Section 1 - How do you communicate with the parent/carer whose child has SEND?
1a) How they can arrange a visit and/or see you in action?
My information and contact number are on the FID or Childcare.co.uk. You can contact me anytime to arrange a visit during working hours or in the evening if preferred. If you were happy with me/what I offer, we would arrange a visit with your child/children.
1b) What are some of the things they will see to welcome them to your setting?
Myself or my assistant (my mum) will welcome you at the front door into my setting. We would go through to my playroom which is child friendly and easy for children to select most activities/toys. You will be able to see us in our day to day activities and routines and have a chat about what you are looking for.
1c) What different ways do you use to communicate with parents?
It is my role as the childminder to relay any information to you as the parent/carer about your child. If for whatever reason I am unable to be present at collection then my assistant is fully capable to do this. I provide a link book to enable me to communicate with you about what activities we have done during the day. Also including any sleeps, nappy changes etc. This can also be used for you to write down anything you’d like me to know and times/dates/signature of any medication that morning. I provide photos each week that go in your child’s development folder to link to the different areas in the EYFS. I sometimes also send photos or videos, providing you have given permission, to you during the day of any activities or fun moments I have captured. This is also good when a child first starts to reassure you they are settling well. I always allow at least 5 minutes at the end of the day to fill you in on our day.
1d) How can parents contribute or share ideas for you to consider to make communication with you more effective?
I am always open to ideas and can spare time either at drop off or pick up or we can arrange a better time if the parent wishes to discuss in more detail. I provide questionnaires about my setting too.
1e) If the parent/carer is unhappy with your provision, what should they do?
Any concerns can be raised with myself or my assistant at anytime. I would always ask you come to me first as I hope to gain a good, open relationship with you. A parent can contact Ofsted, whose number is on my wall, should they have any further concerns/complaints. My policies are in a folder in my filing cabinet and I can access them straight away.
Section 2 - How will you help to settle the child into your setting?
2a) State some of the things the parent/carer will see when their child first starts at your setting
I offer as many settle sessions to help toward an easy transition for both parent and child
Section 3 - What help and support does your setting offer to SEND children to move rooms or move on to school?
If a child in my setting has SEND when they move onto school or pre school I provide a detailed transition form. Parents/carers can comment on it too. I am in contact with the next setting and can meet with the teacher/key worker to ensure everyone is up to date with any needs and next steps.
3a) How do you ensure the child is happy and learning as they move from room to room?
N/A
3b) How do you ensure the child remains happy and learning as they move from you on to another setting?
Transition forms, phone contact where needed and settle sessions.
Section 4 - How do you understand and discover how the child learns?
4a) How do you measure the child’s learning to try to discover any additional educational needs they might have?
I do a Tracker for each child when they start in my setting so I know where they are on the EYFS development stages and can work out their next steps. I review this as regularly as I feel necessary but usually about every 3 months and hope to see progress made. If I feel the child has not met certain stages then, with the parents’ permission, I can contact the local authority for advice and can use WellComm to help me.
4b) How will you make sure that what you are teaching meets the needs of the child?
I am responsible for each child’s next step, which I work out alongside their tracker. If I feel they are not progressing then my first port of call would be the Heath Visitor, which I would have permission to do, and see where we go next. The Local Authority are also great for extra support and/or advice.
4c) How will you make sure that the child is having fun and enjoys learning through play?
I would like to think we are always having fun! My setting provides plenty of opportunity for play based learning to suit each child’s interest. I see my setting as a home from home and everyone is an extended member of our family.
4d) Which experts and other professionals do you liaise with?
I can liaise with a range of professionals from Doctors, Health Visitors and The Children’s Centres to The Hub, Speech and Language team and anyone in the Local Authority. This would depend on who I thought would best support me with your child’s situation.
4e) When some children need a higher level of SEND support how do you go about making sure they get the support they need?
I would have regular talks with parents and Health care professionals.
4f) How do you ensure that the views of parents/carers and children are included in this specialist work?
As the child gets older it is important that their views are also included to help them feel safe and secure. Constant discussions with parents/carers will ensure everyone’s views are heard and can provide the best support.
Section 5 - Inclusive Practice and SEND training and expertise within this organisation
5a) What range of training and expertise do your staff have?
I have attended a SENCo course and all of my other course certificates are available. I keep myself up to date where necessary.
5b) What are the ways in which you fully involve children with SEN and/or disabilities?
I have good, useable space inside my home making it easy to get around. Most of my resources are at child height and easy to access. I have a children’s table and chairs for lunches and any craft activities. I would adapt certain areas id necessary.
My garden is large with ramps coming off of my decking onto 3G grass. I have a playhouse, outdoor ride on toys, sand/water table and plenty of sports equipment. Some of which is height adjustable.
I have a 9 seater minibus with a large boot which enables me to have plenty of trips out and take any provisions I may need for each child.