Karen Ward - Childminder at A Real Madhouse Childcare

A Real Madhouse Childcare logo (PNG)

I have been involved in childcare for the past 29 years. Firstly with my own children aged 29, 27 and 26, as Chairperson and Pre-School Assistant at The Rides Pre-School for 3 years, and now as a Registered Childminder and grandparent to two children.

I was awarded 'OUTSTANDING' in my last three OFSTED inspections. I provide reliable, quality care and peace of mind for parents whilst providing the children in my care with a safe, fun environment within a loving family home with specially built playrooms, areas for craft activities and a large kitchen for cooking healthy child friendly main meals and occasional children's cooking activities.

I am fully qualified to level 3 in Childcare Learning and Development and regularly attend conferences, workshops and training courses for my continuing professional development including child protection, paediatric first aid and food hygiene. My report can be viewed when visiting and excellent references are available from past and present parents.

Vacancy information

Vacancy range(s)
FromToPlaces
0 3 1
4 5 1
Vacancies Information

One space on a Thursday all day One space on a Friday all day One space after school on Mondays for Nursery/ Reception child

Contact information

Contact Name
Karen Ward
Contact Position
Childminder
Telephone
07780651782 07780651782
E-mail
a.real.madhouse@btinternet.com
Social Media

Location

Postcode
RG40
View RG40 on a map

When is it On/Open ?

Date & Time Information

Monday to Friday: 7:30am - 5.30pm

Availability
All Year

Costs and Fee Information

Cost(s)
Table of costs
AmountCost Type
From £6.00 per hour Full Time Daily Rate - Under 3 years of age
£6.50 per hour After School Club
Cost details

For children aged 3 - 4 years receiving funding from local government there will be additional charges for consumables and outings.

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

Facilities and Accessibility

Facilities
Car Parking
Free Parking
Additional Information

Pets - One dog on premises v.good with children

Accessing this service

Age Ranges
3 months to 8 years

Provision For

Supporting people with
Children with Additional Needs
Behavioural
Dietary needs

Provision For (Childcare Specific)

Wheelchair Access

No wheelchair access

Special Diet

Has provision for special diet
Notes
Can cater for nut allergies and lactose intolerance
Has provision for special needs
Experience with
Delayed speech
Visual impairment
ADHD
Serious allergy
Downs syndrome
Allergies
Dyslexia
Hearing Difficulties
Asthma
Emotional needs

Childcare Specifics

School Pickups

Schools
Gorse Ride Nursery

Ofsted

Inspection history
Inspection History
Inspection DateInspection typeInspection Outcome
01/09/2006CareGood
27/08/2009Inspection (Early Years Register)Outstanding
14/01/2016Inspection (Early Years Register)Outstanding
26/02/2020Inspection (Early Years Register)Outstanding
Ofsted URN
EY270073
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 20/02/2017

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

Before a child starts with me they will have been for an initial visit and I will have visited them at home. We then decide on settling in time to get the child used to me and my setting. If a child has any additional needs these would be discussed at length with the child’s parents/carers prior to contracts being signed. We would put into place a plan to help the child for day 1 to settle and feel included whilst taking into account their individual needs. I would contact any other professionals already involved with the child to ensure I provide holistic care and taht I am completely informed about all of the childs needs.

If a child attends my setting not already having any additional needs confirmed but after a period of care I had thoughts about this I would first talk to the parents/carers by arranging a meeting so we could discuss everyones thoughts. In children under 4 any slight concerns would have already been mentioned in daily diary entries. I would work with the parents to support them and direct them to the correct diagnosis or assessment professionals so parents can access the best possible support.

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

 Daily diary entries, hand over chats and regular meetings with parents.

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

I always adapt any activity in my setting to encourage all ages of children to be able to take part and enjoy an activity together. This is the same for any child with addition needs at my setting. Planning is always done in advance so that the equipment and resources are set out ready to deal with any adaptation that may need to take place. Children are challenged but this is always appropriate to their age, stage of development and taking into account any additional needs.

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

To ensure I am providing the correct support I will educate myself on the specific needs of the child and ensure I speak regularly with the other professionals in the childs life as well as the parents. THis will ensure I am aware of any new problems or achievements. 

 

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

All early years children have a Learning Journey folder. This is updated regularly and shared with the parents termly. This folder notes down where the child is in their learning and development, any planning/ goals and summaries of devlopment as well as parental input. In addition every EYFS child has a daily diary where I note down the days events and any learning / develolment activities the child has taken part in and the palnning on from this.

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

 Regular risk assessments are carried out of my setting and outings. This ensures children get the same opportunities to attend outings and participate in activities as far as possible.

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

 My home is not wheelchair accessible

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

 If a child moves from my setting to another setting or to school I speak with the new professional in the childs life. Do a letter telling them about the child and their abilities, likes, dislikes as well as details of what I think might make the transition easier. I also pass on the learning journey together with an up to date summary of the childs learning and development in all seven areas of learning to date.

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

 I constantly assess my setting including the overall effectiveness of its SEN provision and make changes where necessary. Because of the relationships I have with all of the parents they are able to make suggestions on a daily basis ( as and when they think of something) if they think there is something that could be improved.

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

 Initial contact either by phone or email. I then send parents a copy of my policies and proceduers to read through. If after this they would like to visit we make arrangements for a short initial visit during working hours for a look around and to meet me ( and for me to meet the child). The parents are then encouraged to go away and discuss their feelings about placing their child with me. If they decide to go ahead then I will visit them at their home to complete the initial paperwork, discuss settling in and see the child in their home enviroment.

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

 I handout feedback forms regularly and have an online feedback form as well. This encourages parents to tell me their feelings about the setting and any improvements they might have thought about but not yet mentioned. 

My parent pack details all of my policies including my complaints policy and states that if parents are not happy with the way I have handled a complaint then they can contact OFSTED. It gives the address and phone number for this.

Last Update

Data last checked:

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