Early Years Local Offer response

Learning and development

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

It is our job to build up a trusting relationship with you, your child and family to enable us to work together to support your child. After an initial period of 3-4 weeks we will complete a Base Line Assessment linking the observations we have completed on your child to the development matter framework, this will then be reviewed with parents.

We complete observations which are recorded in your child's Tapestry learning journey and use these to plan next steps for your child. These observations will help us to identify any areas where extra support may be needed.

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

At Puddle Hunters Childcare we build strong relationships with parents, sharing information from the first visit. Parents are asked to complete an 'all about me' sheet which details their child’s likes and dislikes, routines, family information etc.

Observations carried out during the day help us to build a picture of a child's development and highlight any areas where additional support may be needed. We work closely with parents offering support and, in some cases seek the advice of outside professionals.

Links we have to other agencies

We both have experience working in partnership with a variety of outside agencies including the Early Years SENCO team, Speech and Language Therapy Team, Educational Psychologists and Health Visitors.  We would ask for parents permission to bring in outside professionals where we feel that it is necessary.

If a child in our care attends another childminder/ pre-school/ nursery, we will get in touch with the other setting by either email or telephone and we will often make a visit when possible to promote positive links. 

How we support children transferring to school

We work closely with the local primary schools to ensure a smooth transition from us to them. With parent's permission we will share a summary of your child's learning and development with the class teacher. Sometimes teachers will come out and visit your child when they are with us, this helps the teacher to get to know your child in an environment where they are confident in their surroundings.

If your child has required extra support (IEP's) these will also be shared with the school with parents permission.

We also promote communication where children attend dual settings using a communication book, emails and/or visits to support the children.

 

Welfare

Specialist skills or training our staff have

We both have level 3 qualifications in childcare. I have attended SENCO training and we both have experience supporting a child with extra needs.

We use ECAT (every child a talker) to monitor communication progress and the Leuven scales to monitor well being and involvement and to monitor changes in behaviour and well being.

We both have experience using Makaton and I have attended the Makaton Foundation  workshop. We also have experience using PECs boards for communication.

 

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

We recognise the importance of forming strong bonds between ourselves and home as well as the importance of forming strong attachments between carer and child. We work closely as a team and with parents.

The children enjoy varied and healthy home cooked meals and snacks. We have a daily routine which is flexible and adaptable to the children's needs. We are both aware of each child's needs and will adapt activities appropriately.

Allowing the children to make their own choices and communicate their feelings is important, we do this by encouraging the children to engage in their own choice of activity and extend their learning from there.

We ask parents to update their child's 'all abut me' sheets on a regular basis so we are up to date with any changes in their lives. 

We also ensure physical outdoor activity and we go on regular outings in the local area.

Ways we inform parents about how their child is being supported

 

At Puddle Hunters Childcare we encourage parents to be involved in their child’s learning and development by asking for their input when we complete their child’s Base Line Assessment and their termly Summative Reports.  We produce each child's 2 year old check with input from parents as well.

When each child is collected we discuss with parents what we have done throughout the day including what we have been learning, eating etc'.

Learning Journey’s on tapestry are shared between ourselves and home. We have a newsletter to keep parents informed about our learning activities.  Any IEP’s are drawn up with parents and sometimes with outside professional support when we have parental permission to do so.

 

Our complaints policy

Puddle Hunters Childcare follows Ofsted guidelines on dealing with complaints. We have a Complaints Policy displayed on our notice board or it can be viewed in our policy folder or on our website.

Access

Alterations we have made to make our building accessible

Unfortunately as our premises is a coach house their is no wheelchair access.

Facilities we have for personal care

As Puddle Hunters Childcare is primarily a house we have made adaptations to allow the children to be as independent as possible with their personal care.

We provide a step so the children can reach the sink to wash their hands or use the toilet. There is also a potty if your child would prefer to use this. We place the towels for the children to use to dry their hands at an accessible height. 

We also have a nappy changing table to provide personal care for those children who wear nappies.

Specialist resources we have

We can source any specialist resources required.

How we include all children in activities, such as trips

Activities, including trips out are for all the children. If necessary we will source any extra equipment that may be required to ensure all children can participate.