Emma's Story
When baby Emma was born she was visited by her health visitor and offered a programme of home visits, open access clinic and postnatal support. She was given a Personal Child Health Record (red book) for her parents to document all her health and social development in and a selection of health and local information leaflets, including the Children's Information Service. Along with this Emma' parents were able to access advice and support to enable them to develop a healthy bond with her and begin developing their parenting skills. Through this support Emma's parents were able to develop their confidence so that her mother was able to return to work.
Her mother negotiated part time hours for return to her job, she had already decided that a childminder would care for Emma, who was nine months old, having discussed this with the Health Visitor at Emma's development interview.
Emma's mother had contacted the Children's Information Service and recieved information on the childminders in her area who could offer her childcare. Emma's mother visited all the childminders that could offer childcare, which met her employment needs, and after several visits she decided that Sue would be Emma's childminder.
Sue was registered as a childminder with Ofsted and offered childcare in her own home. Sue had completed the Local Authority's childminding registration training and had also successfully achieved a Level 3 early years & childcare qualification. Sue had a valid First Aid certificate and regularly attended training offered by the Early Years & Childcare Service. Sue was also a member of the local childminder drop-in where she met up with other local childminders together with the children they cared for. She also attended the local well baby clinic to access health support and advice.
As Emma's childminder, Sue discussed with Emma's mother her daily routine, her favourite things and all her care needs. Sue would make sure that Emma's rountine was followed and her play activities were varied and relevant to her age. Sue and Emma formed a strong relationship and Emma was always very happy to see Sue. This benefited Emma's parents, as they were very confident in Sue's ability to care for their daugter and were reassured that Emma was happy. At two years old Emma's parents received a health questionnaire, and leaflets on development and speech and language, inviting them to contact the service should they require any support, or have any concerns about Emma's progress.
When Emma was three years old she received another selection of health leaflets giving her parents information on speech & language, dental health and normal development, and requesting them to contact the Health Visiting Service should they need any support or advice. She then began attending a local pre-school, having received her preschool booster. Sue, her childminder, would take her to the pre-school where she stayed for 2 ½ hours per day. The pre-school was registered with Ofsted and offered care and education for children aged between two and five years old.
There were four qualified staff at the pre-school. The manager, deputy and the nursery nurse had all gained a Level 3 early years & childcare qualification and the nursery assistant was undertaking an early years and childcare Level 2 qualification. The manager was also undertaking a Foundation Degree and was considering becoming an Early Years Professional.
Emma enjoyed going to the pre-school where she was able to take part in a range of different activities including creative opportunities, imaginary play and lots of outdoor experiences. Emma also enjoyed seeing the other children who attended. She particularly liked taking photographs of all the things she did at the pre-school. Emma's key carer used the photographs and made notes of Emma's interests and achievements, which she presented in a folder. Both Emma's parents and her childminder Sue were able to see the folder and the pre-school staff explained how the pre-school planned activities to extend Emma's experiences.
When Emma started to attend her Local Authority's school she was seen by her school nurse, weighed and measured and her vision and hearing were checked. Her parents were sent a health questionnaire offering them a health interview should they have any concerns about Emma's health and wellbeing. Her parents made arrangements for her to attend the school's After School Club. The after school club was registered with Ofsted and offered childcare until 6pm. There were three staff at the club. They all had gained Level 3 playwork qualifications and attended training offered through the Early Years & Childcare Service in order to update their skills and knowledge.
Emma was able to choose what she did at the after school club from a variety of activities on offer. She was also able to complete her homework if she wanted to which left the evening free for her to spend time with her parents.
Emma enjoyed going to the after school club as she was able to socialise, try different activities and play games, particularly in the summer when most of the time was spent outside exploring the environment.
