Thomas Sarah - Childminder - 112988

I work with my partner, so there are only us 2 within the setting. We regularly share information about each child. Each child with have a Key person, either myself or my partner. But we will always work closely sharing any concerns about your child. Our main priority is to help your child feel safe and secure within our setting and while we are out and about. Your child can only progress if they feel secure and cared for. We will regularly share your child's progress with you to help with support and learning at home.

Planning is built around your child's interests. With guidance for planning activities by myself with help from the EYFS. It is important activities are organised with your child's interest and way of learning in mind. We provide a rich resources in a continuous provision setting. This allows free choice and allows children to forth fill their individual interests. Regular observations are made to make sure no chances are missed to extend all your child's areas of development.and interests

By observing your child we will be able to see how they are developing. This will help us plan and make sure we are providing activities to keep up with your child's developmental speed or identify areas that may be providing challenges your child is having difficulties with. We will then draw on our knowledge and training . If we need more advice we can go to PACEY and ask for assistance in identifying what is needed. If the child has English as an additional language we can access resources to help your child as well as getting advice from yourselves. We have a large variety of resources for all ages and stages of development. We regularly attend training to update our knowledge and be up to date with all latest research

We are responsible for making your child feel safe and secure while in our care. This is both emotionally and physically. We will help with this support through their time with us and while going onto pre-school and school. This is where we feel childminders offer a unique service that we can be there to support your child through their whole childhood, building a secure setting for them throughout the years in our care. We make sure the setting is secure making sure all documentation is up to date ie DBS for anyone over 16yrs. First Aid and other safeguarding training is up to date . We have strong regularly up dated policies .

Have attended training on speech and language and baby signing. I can use basic Makaton. We are working with a child with Autism at present and have worked in the past with children with Aspergers, sight and hearing problems, ADHD, behavioural issues, bilingual children and dyspraxia. We have strong support form PACEY, the local authorities and can seek advice from other professionals such as your child's health visitor.

Regular training is undertaken to keep our setting as up to date as possible. We also read and follow media for any interesting research we may find helpful. We are always eager to work with organisations that parents may already be involved with. I have recently completed a level 4 in Safeguarding. Have current first aid and hold a level 3 in Early Years Childcare and Education.

When planning activities and outings we will always ask parents for advice. All places visited will go through risk assessment with you child specific needs in mind. For example making sure dietary requirements are met for a child with allergies or the building's suitable for our needs; accessible toilets etc. No child will be excluded from activities due to their additional needs.

We have a purpose built playroom. Play, rest, eating and hygiene needs are all met on one floor. The house is accessible through a side or front door. we also have wide back patio door that can be accessed through the back of the house. We have a downstairs toilet, dinning area, play area for art and craft etc. We have a secluded secure back garden of a good size with hard and soft areas and it is easily accessible through low level double doors. We are close to local parks and schools and do school runs to New Milton infants and juniors and also Ashley infants and juniors. We also cover most local pre-schools .We can on occasions also offer a pick up and drop off service.

When coming to us for the first time we suggest some settling in sessions. We also then support children going on to their next setting ie pre-school and when possible help with settling in sessions and help with transport to and from. We supply literature for when these next educations steps are needed ie if a parent is entitled to 2 yr old EYE funding or when they get their EYE 15 hrs at 3 years old and how the parents would like to use this. We will then hopefully be there to help support your child through all these educational progressions right through to secondary school.

I provide government funded places for 2 & 3 year olds. Additional funding can be claimed for children with special educational needs (SEN) WE are also at present finding out how " Pupil premium" may help children in our care and who is eligible.

We will use your child's observations and learning journey along side your child's 2 year old check to decide if your child will be helped by additional support. We will liaise with PACEY and other organisations and other settings the child attends to come to this decision.This will then result in a tailored individual learning plan for your child with all the input needed from the relative organisations.To help us determine the best next steps forward.

You will be kept up to date in all areas of development. This will be done verbally or through an organised meeting. Then on going through a daily dairy or report where needed. You will be regularly asked for input on your child's interest at home and any ideas you may have that you know may help your child. We will work hand in hand on your child's ongoing development.