I am an Ofsted registered childminder based along the A20 in Ditton. I have been enjoying this job for over 10 years now and have been rated Outstanding by Ofsted. I offer safe and inviting home from home childcare and live with my husband Stephen.
Kerry Morris
Who to contact
- Contact Name
- Kerry Morris
- Contact Position
- Childminder
- Telephone
- 07971727882
- kerry@morrisminors.org.uk
- Website
- morrisminors.org.uk
Where to go
- Address
-
424
London Road
Ditton
Aylesford
Kent - Postcode
- ME20 6DA
- Notes
We have a lovely clean, safe and friendly home where children can have fun whilst learning and developing. We have a dedicated play room, a large conservatory and a very large garden with patio for the summer.
When is it on?
- When is childcare available
- Open All Year
- Carescheme Age Range:
- 0 year(s), 9 month(s) to 11 year(s), 0 month(s)
- Opening Times
-
Opening Times Day Opening Time Closing Time Monday 07.30 5.00 Tuesday 07.30 4.30 Wednesday 07.30 5.30 Thursday 07.30 4.00 - Other Availability
- I do usually take holiday during term time.
Other Details
- Table of costs
-
Table of costs Amount Cost Type £6 Per hour - ECD Type
- Childminder
- Offers pickups
- Yes
- Schools covered
-
Ditton CEJ School
Ditton Infant School - Details
- I only do afternoon pick ups, no Morning drop offs.
- Cost(s)
- 3-4 Year Old Funding?
- Yes
- 2 Year Old Funding?
- Yes
- Immediate vacancies?
- No
- Contact Provider for Vacancy Details?
- Yes
- Vacancy Information Last updated Date
- 10/05/2023
- Facilities
- Car Parking, Baby Group, Parent and Toddler Group, Parks/playgrounds, Toddler Groups, Toys/dolls, Dressing Up, Childminding Link Group, Play Room, Visits and Outings, Garden, Walks
- Notes
As I do not have children of my own, I ususally take holiday during school term time.
- Languages Spoken:
- English
- Wheelchair Access
- No
Ofsted Information
- Ofsted URN
- EY451165
- Link to latest ofsted inspection report
30 Hours Extended Entitlement
- Registered to provide up to 30 hours entitlement
- Yes
- 30 Hours Partner Details (These are details of any other childcare provider(s) that this provider will work with to offer the 30 hours entitlement)
I am happy to provide both the Free for 2 funding plus the Universal and Extended entitlement for all 3 and 4 year olds. This is usually offered term time only in line with KCC funded term dates. However, I can be flexible within my working hours to try and accomodate parents' needs.
Service status
- Status
- Open
Local Offer
Special Needs Support
How does the setting identify children with additional needs or SEND?
When I start to care for your child, I will ask you to share your child's current interests and I will note them down as starting points. I will then follow their interests with my curriculum in conjunction with the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) document called Development Matters.
Whilst following your child’s interests, I will also be constantly observing and allocating “next steps”. This helps me to assess and recognise any difficulties that your child may or may not have with their learning.
I will provide termly reports where we will have the opportunity to discuss your child’s progress and at that point, we can also discuss ways in which you can support your child’s learning at home. If at this point I have identified any difficulties, we can discuss this further and put a plan in place to get your child the specified professional help required.
The completion of the Progress Check at age 2 is a statutory assessment and this is also a time when any delay in development can be discussed, and appropriate next steps be identified.
How will I be informed / consulted about the ways in which my child is being supported?
I always offer an informal face-to-face chat at pick up and this is then supported with photos from the child’s activities during the day, sent via WhatsApp to the individual parents.
I am always available for phone calls, e-mails or additional face-to-face meetings if required. I also offer a termly report and meeting to discuss your child’s progress.
How will the setting adapt the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum for my child's needs?
I follow the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) educational framework which is used to help me plan activities for your child, also with your child’s specific interests in mind. E.g., If they are fascinated with cars or vehicles, these will be included and used to promote their learning.
What teaching strategies does the setting use for children with additional needs or learning difficulties?
As a childminder I will plan activities which include the characteristics of effective learning for each ‘Unique child’. As well as planned activities I focus on home from home routines, such as promoting independence with getting coats and shoes on, plus being responsible for their own belongings and making healthy food choices when it comes to snack and lunch time as well as helping to prepare it.
I liaise closely with other settings and outside agencies to ensure therapists recommendations are carried out if necessary. I support early communication skills with Makaton sign language and a range of visual aids. I also provide quite time after lunch and space for the children to rest.
What additional support does the setting provide for children with additional needs or SEND?
I pride myself on my relationship with parents and with regular updates and reviews on your child’s development we will work closely to identify any additional needs. I also regularly attend training and if your child isn't making the expected progress, I may suggest the support from outside agencies such as speech and language therapy. If your child needs support from an outside agency, then I would follow their personalised targeted plan. At all stages you will be consulted and involved. I think it is so important that parents, childcare providers and support agencies work closely together to provide the best support and achieve the best outcomes for your child.
If I have had a child with a condition, I am unfamiliar with, I will undertake any training I can find or what is suggested to me, and ask questions, discuss with parents and liaise with health care professionals to what I need to do.
How will the setting monitor my child's progress and how will I be involved in this?
I am regularly observing your child’s progress and am always very open with families and parents regarding your child’s progress. If your child attends a second setting, I will (with your permission) work closely with them to ensure we are all on the same page and working together to support your child.
I will carry out termly summative assessments and we will have an opportunity to discuss your child’s progress and any personalised plans that we have put in place.
How do you ensure children with additional needs or SEND can be included in the same activities as other children, including trips?
I provide an inclusive setting where all children can benefit from the same childcare programme, we go out of the setting on a regular basis to the Park, local woods and Toddler Groups. Risk assessments are an on-going process and age-appropriate car seats are provided in my car. I will have regular reviews with parents or outside agencies to discuss any adaptations that are necessary for the individual child’s needs.
How accessible is the building for children with mobility difficulties / wheelchair users?
I have a large setting with a large driveway, however access to the playroom and garden are via steps therefore it would not be 100% accessible for wheelchair users.
How will you support my child's transition to a new setting or school?
As your child gets ready to start school, I will continue to support them with their Personal Social and Emotional Development to help them make new relationships. Along with their physical development of becoming independent in putting their coats and shoes on and helping to prepare them for getting ready for P.E. We often do lots of role play with the other children who are already in school and read lots of books about routines of school life. I have lots of old school uniforms and bags here so we can prepare them for what they might have to wear.
We always pick up children from the local school’s and pre-schools so this is a good time to talk about the transition and about friends who might be joining them when they start school. We talk about what activities they might like to do and teachers names so that they have as much prior knowledge as possible.
I usually provide the school with a transition report which details your child’s current interests as well as the way they like to learn. This will help the teacher to get to know your child and get the best out of them in the first term.
How does the setting assess the overall effectiveness of its SEN provision and how can parents / carers take part in this evaluation?
As well as attending regular training sessions, I also provide parents with an annual questionnaire to ensure that parents are happy with the level of care their child is getting and if there are any areas on which I need to improve or learn more about. I am continually self-evaluating myself and my setting to ensure that I can help your child develop to their full potential.
If we have identified additional support is needed for your child then you will be asked to attend and LIFT, (Local Inclusion Forum Team) meeting. I am available to attend any additional meetings as extra support.
Who should I contact if I am considering registering for a place at the setting?
Please contact myself, Kerry Morris. I can also be found on the KCFIS website and am also registered with the local children centre and with our local schools and preschools.
What arrangements does the setting have for feedback from parents / carers, including compliments and complaints?
When parents sign up to my service, they are made aware of the complaints procedure policy (along with my other policies), a poster is also in the setting. I operate an open-door policy and always welcome feedback be is positive or negative either verbally or on my yearly questionnaire sent out to all parents.
I can also provide references from past families i have childminded for who have all been very positive how their children have developed while in my setting.