Early Years Local Offer response

Learning and development

Systems and strategies we have in place to identify children that may require additional support

We do regular observations as the children are playing to be able to build up a developmental picture on each child, they enables me to spot any areas that require additional help and also to create next steps for each child in order to enhance their development. We also carry out detailed observations every 6-8 weeks to identify any gaps in a childs learning and put activities and opportunities in place to scaffold their learning.

We ask the parents to complete a monthly form to highlight new interests and skills and a baseline when their child starts at the setting. 

How we identify and support children's learning and development needs

These are normally identified by observations that i regularly complete on each child to evidence where they are developmentally as well as writing a detailed assessment every 6-8 weeks.  We also encourage the parents to complete a monthly form which highlights new skills learnt. 

Links we have to other agencies

I have completed many trainings in regards to additional professional help. I have links with local health visitors, social workers and many other outside agencies who can provide support. 

How we support children transferring to school

We work to ensure that each child is 'school ready' so they practice skills that are vital in school such as being independent going to the toilet, ability to get changed and put their own coat and shoes on as well as their confidence in asking adults for help if they need to. We usually encourage visits from the school teachers to see the child in my setting and also share their learning journeys so they know where we see them developmentally - with parents permission of course! We also read lots of stories and have discussions about school using a home learning bag. Each child in the year leading up to school are provided with a book bag and we introduce phonics to ensure that they have a really sound base. 

Welfare

Specialist skills or training our staff have

We ensure that my child protection and safeguarding training are kept up to date. I hold Early Years Professional Status and am currently studying for my Level 3 EY Senco course. 

Support we offer regarding children's health and well-being

We ensure that our setting is risk assessed and also the outings that we go on are too. We teach the children road safety and other aspects about keeping them safe from an early age. We offer healthy food and offer activities to support being healthy by including self service snack time, toothbrushing after lunch to promote oral hygiene and also weekly baking sessions to enhance healthy eating and independent life skills.

Ways we inform parents about how their child is being supported

Our policies set out how we intend to keep their child safe. We talk to the parents and keep them updated of the topics that we are covering that support this. e.g. cooking sessions, growing our own food etc by weekly email updates. We also offer termly parents evenings. 

Our complaints policy

Our policy sets out what they need to do if they wish to complain about my services. We would hope that they can communicate with us firsthand if they are not happy with any thing and we can resolve this.

Access

Alterations we have made to make our building accessible

My building only has one small step to get into the front door which believe is manageable. We have converted my integral garage to a playroom raising the floor so the children have free flow into the garden. We also have a downstairs WC. 

Facilities we have for personal care

We have a downstairs toilet and wash basin which can be used for personal care.

Specialist resources we have

We have a wide range of resources for children of all abilities. We would also borrow resources from relevant agencies if needed. 

How we include all children in activities, such as trips

We include all children in activities and will adapt the level of the activities offered based on each child's learning stage and ability.