What systems and strategies do you have in place to identify children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND)?
I continually assess and review all children in my care in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) which is a legal framework written by the Government for all childcare professionals. All children who are new to my child minding service are assessed within 6 weeks of starting to attain their starting point. This is then reviewed on a regular basis to assess their progress. I produce a detailed evidence file which includes photographs of activities that demonstrate children’s learning against the EYFS elements. I record daily diaries which outline what the child has done each day, what has been achieved and a number of other key aspects relevant to their care. I share termly reports with parents of all children regarding their progress and development. The two year old development check is completed with parents to review ongoing progress and identify any gaps in development which may cause concern. Any concerns I have in regards to the progress and development of a child will be discussed with parents initially, and with permission, would then speak to professionals to gain further specific advice.
How will you support my child? How will you communicate effectively with me?
I develop close relationships with the children in my care and their parents. This allows me to identify and provide support to both child and parent where needed. This may be physically, emotionally, offering advice, a listening ear, getting help and support from other agencies and liaising with other professionals and settings. I encourage children to develop and boost their self-confidence and self- esteem through our relationships with them, praising them for their achievements and help, valuing their opinions and interests and making them feel part of our family.
How will the teaching and learning be matched to my child’s needs?
The children’s learning is matched to their individual needs by recording observations and assessments of each child. Activities and outings are planned to support and encourage each child’s development and I follow their interests, needs and strengths.
How will you know how my child is doing and how will you help me to support my child’s learning?
Each child has a Daily Diary as well as a Learning Journal. The Daily Diary outlines our daily activities, what each child has enjoyed (or not), how their mood has been, what they have eaten for snack and lunch, sleeping times and nappy changes. The Learning Journal is shared with parents each term which includes observations, an end of term summary and development tracker. In addition to this I have daily discussions with parents about their child’s day, and parents can make arrange to meet with me to discuss any concerns about or issues they may be having with their child. If I am concerned about any gaps in a child’s development or have any concerns about a child I will arrange a time to discuss this with parents and between us develop a plan of action. My policy ‘Working with Parents’ is followed and is regularly reviewed to keep it relevant at all times.
What support will you provide for my child’s overall wellbeing?
Every child’s overall wellbeing is of paramount concern to me at all times. I ensure this is supported by: Making sure that my home is safe and secure for the children in my care and when out of the house that the children’s safety is maintained. Ensure high standards of hygiene and encouraging the children to develop their own understanding of hygiene e.g. hand washing, using tissues, separate towels etc. Positive behaviour is encouraged and re-enforced using praise I have simple house rules which are shared with parents and children. Risk assessments are completed around my home and any outings. These are reviewed regularly. I have a Paediatric first aid certificate which is updated every three years. Safeguarding training is completed every three years and myself and my husband have full disclosure DBS checks. Medication is stored safely as per the directions on the labels and any medication given is recorded and signed by the parents each day. I have a range of policies and procedures such as; safeguarding; inclusion; risk assessments; sickness, accident and emergency, health and safety; fire procedure; these are all available for parents to view and I hold signatures from parents stating agreements to these policies. Permissions are signed by parents before their child starts in my care for use of photography, outings, medical care as well as other permissions.
What training do you have or are you receiving to support children with SEND?
Paediatric first aid QCF Level 3 SENco training course CYPOP5 setting up a home based childcare service I am happy to participate in any additional training required to support children in my setting.
How will you include my child in activities outside the setting, including trips?
My setting is an inclusive service. I take the children on daily outings and consider the needs and requirements of each individual child prior to planning an outing.
How accessible and welcoming is your setting?
We are based in a semi-detached house in a cul-de-sac. There is a private entrance with a step. Our ground floor is level has a step into the play room but double doors for access. We have a downstairs toilet. There is a small step to the garden with double doors. The doorways are accessible for a full size wheelchair. Communication with parents whose main language is not English could be via email allowing for a translation package to be used.
How will you prepare and support my child to join the setting or to transfer to another setting/school?
When a child moves on to a new early years setting or to ‘big’ school then professionals from these settings are welcome with the parents’ permission to visit the child in my setting or call me to discuss the child. I share termly summaries with other settings and preschool which the children attend. I complete a transition to school document which is sent to school before a child attends.
I encourage children to be able to dress themselves, put their own coat and shoes on, be road safe and have the confidence to ask for help when needed before starting school. We meet up with other childminders daily where the children have opportunities to socialize with other children outside of the setting.
How much support will my child receive and how are decisions made?
I will work with parents, carers and other professionals to determine the type and amount of support children with special needs will receive from my service.
How can I arrange a visit to your setting? What is involved?
To arrange to come and see my setting and meet me, please contact me on 07534110908 or email me at vickirussell30@gmail.com. We can arrange a mutual convenient time where we can have an informal chat and discuss your requirements.