Amanda Darkins - childminder

I moved to Winnersh with my 3 daughters in September 2017. I have been an Ofsted register childminder since 2007. I have worked with an assistant and alongside another childminder in the past and currently work with 2 register assistants here, one just helping with our after school childrens activities. I have cared for children from as young as 3 weeks and as old as 13. We are looking forward to having a busy house again. I have a Facebook page that will show you what activities we get up to.

Vacancy information

Vacancy range(s)
FromToPlaces
0 4 2
5 7 1
8+ 1
Vacancies Information

2 full time vacancy for under 5yrs old from end of July

0 part time vacancy available for immediate start

1 vacancies for 5 to 8 year olds

Over 8 please contact me

Contact information

Contact Name
Amanda Darkins
Contact Position
Childminder
Telephone
0795 6163772 0795 6163772
E-mail
Wmachildcare@outlook.com
Social Media

Location

Postcode
RG41

When is it On/Open ?

Date & Time Information

Monday to Friday 7am to 5pm

Availability
All Year
Part Time
School Holiday Cover
School Holidays
May/June Half Term Holidays
After school
October Half-term Holiday
February Half Term Holidays
Full Time
Easter Holidays
Summer Holidays
Term Time
Emergency Care

Costs and Fee Information

Accepts childcare vouchers
Contact provider for costs
Registered to offer
3 & 4 year old funding, 30 Hours, 2 year old funding
Intending to provide 30 hours
Registered to provide 30 hours
Help with funding is available

Facilities and Accessibility

Facilities
Premises near a train station
Premises on a bus route
Outdoor Play Area
Toilets
Indoor Play Area
Accessible parking
Accessible toilet

Accessing this service

Age Ranges
0 - 10 years

Provision For

Supporting people with
Dietary needs

Quality Assurance

Accreditation
  • First aid
  • Safeguarding for all
  • Safeguarding for designated officer
  • Food Allergy
  • Prevent duty and anti radicalisation 
  • Autism awareness
  • Child sexual exploitation 
  • Children's mental health
  • Supporting parents

Provision For (Childcare Specific)

Wheelchair Access

Has wheelchair access

Special Diet

Has provision for special diet
Has provision for special needs

Childcare Specifics

School Pickups

Schools
Bearwood Primary School

Ofsted

Inspection history
Inspection History
Inspection DateInspection typeInspection Outcome
14/01/2009Inspection (Early Years Register)Satisfactory
11/03/2015Inspection (Early Years Register)Good
02/02/2017Inspection (Early Years Register)Good
25/10/2022Inspection (Early Years Register)Good
18/10/2023Inspection (Early Years Register)Inadequate
Ofsted URN
EY357172
Ofsted report
Click here to view the latest Ofsted Inspection Report
Local Offer

Local Offer - Support available for children and young people with additional needs

Local Offer Description

Local Offer last reviewed 16/04/2018

1. How does the childminder identify children with additional needs or SEND ?

I arrange settling in sessions for children to help them familiarise themselves with my home, myself and the other children in the settling. Any already known additional needs will be discussed with parents so I can gather as much information and guidance as possible to help with their child’s needs and I can aide them in the best way I can.

2. How will I be informed / included about the ways in which my child is being supported ?

I speak to parents daily, at drop off and collection, this enables us to both share information at the beginning and end of each day the child attends. I also follow the EYFS and track children’s progress which will highlight any concerns.

3. How will the childminder adapt the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum for my child?s needs ?

All resource activities are age and stage appropriate for all children that attend. If I felt I needed extra support I would seek it to ensure each child in my setting gets the best support I can give them.

4. What additional support does the childminder provide for children with additional needs or SEND ?

I would seek support from childminder friends, Wokingham council Early Years or drop-in centres. I keep all training up to date and if needed I am happy to do any extra training I have not already done. I would discuss plans to help the child with parents and take on board any suggestions parents may want to add.

5. How will the childminder monitor my child's progress and how will I be involved in this ?

I keep a journal of activities we have done each day and link them to the EYFS. I do observations every 3-6 weeks. I also keep a tracker for each child. All of these combined ensure each child is monitored closely. I like to send these home at the end of each term but they are always to hand so should a parent want to see their child’s progress more often they are more than welcome and all parental feedback is welcomed and encouraged.

6. How does the childminder ensure children with additional needs or SEND can be included in the same activities as other children, including trips ?

Before each activity or outing I risk assess and if needed adapt to suit all children in my care. If I felt I needed extra help I would do outing or activity on one of the days I met with another childminder, I would also speak to parents for guidance.

7. How accessible is the childminder?s home for children with mobility difficulties / wheelchair users ?

There is nothing higher than a kerb to access my home or my garden. The toilet and hand washing facilities are bothering downstairs. All resources would be accessible to a wheelchair user. I would consult with the parents and get their advice on anything they felt would benefit their child whilst at my setting.

8. How will the childminder contribute to my child?s transition to a new setting or school ?

When the time was approaching for the transition I would talk positively to the child about their new ‘adventure’, I would, where possible, visit the new setting/school, take the child on school runs as much as possible so they can see somewhere different is good and positive. I would read stories about children going through transitions to try to help them understand a little more about what the future holds. I would pass on journals, trackers and observations to the new setting so they can support the child correctly.

9. How does the childminder assess the overall effectiveness of its SEN provision and how can parents / carers take part in this evaluation ?

I send out parental questionnaires 2-3 time she a year - feedback from parents/carers can be so helpful to the running of my setting. I review my policies and procedures regularly and risk assessing is an ongoing thing on a daily basis.

10. What should I do if I am considering registering for a place with this childminder ?

Contact me to arrange a visit, I prefer for this to be while I am working so both parents and child can see how our day works. I will show all relevant paperwork and certificate to parents. If both of us are happy to go ahead we would arrange a time to do relevant paperwork and settling in dates to help all with the transition into my setting.

11. What arrangements does the childminder have for feedback from parents / carers, including compliments and complaints ?

My relationship with parents is very important to me and I like to do a verbal handover daily giving parents a chance to tell me anything that may be relevant i.e. child had a bad night - new tooth coming through. I encourage parents to raise any concerns with me at any point that they may arise, if not face to face it can be instigated via text and continued face to face at a time that’s convenient for us both. Alternatively I have a complaints policy or they can contact Ofsted direct. The feedback from parental questionnaires I hand out I have found to be very useful to help improve my setting. It’s also nice to read positive feed back and compliments on these.

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