How do I know if children need extra help and what should I do if I think my child may have special educational needs or disabilities?
As an Ofsted Registered Childminder I must follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) 2014. This is a legal requirement. As part of the EYFS requirements I will observe your child, using my knowledge of child development and the Government publications, ‘Early Years Outcomes’ and ‘Development Matters’ to help me to assess where they are developmentally, and to see if this is where they are broadly expected to be for their age. I have an in depth knowledge of child development gained through regular training and many years’ experience and will use this to help me identify if your child is not making expected progress.
How will the curriculum be matched to my child’s needs?
My setting is child centred and child led. This means I will use what I know about each child’s interests and abilities to plan what activities and resources I provide. All children will be encouraged to experiment, explore and investigate using the wide range of toys and resources, indoors and out, which support children in all of the Early Years Foundation Stage areas of learning (http://www.foundationyears.org.uk/eyfs-statutory-framework/ ) and will be available for them to choose from independently each day. I will also set up particular themes or resources that I think might interest the children. These are known as ‘invitations to play’.
How will early years setting staff support my child?
As a Childminder I develop close relationships with the children I care for. Each child is seen as an individual with individual needs. I will gather detailed information about your child from you and, with your permission, from anyone else involved in their care, as well as from your child themselves if appropriate. I will do this when your child first starts at the setting so I know as much as possible about their abilities, strengths, likes and dislikes, home and friends etc. from the start. This will help me to get to know them and identify what kinds of activities to provide and what sort of support they will need. I will regularly observe your child in my setting and consult with you so I can plan activities that will meet your child’s interests and needs.
How will both you and I know how my child is doing and how will you help me support my child’s learning?
I will observe and assess your child while they are in my care using ‘Early Years Outcomes’ or ‘Development Matters’ supported by my own knowledge of child development to evaluate your child’s progress. I will record my observations in your child’s online ‘Tapestry’ Learning Journal which you can access via your own account at any time. I will produce written summaries of your child’s progress each term which I will also share with you. I will produce planning for your child based on their ‘next steps’ to help them to progress in my setting. These plans will also contain ideas of how you might support your child’s next steps at home. I have some resources that you will be able to borrow to help your child at home and I will share ideas from websites and magazines in my termly newsletter and in my private Facebook page. I will make home visits to observe you child in their own environment, with your permission and at your request.
