Laura Crandon Childminding Service Ba Hons Primary Education

My aim is to provide a caring, home from home, childcare service; where each child is given equal opportunity to thrive and develop their full potential.

Statement of Purpose
My name is Laura Crandon and I aim to provide children with a warm, caring, homely environment; where each child's individuality is nurtured and their learning needs are met. I am committed to providing equal opportunities for all children and will ensure that diversity is celebrated and valued. I am registered to care for 6 children, girls and boys under the age of 8 and I am insured to care for children up to the age of 15.
I have two children, a daughter who is nineteen and a son who is five. My daughter is attending college and my son is in reception at Whitchurch Primary School. Both my husband and daughter have DBS clearing.

Our house is located in a quiet area of Whitchurch and is within walking distance to the village and local schools and several playgrounds. Our house is a detached dormer bungalow with 3 bedrooms, an open plan kitchen- living area, a conservatory which is converted into a playroom and a downstairs toilet. The house is secured by mature hedges and there is ample parking on the road outside the house. We have a large secure back garden that is well equipped with play equipment and resources and will be utilised as often as possible. We have two pets, a cat called Molly who is very friendly, she sleeps outside.
I am a qualified primary school teacher and have worked in a range of schools across Cardiff. I taught for eight years and have experience working and caring for children from reception to year six. I intend on using this experience to enhance the provision I provide for the children. I have experience planning and delivering the seven areas of learning identified in the Foundation Phase Curriculum, which complement each other and work together to provide a practical, relevant curriculum which develops children’s skills. Additionally, I will offer homework and reading support to children attending after school sessions.

When organising activities I take into consideration age, ability and stage of development and interests of each child. All activities provided will be stimulating and age and development appropriate. The outside space will be utilised as often as possible. Activities will include; sand and water play, messy play, construction, puzzles, dressing up, ball skills, role-play, free play and gardening. My setting is well resourced and children will be given the opportunity to choose play activities that interest them. There will also be adult led activities which will incorporate the Foundation Phase principles. These include, arts and crafts, story and song time, exploring textures (messy play), sorting and matching, sequencing, puzzles and board games, beading, painting and baking /cooking etc.
There are 2 parks in walking distance from my home and there are several language and play groups in the area. There are also many other excellent facilities nearby such as Roath Park, Llanishen leisure centre, Castle Coch, Forest Farm, to name a few! Day trips will be arranged in advance and written parental permission will be required. All vehicle documents can be seen on request.
As a childcare worker I am aware of the rights that children and young people have under the United Nations Convention on the rights of the child. I will ensure that the children in my care are protected from harm and helped to reach their full potential as individuals. I also operate an inclusive service, where all children and families are welcomed. I will consider care of any child no matter what their range of needs. I will assess the needs of the child and decide whether I can accommodate their needs, taking into consideration the needs of the children that I already care for.
I operate a simple registration system where parents are asked to complete an assessment form, child record form and contract for their child as well as numerous consent forms. Parents are also given copies of or access to all my policies and procedures.

My son Isaac attends Whitchurch Primary school and I offer a drop off and pick up service for children from nursery to Year 6. This service will be charged at a session rate. A snack will be provided for children attending after-school sessions. Children will be given the opportunity to play, relax and if requested I can help with reading and homework.
I will follow the Welsh Government Food and Health guidelines for Early Years and Childcare Settings (2009) and ensure that if children receive meals and /or snacks, they are safely prepared, nutritionally balanced, of good quality and appropriate in quantity. Children with special medical or cultural requirements will be catered for. This will be discussed with parents prior to placement starting.
My first language is English. I will introduce children to the Welsh language as this will be used in schools.
I am open weekdays from 7. 45 to 5. 45. I take six weeks holidays which are not charged and I will accept term time contracts if requested. A retainer of half the fee will be charged for term time contracts to hold the child’s place during school holidays. I am not open during public bank holidays, however, fees will be charged.

I charge £40 per day, £25 for half a day and £6 an hour for short notice ad hoc childcare. I also provide wrap around care - £10 per session for drop off and £12 per session for pick up after school. This includes breakfast and a light tea.
Children who attend nursery will be charged for a full day if drop off and pick is required.

If I'm sick and cannot open fees are not charged. If a child is sick or is on holiday and cannot attend and I am open for business full fees still apply. Please ring or email me if you have any other questions or if you would like to discuss your child attending my setting.