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Foster , Mrs Gail Louvaine
Services and organisations that have the Local Offer flash have filled out inclusion information, meaning that they meet the needs of people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

. I have been childminding since 1977 and have enjoyed my work a great deal. I try to keep a space available so that I can remain flexible for my other parents. Your child will be treated in much the same way as I treat my own children (and they have turned out OK!)
In my setting I try to teach the children as much as I can through play and strive to make their time with me as enjoyable as possible.
We spend a lot of time in the park & gardens close by and often go out on trips by train, bus or boat. I take the children to Storytime at the library on Wednesdays and Playgym' on Thursday.
I have  achieved an NVQ level 3 in Childrens Care, Learning & Development and among other training sessions I hold current First Aid, Food Hygiene & Health Safety Certificates. I have recently become an Accredited childminder.

Free 15 and 30 hour government funding provided (where eligible).

I offer the free 30 and 15 hour government funding (where eligible) and I'm happy to work with any parents who apply for this.

Who to contact

Contact name
Gail Foster
Telephone
Mobile: 07751 520298
E-mail
galedingle@btinternet.com

Where to go

Address
Truro
Cornwall
Postcode
TR1
Notes

I live within walking distance of Truro town centre. I do school drop-offs and pick-ups from St Mary's and Truro Nursery School. We often visit Hendra park and Victoria Gardens of which both are a 2 minute walk from my house.

 

Other details

Costs

Table of costs
Table of costs
AmountCost Type
£4.75 Per Day
Do you offer a free or reduced rate to carers?
No

Inclusion within our setting

Wheelchair access

Has provision
No
Details
No

Dietary needs

Has provision
Yes
Details
Yes - no particular experience but willing to learn & adapt.

Cultural provisions

Details
Yes - all children in my home are treated equally but exceptions made for religious differences.
Languages spoken

English

Pet provisions

Are there any pets at the setting?
No

Childcare information

Vacancies

Immediate vacancies
Yes
Details
I have vacancies on Monday, Thursday and Friday.
Vacancy range(s)
From 0 years to 8 years (spaces available: 1)
Date updated
01/03/2022

Funded places

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

Opening times & facilities

Opening times
Opening times
DayOpening timeClosing time
Monday 07:00:00 18:00:00
Tuesday 07:00:00 18:00:00
Wednesday 07:00:00 18:00:00
Thursday 07:00:00 18:00:00
Friday 07:00:00 18:00:00

School pickups

Offers pickups
Yes
Schools
Truro Nursery School
St Mary's CE School (Truro)

Ofsted information

Ofsted URN
102239
Link to latest ofsted inspection report 
Inspection history
Inspection History
Inspection DateInspection typeInspection Outcome
20/02/2006CareSatisfactory
19/01/2009Inspection (Early Years Register)Good
18/11/2014Inspection (Early Years Register)Good
31/07/2017Inspection (Early Years Register)Outstanding
24/03/2023Inspection (Early Years Register)Inadequate
17/08/2023Re-inspection (Early Years Register)Good

Inclusion details

Saint Piran's Flag
SENCo name
Gail Dingle

Early Years Local Offer response

Learning and development

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

I have 22 years experience working in childcare and have a level 3 certificate in Child Development.


With any new intake I discuss the child's progress with the parents and arrange some settling in sessions.


I will then set a base line for the child and work with this to monitor the child's progress.


 

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

I use 'progress charts' to monitor the child's development.


I make observations during the normal sessions and jot down anything that's significant to the child's progress.


This is then highlighted on a progress chart and included is a section on 'next steps'. This is updated twice a year.


I then give a copy of this to the parent and ask them to write down any comments.


I also have daily diaries that travel with each child to inform parents of our day and for them to inform me of anything they feel relevant to the child's time with me.

Links we have to other agencies

These charts are used as their 2 year progress charts and given to their health visitor.


I also  share information ( with the parents consent ) with any other setting that the child attends i.e Nursery school.


I chat regularly with other childminders at local groups and read information sent by email from local childminding groups.

How we support children transferring to school

I do 2 school runs a day with the older children so the younger ones get used to a school routine.


I teach them how to do up zips, put on shoes and coats, use a proper toilet and hand washing routine etc before they are 3. I also like them to be able to count and recognize numbers up to 10, know the ABC song and recognize some of the letters and their own name.


We look at lots of books about school and attend groups to make the transition from a small group a bit easier.

Welfare

Specialist skills or training our staff have

I work independently and have 22 years experience with children.


I have a level 3 in Childcare Development.


I have compulsory training in Paediatric First Aid, Food Hygiene and, Safeguarding and Child Protection.


I've also attended courses on:- Health and Safety, Basic Signing, Early Language Development, An Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder, FGM and Radicalization and often attend Cluster Meetings to refresh my knowledge in certain areas.

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

I keep a daily check on lunchboxes and what foods the children are eating . Most are provided with a healthy, well balanced diet. If there are any issues I consult the parents and we discuss how best to remedy it.


They each have water bottles which are accessible at all times.


We have regular eating and toilet routines but they are also taught (once potty trained) how to goe to the toilet on their own and learn why handwashing is essential.


I keep medical records and have them updated and signed by the parents. I also give a copy of my Sick Child policy to all parents.

Ways we inform parents about how their child is being supported

I provide each child with a daily diary book which travels with them between my setting, home and Nursery.


They are also given a Progress Report every 6 months which includes a section on thier Next Steps.


Once a year I ask for any comments through a questionnaire.


 

Our complaints policy

I give all parents a 'Parent Pack' when their child starts which includes a Complaints Procedure Form.


Hopefully any problems would be resolved between myself and the parent.

Access

Alterations we have made to make our building accessible

I have had hand rails fitted on the steps leading up to my door.


Parking isn't easy on my road so sometimes the parent will text me when they are outside and I will have the child ready for them at the door.

Facilities we have for personal care

I do nappy changing in my breakfast room away from the playroom. the changing mat is wiped down with anti-bacterial wipes after each use and I wash my hands in the kitchen.


The toilet is upstairs where a step is provided and handwashing facilities are in the bathroom next to the toilet. Seperate towels are provided to dry hands on.

Specialist resources we have

I have a wide range of age appropriate toys and equipment. 


Many of these are multi- cultural and we read and look at lot of multi-cultural books.


I have low level table and chairs for eating and doing activities at including arts and crafts.


I have pushchairs to suit all ages and use wrist straps to keep the children safe during outings.

How we include all children in activities, such as trips

I have written permission from parents to take their child on outings and always do a mental risk assessment before going on any trips.


I use wrist straps to keep the toddlers safe when walking and appropriate safety harnesses in the pushchairs.


I always take into consideration the distance that we will travel as apposed to the age of the children and how tired they are to start with.

Last updated: 01/11/2023

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