regarding DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) and OFSTED registrations and CQC registrations. Information collected by Reading Service Guide; is used solely to implement and supply the Family Information Service (FIS), Special Educational Needs & Disabilities - Reading's Local Offer, Adults & Carers Support Group and Reading Youth.

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Last Updated

Last updated:

Contact the Team

Family Information Service

fis@reading.gov.uk 0118 937 3777 OPTION 2 0118 937 3777 OPTION 2

SEND Local Offer

localoffer@reading.gov.uk 0118 937 3777 OPTION 2 0118 937 3777 OPTION 2

Adult & Carers Support

CSAAdvice.Signposting@reading.gov.uk 0118 937 3747 0118 937 3747
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