Bew, Sarah Kim

At drop off time I always take a few moments to ask how the child is and what they have been doing since I last saw them. At this point parents have the opportunity to pass on information that may affect them through the day i.e. if they had a late night or disturbed sleep. Each early years child is given a communication diary which enables me to inform parents what their child has been doing whilst in my care as well as providing them with a way of informing me of relevant things.

I use the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum as a guide for the children's development. All children are unique, so their learning is initially built around their interests, and then activities are adapted to meet their individual next steps across all areas of learning. Children are encouraged to explore and investigate a variety of experiences, with support from myself where required. Children are observed through play and next steps are adjusted as required. I ensure the safety of the children at all times.

I observe all children during play to assess their individual needs and use this knowledge to take their learning forward. I record progress regularly in learning journals and communication books and by setting achievable next steps. Should I have any concerns, these are shared and discussed with parents regularly, I can obtain additional support from my PACEY co-ordinator, the local authority or other professionals bodies.

I am responsible for ensuring your child is safe and secure; both emotionally and physically. I encourage healthy eating and snacks will always include fruit. My home is risk assessed before each session for safety and I carry out continuous risk assessments when out and about. My car is regularly serviced and I have a range of car seats available. I update my safeguarding training regularly. I am trained in first aid and have first aid kits in my home, car and a basic one in my buggy. All medication is stored in a secure place, a record is kept of all medications held and dosage, time of administration is recorded and signed by the parent. All incidents and accidents are recorded. Myself and any other adults in the house over 16 are Criminal Records Bureau (now DBS) checked. I have registered with the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) as a data handler.

I have a strong network of support from other childminders both locally and online, alongside Hampshire County Council Services for Young Children Department. I can access further expertise from my PACEY co-ordinator, the local authority or seek advice from other professionals bodies.

I am always happy to work closely with parent carers and outside agencies to learn specific skills to support children with additional needs. I am first aid trained.

As a small setting, all children are included in all activities which include trips to a local farm, walks in the forest and trips to the various parks in the area. Trips out are part of my normal daily routine. All venues are continually risk assessed.

I live in a detached property in a quiet cul-de-sac with parking on the drive or in a small lay-by opposite my house. Unfortunately I do not have wheelchair access and there are steps to both the front and back doors. I have a secure back garden for play. I have downstairs toilet facilities. I collect from and liaise with St. Paul's Preschool and Tadley Primary School which are both a few minutes walk away, there are also a number of local parks to enjoy.

I encourage parents to visit my home to meet myself and my family and offer the opportunity for children and families to attend settling in sessions prior to starting. The school and preschool runs and attending school performances and assemblies give the younger children the opportunity to gain confidence in a preschool/school environment which helps dramatically as they gain an element of familiarity prior to starting.

I provide Government funded early years education places for 3 & 4 year olds. Additional funding can be claimed for children with special educational needs (SEN). I have a wide range of indoor and outdoor toys available, I regularly take the children to the library where they enjoy Rhyme Time.

I observe the children in my care continuously and make a decision on whether your child will benefit from extra support with the additional information from the 2 year check. This will be discussed with my Professional Association of Childcare and Early Years (PACEY) co-coordinator, as well as yourself (as the child's parents/carer), and moved on from there. An Individual Education Plan will be devised for your child with your input. This is reviewed over a term to learn what impact the support has had on your child, and what should be put in to place next.

Parents will be consulted whenever possible and kept up to date with their child's progress and care. They are encouraged to support their child's learning and development at home. Parents have regular visibility of learning journals and the next steps and are encouraged to make comments in these as well as on the 2 year check.