Estelle Clarke

Chirpy Chicks treats all children as individuals and teaches the children that we are all unique and to respect the differences of eachother.  

Children who have additional emotional, learning or physical needs may require support or extra time to adjust within the setting.  I ask parents to give me as much information as possible from the outset so I can work with them in partnership in caring for their child.    

Early Years children have a learning journal which gives a brief description of what they did that day and notes suggesting activities to do to support their learning.  It also shows what area of learning the activities cover. 

Parents are given a detailed diary of what their child has done during the day including feeding, sleeping and toileting.

Each child is observed after a few weeks and a starting point for their learning is agreed with the parents.  This is done following The Development Matters document which gives an expected achievement age range for a child's development. From this starting point we can track the child's development together.  Activities will be planned tailored to your child's learning so they can engage and explore at the right level, giving them a sense of achievement.  Lots of open ended play activities will provide opportunities for learning across all areas of learning incorporating topics suggested by the EYFS and areas of interest to the child. 

As a childminder I consider the individual need of all children. Children with additional needs will be no different from those who are considered not to have 'additional' needs.  

Some children may need more one to one time than others.  If this is the case I may need to work with a partner to provide quality care for all children.  At the moment I do not do this but would consider it if the need arises.  In a questionnaire all current parents are aware that this may need to happen should my numbers increase or the needs of the children necessitate greater adult supervision. 

I have worked with children with learning difficulties and those with physical differences in the past.  Each of these have presented very different ways in working and cannot be assumed to work for every child.  Each child is considered as an individual and partnership with parents is the best course in supporting the child through their learning development needs.

It may be necessary for me to attend a course in order to care for a child with specific additional needs.  As a small home-based setting I can only do this for children who attend Chirpy Chicks as not all courses would be suitable for all children with additional needs.

Following the initial starting points children are observed and areas of achievement are noted.  Parents are informed within the daily diaries of achievements made when they happen.  Each term a new updated progress form is created so you can see where children have achieved their next goals and see what their next steps would be.

Each child becomes part of our Chirpy Chick family.  We help each other, we listen to each other and respect all of our differences.  

If I need extra adults to support me on trips I will arrange for this. The extra support needed for children with additonal needs will depend on the needs of the child.  This would be decided upon doing the Risk Assessment of the outing or activity.

Unfortunately, the building does not have a ramp or wide doorways so it would be difficult for a child with a wheelchair to access the building.

Usualy children who will be attending a new school or setting will have visits before they start.  

If I do not have any other children within my care and I am able to do so, I can take your child to their visits.

Within the Chirpy Chicks setting my aim is to support your child t become 'school ready'.  This means that I will be encouraging them to become independent, teaching them personal, social and emotional skills to prepare them for school life.

I would assess the effectiveness of Chirpy Chicks by asking parents to complete a questionnaire.

A questionnaire has gone out to all current parents asking them specific questions and asking for their suggestions. 

All questionnaires were returned to me and all were happy with the service. 

Should you wish to discuss your childcare needs with a view to registering your child with me then please contact me on 07825518491 to arrange a visit.  I will be happy to meet you answer any questions you have with no obligation to you using my services.  

Good luck with finding the right childcare for your child. 

You can use the box provided on the daily diary sheet.  Alternatively you can speak with me, send an email or use the Baby's Days database which all parents have access to.