Rachel Emms - childminder

Parents or guardians are asked to fill in a form prior to starting so that I can gain some insight into their child. I then create my own records for each child, looking at their development and linking it to documents such as Development Matters or Early Years Outcomes. I have also used books and the internet to research further. I keep learning journals for each child that show what they are achieving as well as looking at the next steps that I want to encourage them in. Two year old checks are also carried out to help identify any issues and a copy is given to parents.

I provide daily dairies for the children that I look after which outline what we have done each day, how they are and progress that has happened. These are very much two way books with parents able to contribute too. I also send Whatsapp photos during the day with little messages. Learning journals are sent home on a regular basis for parents to see, comment on and add to. There is also a chance to share information at drop off and collection times, or a meeting can be arranged if preferred.

All activities in my setting are tailored to the individual children I look after. I am constantly looking at the next steps each child is ready to take and ensuring that there are resources available to aid their learning. They have free access to toys within my setting to enable them to choose toys that are the right level for them. They are also able to learn a lot from watching the other children and copying them as there are a variety of ages attending.

Through the learning journals I am constantly looking at what the next activities can be for each individual and encourage them with the specific ways that they like to learn.

There are lots of opportunities for activities inside and outside. We regularly attend different types of settings, such as toddler groups, soft play, parks, others houses etc to have lots of different learning environments.

I use the help and knowledge available from the Local Authority as well as their training. I also use resources available on the internet to help guide.

I am able to access the Speech and Language drop in. They have helped me immensely with my own children and have given me lots of ideas and activities that I can use to help others.

I am also able to access support form the local Children's Centres and utilise resources from the Toy Library.

All children are regularly observed and these observations are shared with parents and guardians. What I do is done very much in partnership with parents and guardians with chances to discuss things available through daily diaries, Whatsapp and drop off and pick up times.

Children with additional needs will also have an Individualised Education Program (IEP) which spells out your child's learning needs and how progress will be measured. This will be monitored every 8-10 weeks. It will help to ensure that appropriate strategies and support are in place to meet your child’s needs.

I also carry out a two year development check which provides a good reference for each childs development.

I always like to be familiar with the places that we visit so that I can ensure that any appropriate measures are put in place so that all children can enjoy them regularly. There are lots of brilliant parks, soft plays and centres that are inclusive environments that I routinely take children to.

My home is unfortunately not accessible for wheelchair users as there are steps to enter and exit the house. However I operate only on the ground floor and have a downstairs bathroom.

I will be able to assist with helping to familiarise them with the new setting they will be attending and have good links with the local preschool and primary school. Any information that we have that will help with your child’s transition to the school will be passed on, in line with regulations, to make it a smoother transition with consistent strategies for helping them. We often do trips to visit the setting, even if not able to go inside, to familiarise them with it and use it as a chance to talk about and ask questions. I also use books to help.

I constantly discuss any issues that arise on a daily basis but also regularly look for feedback from parents in the form of a questionnaire. The results from this can help me to change and adapt the setting to try and be as effective as possible. I also look to work with any other settings that the child might attend, to gain insight from them.

Please contact me to see if I have space available and so we can discuss your requirements. I always arrange to meet with new parents and their child before they start with me.

The procedure for complaints is laid out in my policies and procedures that all new parents receive. If there are any complaints they will be documented and available to see.

I ask parents to complete a questionnaire on a regular basis that gives me feedback and also have references from the families that I have worked with in the past. Prospective parents are welcome to look through them.