Fatima De Jesus

My hope and dreams for my setting is to provide a safe and outstanding environment for all, where children thrive.

I have a good understanding of my legal duties: I have been inspected by local borough environment health departments and my setting was rated five on food hygiene. I have a fair knowledge of data protection laws and why is paramount to keep children safe at all times. I completed a year course in psychology which has given me an insight on child development stages and it has helped to fulfil my duties under EYFS.

I prioritise improvements that benefit children and parents, for example: meal times is usually an opportunity to share feelings and interests. This has had a positive impact on the children well being because it has given them an understanding of why it is important to keep safe, to have a healthy diet, to respect one's view and talk about different cultures. I ensure that children are safeguarded and are developing a culture of safety and vigilance. I meet the EYFS requirements for training in first aid and child protection. I am able to plan learning experiences to ensure that children get a good start, are well prepared for their next stage in learning and ready for school. For example, children are shown and taught how to manage independently for many self help skills, dressing, toilet times. Children are also encouraged to take part in planning activities or cooking. When preparing a meal, we discuss the benefits of a healthy diet. Through this way, children learn to recognise different types of vegetables, fruits as well as shapes. We also bake cakes and it gives a clear demonstration of weight and measurements. Children learn to use scales and measurement tools and the chance to mix ingredients. In my opinion, communication is a key factor of ongoing assessment of any learning needs of an individual child.

Being from a Portuguese background and have lived in London for over 30 years i have adopted British values as well as Portuguese and i feel as though i promote equality,diversity and family values.Children learn about and understand people,families and communities that are different from their own,for example:children can vote for favourite meals,where to go on outings as well as listening to others.I share good practise with other childminders,drop ins and local schools and i use local drop ins for the children to interact and play with their peers.I have invited and asked some childminders to take part of a whats app childminder group where we can share information about local childminders availability and issues that might affect child safeguarding.For example:i will post details of parents requests for child care with parental permission. Taking in mind, to ensure the parent is aware that if interested,  the parent/carer will have to request evidence of EYEs requirements and interview childminder.I also get text alerts about safeguarding issues from local schools and parents which i will then post in the group so childminders are more vigilan.

I am a firm believer of eating a healthy balanced diet so children are encouraged to eat a variety of healthy snacks.

I also support children to be respectful towards the environment by encouraging them to recycle and to help with our vegetable garden.

• I have a level 3 Diploma in Child Psychology
• I have received a food hygiene rating 5
• I have completed a paediatric Fist Aid course
• I have a muliti agency level 3 safeguarding

I cook everything fresh and promote healthy eating as I can monitor what goes in their meals and children eat four times a day. I also promote exercise within my care.