KETTERING CHILDMINDER

No, we do not have any dogs, cats, or other pets in our home. This decision has been made for a variety of reasons:

1. Our daughter is afraid of dogs, due to a previous experience with an overly friendly dog in a park. By not having pets, we create a more comfortable environment for her and other children who may share similar fears.
    
2. We understand that there are a limited number of childminders without pets, and we want to offer an alternative option for families who prefer a pet-free environment for their children.
    
3. By not having pets, we can provide an allergen-free environment for children with allergies or sensitivities to pet dander, fur, or feathers. This helps to create a more inclusive and comfortable space for all children.
    
4. A pet-free environment is generally easier to keep clean, minimising the presence of pet hair, odours, and any potential messes created by animals. This ensures a more hygienic setting for the children.
    
5. While pets can provide valuable companionship and learning opportunities for children, there is always a small risk of injury from scratches, bites, or accidents. By not having pets, we can minimise this risk and maintain a safer environment.
    
6. Pets can sometimes be a source of distraction for children, especially during learning activities. Without pets, we can better maintain a focused and structured environment for children to engage in planned activities and learning experiences.
    
7. Without pets, we have increased flexibility for planning trips and outings without needing to consider pet care or restrictions on where animals are allowed. This allows us to explore a wider range of locations and experiences with the children in our care.

Our priority is to create a safe, nurturing, and inclusive space where all children can thrive, and we believe that maintaining a pet-free environment helps us to achieve this goal.

Our approach to planning activities and supporting children's learning and development revolves around books and literacy. We believe that every child should enjoy the adventures and endless stories that books can offer, leading to engaging activities, games, and more.

We base our activities on the children's interests, derived from the books and stories they enjoy. These activities are designed to cover the seven areas of learning outlined in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS):

1. Communication and language
2. Physical development
3. Personal, social, and emotional development
4. Literacy
5. Mathematics
6. Understanding the world
7. Expressive arts and design

Our setting is tailored to provide the perfect backdrop for these adventures. We have a safe playroom, a quiet living space for reading and relaxing, and a secure outdoor play area. Additionally, we are just a short walk from Wicksteed Park, offering endless opportunities for outdoor adventures and learning experiences.

As we guide children through their literary journeys, we ensure a balanced routine that supports their development and well-being. We regularly communicate with parents and carers about their child's progress, as well as their favourite books and stories. By working together, we can set achievable goals and targets to further enhance the child's learning journey.

Our ultimate goal is to provide a supportive, nurturing environment that cultivates a love for reading and learning, inspiring children to embark on endless adventures through the magic of books.

I am highly qualified as a childminder with a strong background in primary education and early years. With 10 years of experience as a Key Stage 2 primary school teacher, I am well-equipped to support children's learning and development. I hold a BA Hons in Primary Teaching with QTS from the University of Hull, Scarborough (2011) and a BTEC National Diploma in Early Years from Tresham College, Kettering (2008).

To further enhance my childminding skills, I have recently completed the Childminder Introductory Training Course (March 2023) from childmindinguk.com, which covers essential modules such as:

• Developing Children's Learning
• Leading and managing a childminding setting
• Recording children's development
• Safeguarding children and designated lead
• Understanding and working with the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage)

I also have a Paediatric First Aid certification, ensuring the utmost safety and wellbeing of the children in my care.

Ensuring the safety and security of the children in our care is of paramount importance to us. We have implemented a range of measures and protocols to create a safe and secure environment for the children:

1. Risk assessments: We regularly conduct thorough risk assessments of our setting, both indoors and outdoors, to identify and address any potential hazards. This includes our home, play areas, and any external locations we visit.

2. Safeguarding training: We have completed safeguarding training and stay up-to-date with the latest best practices to ensure the well-being of the children in our care. This includes maintaining a designated lead for safeguarding and child protection.

3. First Aid certification: We hold a valid Paediatric First Aid certification, enabling us to respond effectively to any accidents or emergencies that may occur.

4. Secure setting: Our home and outdoor play area are designed with safety in mind. We use safety gates, secure fencing, smoke alarms, door latches, and socket covers, as well as many other measures for peace of mind. Any potentially hazardous materials or objects are stored out of reach of the children.

5. Supervision: We maintain the appropriate child-to-adult ratio as per Ofsted guidelines, ensuring that every child receives the necessary attention and supervision at all times.

6. Emergency procedures: We have established clear emergency procedures and regularly review them to ensure their effectiveness. This includes procedures for fire safety, first aid, and any other potential emergencies.

7. Open communication: We maintain open and transparent communication with parents and carers, keeping them informed about their child's well-being and any incidents that may occur.

By implementing these measures, we strive to create a safe, secure, and nurturing environment for all children in our care, where they can learn, grow, and have fun with peace of mind for both parents and carers.

Our fees are based on the individual needs and requirements of each child and the hours of care provided. We are happy to discuss these with you during an initial consultation, taking into account any specific requests or requirements you may have.

At the moment, we are in the process of setting up to accept government schemes and plan to provide comprehensive support options in the near future. This will include accepting childcare vouchers and government subsidies to make our childminding services more accessible to all families.

We accept recurring card payments via Stripe, which helps ensure a seamless and secure payment process. Payment is expected promptly and in advance of the child's attendance. We appreciate timely payments to help us maintain a high-quality service for all children in our care.

If you experience any difficulties with payments or have concerns about meeting the fees, please let us know as soon as possible. We are committed to working with families to find the best solution and ensure that all children have access to our caring and nurturing environment.

Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or would like more information about our fees and payment policies.