Every Child Has the Right to Be Happy Valued Listened to and Allowed to Express Themselves

Every child has the right to be happy valued listened to and allowed to express themselves through play. I aim to provide children with a safe, loving and welcoming environment where children are happy and can develop and grow through a wide range of fun, stimulating and exciting opportunities and experiences.

I plan a variety of different activities based on each child and their needs and interests whilst also covering at least one of the main learning areas of the early year’s foundation stage.

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
• Physical Development
• Communication and language
• Mathematics

Children learn so much when they are in a safe and caring environment where they are stimulated through play. There will be lots of toys available for free play and children are made to feel comfortable to explore these for themselves, developing their independence. I will also ensure that I build a strong bond with the children so they feel comfortable and confident to ask for anything they want or need.

At home we will do lots of fun activities like baking, painting, gardening, small world play, reading, role play etc. Children will always be encouraged and motivated to join in but never forced and will always be allowed to stop doing an activity if they’ve had enough. We will also go out and about on a lot of local trips to places like the park, wizz kids, local shops, playgroups, the library, the beach and local activities or festivals. Plus we will regularly go on big trips to places such as the zoo, the living coast and farms. I will keep you informed of the activities we have done and will always inform you in advance of trips out of Brixham that I have planned. When you drop your child off I’m happy to give you an outline of the days plan but this may change due to factors like the weather.

I will constantly give lots of praise to children. No child will ever be made to feel humiliated, naughty or embarrassed. Any issues or conflicts the children have will be dealt with calmly and carefully with lots of empathy and understanding, ensuring children feel valued and understand how to manage their behaviour and resolve issues. I will never discriminate against anyone and children will be taught to respect and understand diversity. All children will learn to support and be kind to one another especially when welcoming new children.

I aim to make children feel loved, cared for and unique whilst providing them with opportunities to have fun and build happy memories in a homely setting that they enjoy coming to.

A nice way to sum up what I believe and aim to provide is H.E.D.G.E.H.O.G.S

All children deserve to have/be:

Happiness

Enrichment

Decisions

Given respect

Enjoyment

Healthy

Opportunities

Growing imaginations

Safety

I will keep the following records on your child:

A home Diary.

I will write in this every day giving details such as what your child’s eaten, what we have done and any sweet things they did or said. This will be given to you every day for you to read and write any notes or comments to me etc. Please bring this with you each time your child is in my care. This is a key part of communication to ensure your child is safe, healthy and happy.

A learning diary

I will regularly observe children and make a written record that enables me to plan how I can help children move on to the next stage of their development. In my observations I will complete sections called next steps to plan activities that enhance the children’s development. These will be stuck into the learning diary along with pictures of your child. As well as a way of tracking and aiding children’s development this will be used as a memory scrap book for you and your child to reflect on what they are doing and have done. This will stay with me but you will have access to it at any time.

My learning and development booklets

In these I will assess and track the children’s learning and development progresses in each area of the early year’s foundation stage. I will complete an assessment termly and will inform you when I have done so. These will always be available for you to look at and will be passed on to the child’s school or nursery when they make this transition.

Nappies: If your child is still in nappies (including pull-ups) I ask that you provide these and any creams they use. I will have baby wipes but if you prefer a specific type and I’m not able to provide them you are welcome to supply me with these as well. I will provide a changing mat, which will be wiped over with disinfectant between each use and nappy sacks for the disposal of used nappies.

Naps. Children will be provided with a quiet and calm area with low levels of light if they require naps. I have comfy, appealing and safe blow up ready beds for the children to sleep on. Please tell me if your child requires any different arrangements to these and give details of when and for how long your child will nap as well as any nap time routines you want me to follow. If your child is under one please discuss sleeping arrangements with me. I will regularly check napping children, at least every 5 -10 minutes , and the door will always be open slightly so I am always able to hear the children if they need me.

Food: I am happy to provide healthy snacks and drinks however I ask that if your child will be with me over lunchtime you provide a packed lunch. If you require me to give your child dinner please discuss this with me. If your child is coming to me early morning I am happy to provide a choice of cereals or toast for 50p.

Clubs: If you want me to take your child to any clubs that either requires me to stay or drop off and/or pick them up I am happy to do so as long as I am able to and it doesn’t impact on the other children in my care. Please discuss details with me and I will do everything I can to adapt my routine to make it work.

Starting school: When your child starts school, regardless of whether your child will remain in my care once in school, I will do everything I can to help with this transition. If your school offers some sessions where a parent can stay and your unable to attend I am happy to go in your place. Please discuss all your needs with me when the time comes. I will work very closely with the school and you to ensure that your child makes a happy transition. I will share information on your child’s development with their teacher to help them continue to grow and progress, I will show you all the documents I will be sharing before doing so.

I ask that you bring the following to leave at my house so that the children don’t miss out on opportunities due to sudden whether changes, we all know how unpredictable the British weather is, and to ensure your child is always comfortable.

• Raincoat
• Wellies
• Change of clothes ( or a few if your child is likely to have an accident or is toilet training)
• Jumper

Please bring your child in clothing suitable for all activities, both indoor and out. Avoid sending your child in their best clothes as we will be enjoying lots of active trips to places like the park and the ball pool.

Please never hesitate to talk to me if you have any needs, worries or requirements. If you are open and honest with me we can work together to resolve any issues and ensure all your wishes are being met. I encourage all suggestions and any ideas, activities or celebrations you wish to share.

I will always endeavor to adapt to meet the needs of the children in my care and am happy to support you with helping your child to grow and develop. I hope we can work closely together especially during times like potty training and transitions to school.

Katie Harper

24 South Furzeham Road

07583974415