My name is Paula Marshall and I am a registered childminder with the Care Inspectorate for Wales and a member of PACEY. My husband and I have both had DBS checks in 2019.
I live in Bedwas with my husband Andrew, two children, Polly 17 and Tom 13, our Cat Mo and our Bearded Dragon Eric.
I run an English speaking setting, however, I do try and incorporate simple welsh into my day/activities.
I am registered to care for up to 6 children up to the age of 12, which includes my son.
My aim as a childminder is to provide children with the warm, friendly and stimulating environment that I would want for my own children.
I am committed to the development of every child in my care; I aim to be a positive role model and to encourage them to be happy, secure and confident little people.
I welcome children from all backgrounds and do not discriminate by race, religion, culture or disability and I will treat every child as an individual.
Prior to children joining my setting I encourage parents and children to visit for short periods of time followed by children visiting alone for an hour or two in order to help them settle in. I have a four week settling in period, during which time the notice period will not be required if either party wishes to end the arrangement.
I may be able to care for children with additional needs but a consultation is required with parents to ensure I am able to provide the level of care needed.
All children and parents are treated with equal concern and are made to feel welcome in my home.
I set reasonable and appropriate limits to manage behaviour and I endorse positive discipline as an effective way of setting realistic limits for children.
I have a large house very close to both the infant and junior school. My minding takes place in a well-equipped playroom, a large lounge for quiet activities, a kitchen diner and a good sized, enclosed, flat garden with artificial grass, which makes outdoor play possible all year round.
Play is a vital part of my setting. In the playroom there is a vast array of toys to suit boys and girls of varied ages. Some of these include; construction activities such as lego, duplo, Kapla blocks and Mechano; make believe toys such as dolls, dressing up, Dr & spy equipment, super hero and Happyland figures. I also have an assortment of books, games and puzzles to appeal to children of all ages and abilities. Outside, the garden has a water wall, various ride-ons suitable for children of different ages, balls, building blocks, goal posts and a large trampoline for older children. I do various arts and crafts, including painting, playdough (which often includes some ‘dough disco’) and junk modelling. The children have the opportunity to do baking, making cakes, biscuits and bread. We have regular story telling, music and singing sessions.
I frequently take children to Toddlers groups, the library, parks, farms, museums and beaches. I especially try and take into account the wishes and interests of individual children when planning activities and excursions.
My husband, Andrew, has an allotment which we visit throughout the year partaking in the various jobs which need to be done, preparing the ground, planting, watering, harvesting, cleaning the produce and finally tasting it.
Our daily routine generally consists of drop offs to the junior and infant schools first thing, followed by either a trip to a toddler group, park or library. Lunch is usually eaten at home, inside or out, however, picnics are usually a firm favourite and we try to fit them in as often as possible. Afternoon activities can include some sort of structured activity or free play before going back out for school pickups (which are done on foot). I will always offer an activity to after school children, this could be arts and crafts or baking etc, and it is up to them if they wish to take part.
I run a professional business and have all the required policies and procedures in place. These provide a clear and concise foundation to the working relationship between parents and me.
In the event of an emergency, I will leave children with one of my emergency carers, Andrew Marshall (my husband) or Sarah Mannay (my sister). Both of whom, children will be familiar with.
I have a complaints procedure if parents require it. If complaints cannot be resolved then they can be referred to the Care Inspectorate for Wales on 0300 790 0126.
This statement will be reviewed regularly and I will inform CIW at least 28 days before changes take effect.
I will always strive to provide every child in my care with an environment that is safe, caring, stimulating and above all fun