Kellyhchildminder

I believe in routine. This can reduce anxiety and stress in the settling in period and ongoing your child will know what to expect each time they visit. We may wave you off goodbye, have an activity to get stuck in to or something personal to your child ensuring they are reassured and feel safe in my home and that Mummy or Daddy are coming back soon just like they did yesterday.

Every child will have their own peg with a photo of them and their name on for their coat and bags, also they will each be given their own novelty hand towel to give them a sense of security and belonging in my home. I will talk to your child about what will be happening during our day together and encourage your child to share details of their day with you at home time.

Timekeeping also prevents your child feeling rushed or anxious so I do ask for you to be on time for both Arrival and Home time. Please see Arrival / Home time Policy. If you are late to collect your child, late fees will apply. Please see Fees Policy and Uncollected Child Policy. I operate an Attendance Record and Visitors book that parents and careers are required to sign each child in and out, including dates and times.

We may be going by car, walking or travelling by pushchair, however we are travelling we will be taking every opportunity to learn from our surroundings, sing, count, laugh and have fun with stories regardless of age. I will exchange information with schools and nurserys and again to parents ensuring we are all working together. 

Meals and Snack Time

We choose Healthy and nutritious options through the day. Please see my Healthy Eating Policy. They will be included when we make shopping lists and go to the supermarket helping them to feel valued and included. You are required to provide a healthy packed lunch for your child. Please follow the healthy eating guidelines.

Playtime and Activity Learning

Each child is unique and learns in different ways, therefore activities and outings are planned and tailored to suit each individual child depending on their age, interests, needs and abilities. I regularly observe and reflect on children playing and use this information to plan further future learning activity opportunities.

I have worked out a yearly calendar of world events and themes that we plan activities around. We look at all religious days to celebrate.

Here are some of the activites we enjoy, Cooking ~ Baking ~ Cutting and sticking ~ Painting ~ Drawing ~ Experiments ~ Sand/water play ~ Junk modelling ~ Collages ~ Card making ~ Lego ~ Building bricks ~ Mega blocks ~ Play dough ~ Sensory play ~ Reading ~ Puzzles ~ Dressing up ~ Trains & Tracks ~ Board games ~ Dancing ~ Music ~ Role play ~ Construction ~ Treasure hunts.

Toddler groups ~ Children's Centre’s ~ Parks ~ Libraries ~ Museums ~ Shops ~ Welly walks ~ Cafes ~ Play Dome ~ Arboretum’s ~ Forests ~ Animal/Pet Shops ~ National Trust properties and events

I will discuss with you and your child the kind of things they enjoy doing at home and be guided by his/her likes, dislikes, needs, age, interests and abilities, ensuring activities are enjoyable and challenging, whilst being mindful of health and safety and the needs of others. I believe that by letting children choose the activities they would like shows them I value their views and opinions, enhancing their confidence, self-esteem and independence – see A Typical Day for a list of some of the activities we enjoy.

A change of environment is a great opportunity to learn, explore and to try new things. We visit a wide variety of places - see A Typical Day, tailored to suit your child's age, interests, needs and abilities. When we are out and about we still have similar times for snacks, meals and rest to maintain consistency in your child's routines.

I often take children to the park after school if they would like and I am aware they may prefer to have some chill out time watching appropriate TV, listening to music, playing with toys/games or reading when they get back from school and a snack for an energy boost. I feel older children may also enjoy having a certain amount of responsibility, making them feel valued and important; I will encourage them to help with meal time routines such as planning a menu, writing a list, helping to prepare meals and with the clearing up. I will also encourage older children to help set a good example to the younger ones by getting their homework done; tidying away toys and books, turn taking/sharing and sitting nicely at the dinner table. Please advise me if you would like me to help with homework/music practice or whether it is something you would prefer to do with your child at home.

I take the children on daily school runs and outdoor activities/outings so please ensure you send your child in appropriate clothing for the conditions, e.g. sun hats in hot sun; coats, water proofs, hats, gloves, jumpers and wellies in rain/snow; I also request early years children brings spare clothes daily in case they need to get changed. It may be easier to leave a spare pair of wellies at the setting for impromptu welly walks/rainy days.

There is parking available at the setting on and in front of the driveway.