Zoe Holzherr - childminding service

I live in Woodley with my son, who started at Willow Bank Infant School in September 2017.

I was approved by Ofsted in May 2016 and started childminding in September 2016.

Before this, I was a lawyer for 20 years but since having my son, I have enjoyed spending time with him and other children and helping with their learning and development. I realised I had a real passion for early years education and wanted to retrain as a childminder.

I live on the Airfield and make good use of the local parks, toddler groups and the library.  I also regularly go out and about to local farms, Dinton Pastures, The Lookout, soft play centres and other community events.

I provide a welcoming, fun and safe learning environment.  I provide many different activities for children to enjoy, including creative and messy play, cooking and baking, painting, drawing, role play to include dressing up, educational games and activities.  I also allow time for looking at books, story telling and music/dance. I enjoy the outdoors and include outdoor play regularly, both at home and away from my home. 

I have a safe and secure garden with a children's play area which includes a slide, a rocker, playhouse, outdoor games and a small football goal.  I also have a large water and sand table, an outdoor "mud" kitchen and various other outdoor toys.  I have a vegetable patch and encourage the children to plant vegetables, look after them and hopefully cook and eat the produce. 

I have completed the Childminding Pre-Registration Training Programme and Universal Safeguarding Level 1 through Wokingham Borough Council.

I have my Paediatric First Aid Certificate. I have completed the Level 2 Food Hygiene course. 

I continue to develop my knowledge of early years learning and development by undertaking training courses on an ongoing basis.

Vacancy information

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

I will have some spaces available from September 2024. I will also have some before and after school availability from Willow Bank Pre-School, Infants and Junior Schools from September 2024. I am available for school holiday care and ad hoc child care so please contact me to discuss your requirements.

Contact information

Contact Name
Zoe Holzherr
Contact Position
Childminder
Telephone
07786 253552 07786 253552
E-mail
zoeholzherr@gmail.com

Location

Postcode
RG5
View RG5 on a map

When is it On/Open ?

Date & Time Information

Monday to Friday: 7.30am to 5.30pm although extended hours can be discussed on an individual basis.

All year round and before and after school.  Holiday cover also provided.

Availability
All Year

Costs and Fee Information

Cost(s)
Table of costs
AmountCost Type
£6.00 Per Hour
Before and after school hours to be discussed on individual basis
Cost details

The hourly rate includes all drinks and snacks. It also includes a home cooked evening meal if the child is here after 4.30pm. It does not include nappies/wipes or formula. Additional healthy and home made meals can be provided for a small additional cost to suit parents and children's needs.

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
Funding Notes

I offer funded places for all children, when they qualify. I accept childcare vouchers and the government tax free childcare scheme. 

Accessing this service

Age Ranges
0-8 years. Older children can be accomodated for before and after school hours and in the holidays.

Provision For (Childcare Specific)

Wheelchair Access

No wheelchair access

Special Diet

Has provision for special diet
Notes
My son had a lactose intolerance as a baby and therefore I have experience of managing this.
Has provision for special needs

Childcare Specifics

School Pickups

Schools
Willow Bank Infant School
Willow Bank Junior School
Willow Bank Pre-School

Ofsted

Inspection history
Inspection History
Inspection DateInspection typeInspection Outcome
18/05/2018Inspection (Early Years Register)Good
09/02/2024Inspection (Early Years Register)Good
Ofsted URN
EY500032
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 28/06/2023

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

Initially by settling in sessions, completing "All About Me" forms and with discussions with the family. If additional support is identified, then an action plan would be put into place to support the childs needs.

By carrying out regular observations and tracking progress against the EYFS and Development Matters and setting new targets.

By contacting other relevant professionals after discussing with parents/carer to support the child, the family and myself.

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

I use an online diary system (currently Kinderly) which provides parents with daily summaries and also observations and development tracking can be accessed directly by the parent/carer. Parents are encouraged to feedback what the child enjoys and experiences at home to enhance their learning.

 

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

To provide freely accessible resources to all children to ensure that they can make their own choices.   Provide opportunities for outdoor play, regular outings in the local area and toddler groups to widen children's experiences. 

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

I would seek advice and support of my Early Years Advisor and attend any relevant training to help me to support a child with additional needs. 

I would source specialist equipment and toys,  if required.

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

I carry out a Baseline Assessment within the first 4 weeks of a child starting at my setting, regular observations and a summary of learning and development for each EYFS child in my setting. This enables me to identify any areas where the child may need extra support and can plan activities accordingly. This information is shared with parents/carers regularly. 

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

When planning trips, I would check the facilities and accessibility in advance. Regular trips to the park and toddler groups would be assessed and adapted, if necessary so that children of all abilities can play and engage happily and safely. I would ensure that I have the correct equipment at my settling to enable the child with additional needs to be included in all of the activities planned. 

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

My property is not accessible for wheelchair users as there is a step up into the front door and I do not have a down stairs toilet. The property does not provide a big enough area for free movement for wheelchair users. 

Due to no downstairs bathroom/toilet, it would be difficult to accommodate children with other mobility issues. 

A visit and discussions with the parent/carer would be required to see if my setting would be appropriate.

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

I will assist each child to be school ready and to make the transition as smooth as possible.  My Summary of Development would be provided to the parent/carer for them to pass onto the new setting.

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

I regularly review my policies, procedures and risk assessments. I encourage parents/carers to feedback to me their likes and and dislikes of my setting as well as asking for feedback on anything the parents/carers would like to see included at my setting. 

I assess my setting regularly to ensure that I am meeting the childrens needs to the best of my ability.

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

Make contact with me directly to establish what availability I have.  I would then make an appointment for you and your child to visit my setting and discuss your specific requirements, show you around my setting and provide you with copies of my policies and procedures. If you are happy to proceeding then contracts and deposits are dealt with and settling in sessions are booked in the run up to your child's start date.

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

I welcome any feedback from parents/carers to ensure that I am meeting the needs of the families I work with.

I encourage open communication with the families I work with. I have a complaints policy in place. 

Last Update

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