Details

FACILITIES AVAILABLE

We have a spacious, purpose-built playroom and lounge and quiet room available for the children.  We have downstairs toilet facilities. Meals are prepared and eaten in the kitchen.

TOYS AND EQUIPMENT

‘Play, excitement, imagination, pleasure: they all help children learn naturally the things they have to learn, and gain the confidence they must gain.’

I always consider the ages and number of children that I am looking after, and the pattern of attendance.  These facts enable me to ensure that I can prepare opportunities, a variety of activities, play and outings.  These allow them the opportunity to explore, learn about themselves, other people and the physical world, at their individual levels of development.  These activities are designed to keep the children’s interest and enable me to talk and listen to the children, stimulate their interest and meet their individual needs.

Depending on the child’s individual needs and stage of development, I provide opportunities for :

• Make believe/imaginative play, i.e. a ‘home corner’, puppets and dressing up clothes,

• Small world toys

• Cooking and practical activities,

• Objects of sorting and threading,

• Puzzles – different types and difficulties depending on age,

• Drawing and painting – use of crayons, pencils, pens,

• Modelling, junk modelling – playdough and models made from household waste items,

• Books – I have a wide range of books, from card books to paperbacks for young readers.  They are available to the children throughout the day to enjoy on their own but I also read to the children daily,

• Videos/DVD’s – I liaise with the parents. Can the children watch a limited amount, which are educational based,

• Construction items –  wooden blocks, various types of Lego, depending on child development,

• Outdoor play – static climbing frames, balls, and many items for outdoor use.

• Pre-school playgroups and outings to say, feed the ducks or visit the park/playground.

I provide different activities to suit the age and development of the individual children and have included a sample weekly plan here.

All of the facilities and equipment are available and readily accessible to the children throughout the day.  Children can join in with specified activities or use other toys etc that they wish.

MEALTIMES

All of the children are encouraged to sit down and eat together. I also use this time to talk about the day and review what each child has done and enjoyed.

OUTINGS

Outings are dependant upon numbers and ages of the children. They may include playgrounds, parks, farms and soft-play.

CHILDMINDING GROUPS AND ORGANISATIONS

I am a member of the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY) and receive regular information on childcare. I subscribe to Nursery World, which provides regular updates on childcare issues and activities.

TRAINING

I ensure that I keep up to date with current techniques, and to aide my ongoing training and development, continue to attend various courses, training sessions and workshops.

A few of these have included:

• Introduction to Childminding Practice Course
• Food Hygiene Course
• Craft Activities for the over fours
• Multi-cultural outfits
• Outdoor Play
• Tackling Challenging Behaviour
• Fun with Food
• Accelerated Learning (Brain Training)
• Equal Opportunities
• Creative Play
• Music Matters
• Child Development
• Disability Discrimination Act

I have also attended a formal First Aid course, Emergency First Aid for people working with children and babies, and keep myself up to date by re-attending every three years. I have attended various first aid training sessions provided by medical specialists whilst my children have been growing up, including resuscitation.

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www.clairescaterpillars.co.uk