Helen Melvin

Last updated: 03/10/2023

My home based setting is based upon the Montessori/Waldorf/Curiosity Approach ethos. I am currently working towards my Curiosity Approach accreditation.

I live with my husband and two of our three daughters in Calcot, West Reading. I have been a childminder for over 29 years. I offer a very flexible service; have a caring and patient nature and a very good sense of humour. I believe that childhood is a wonderful time – it is filled with so much awe, wonder and innocence, and I am totally committed to ensuring that every moment a child spends with me is explored to the full.

I provide independent, professional and affordable childminding service in West Berkshire to help your child learn and grow in a safe and nurturing environment. As a mother myself, I have a wealth of experience in dealing with children, behaviour management, toilet training and issues relating to sleeping and eating. I totally understand that leaving your child with a childminder is a huge step and a decision not to be taken lightly, so I am determined to provide quality childcare that parents can trust.

Who to contact

Contact Name
Helen Melvin
Contact Position
Owner
Telephone
0118 9454849
07967 637606
E-mail
helen@themelvins.plus.com
helen@helenmelvinschildcare.co.uk

Where to go

Name
Helen Melvin Childcare
Address
Calcot
Reading
Berkshire
Postcode
RG31

Other Details

Costs

Table of costs
Table of costs
AmountCost Type
5.50 per hour
Details
£5.50 Per Hour Full Time, Meals are in addition.

Inclusion Information

Dietary Needs

Has Provision
Yes
Details
Caeliac, vegetarian and religious dietary requirements.

Childcare Information

Vacancies

Immediate vacancies
Details
Non available
Date updated
01/10/2023
Vacancy range(s)
Vacancy range(s)
PlacesStart AgeEnd Age
0 0 1
0 1 5

Funded Places

3 & 4 year old funding
2 year old funding

30 Hours Extended Entitlements

Are you intending to provide 30 Hours?
Yes
Are you registered to provide 30 Hours?
Yes
30 Hour Partner Summary
No

Waiting List

Do you have a waiting list?
Yes

Opening Times & Facilities

Opening Times
Opening Times
DayOpening TimeClosing Time
Monday 07.30 17.30
Tuesday 07:30 17:30
Wednesday 07:30 17:30
Thursday 07:30 17:30
Friday 07:30 16.30

School Pickups

Offers pickups

Ofsted Information

Ofsted URN
510228
Link to latest ofsted inspection report 
Inspection history
Inspection History
Inspection DateInspection typeInspection Outcome
05/03/2020Inspection (Early Years Register)Good
26/11/2015Inspection (Early Years Register)Outstanding
27/09/2011Inspection (Early Years Register)Outstanding
09/01/2008CareOutstanding

Local Offer

Description

Very experienced with over 27years of professional childcare practice.  My setting is based at my home, which is a detached house with a large, secure and child friendly garden.  I have a large conservatory, which we use as our playroom.

I am committed to providing long-term nurturing care and ensuring that every moment a child spends with me is explored to the full.  I have a very professional approach to policies, paperwork and record keeping, which are available to view, and are strictly adhered to.

Contact Name
Helen Melvin
Contact Telephone
0118 9454849
Contact Email
helen@themelvins.plus.com
SEN Provision Type
Medical, Specific Literacy Difficulties, Speech & Language Difficulties, Behavioural, Emotional & Social Difficulties, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Physical Disability, Hearing Impairment, Moderate Learning Difficulties, Visual Impairment
Local Offer Age Bands
0 to 1
1 to 4
5 to 7
7 to 11
12 to 14
15 to 16
Needs Level
Low

Early Years Private, Voluntary & Independent Settings

1: How does the setting identify children with additional needs or SEND?

I continually assess and observe all of the children in my care. I also discuss with the parent any concerns that they may have about your child's developmental progress. Any concerns I have are initially discussed with the parent, and with parental permission I then seek further professional advice

2: How will I be informed / consulted about the ways in which my child is being supported?

I continually involve and liaise with parents on a daily basis through a Daily Report Book. I also work closely, and follow the advice of other professionals who also involved in the care of the child. I will use your child's strengths to build upon and boost each child's confidence and self-esteem. Where English is not a child's first language I can work with outside professional bodies to access resources to support the child in my setting. I have a wide range of resources that your child can access which are age related and support each developmental stage.

3: How will the setting adapt the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum for my child's needs?

I use the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum as a guide. All planning individually tailored to suit your child's individual development needs, using my observations as a starting point. I also use the child's interests to encourage their learning and participation. Children are encouraged to explore both indoors and outdoors to ensure that their learning is encouraged at every opportunity.

4: What teaching strategies does the setting use for children with additional needs or learning difficulties?

I work closely with outside bodies. I also include a range of photographs and makaton signs and symbols in my setting to aid children's understanding and ability to communicate their needs.

5: What additional support does the setting provide for children with additional needs or SEND?

Observations are carried out on your child and an assessment is made which will highlight areas of development that may need to be encouraged. Planning is addressed within these areas of learning. Additional funding can be claimed for children with special educational needs.

6: How will the setting monitor my child's progress and how will I be involved in this?

I am committed to providing the best, highest quality child care to the children in my care and their parents, emphasizing early childhood education in a nurturing, safe and rewarding environment, whilst promoting the physical, mental, social and emotional well-being of every child. One of the most important elements to success in my setting is open communication and good partnerships between the parents and myself. Parents are kept fully informed about your child's progress and achievements, though the use of Daily Diaries and their All About Me Observational Folders which include written and photographic observations. I use their observations to guide my planning. I am also happy to meet and chat either over the telephone, email or text. Any concerns are always shared with the parent first and with agreement, I will seek further advice from other professionals when necessary.

7: How do you ensure children with additional needs or SEND can be included in the same activities as other children, including trips?

I have an inclusion policy which is always put into practice. Before undertaking trips I will always seek your advice for guidance to ensure that your child is able to gain the most benefit from the trip. All trips are risk assessment, taking into account each child's individual health and medical needs.

8: How accessible is the building for children with mobility difficulties / wheelchair users?

I work from home, in a detached house. There is a small step into the house. All of the rooms that the children use are on the ground floor. There is a small step into the garden, which is a flat, partly grassed and partly patio. The doors are wide enough for a child's wheelchair.

9: How will you support my child's transition to a new setting or school?

I have an admission/settling in policy which I follow for all children. I carry out initial meetings to enable me to meet the parent and child and to get to know you better. I am happy to discuss and/or provide details of your child's development folder with a new school or early years setting.

10: How does the setting assess the overall effectiveness of its SEN provision and how can parents / carers take part in this evaluation?

I work closely with families to ensure that I identify and obtain specialist equipment where equipment, and this is always under review. Parents are offered a Parental Questionnaire to ensure that my service meets their needs. Regular observation, assessment and planning allows me to meet each child's individual needs in all areas of their development, so that each child can reach their full potential. Children are happy and fulfilled when their needs are being met. I regularly carry out evaluations on each child in my care, taking into account their individual needs and interests, stage of development and abilities. I use this information to help plan challenging and enjoyable experiences across all areas of learning and development in order to develop future skills. I am always willing to further my own professional knowledge and understanding and this continues to benefit the children in my care, to ensure best practice in my setting.

11: Who should I contact if I am considering registering for a place at the setting?

I can be contacted on 07967 637606. I also have a website www.helenmelvinschildcare.co.uk

12: What arrangements does the setting have for feedback from parents / carers, including compliments and complaints?

All parents are also provided with regular Parental Questionnaires to comment upon my services and I have also introduced the WOW Board, which encourage the children to share special moments in their life with the other children in the setting. I have an established complaints procedure in place and parents are aware of this through my Policy Documents

Quality checks

  • DBS check

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