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Since launching in October 2007, AAA sports have rapidly grown and are one of the largest Gymnastics, Trampoline and Cheerleading provider in the North of England, with hundreds of AAA sports members taking part in our activities across the region every week.  All AAA sports Classes are run by our highly qualified and experienced AAA sports Coaches, all of whom share a passion for the sport and aim to provide the best quality classes at all times.  We also have new and aspiring Coaches who deliver classes alongside our more experienced Coaches to provide support and extra tuition to AAA sports members. AAA sports run classes at both our dedicated centre, AAA sports Sunderland and at 6 satellite locations across the North of England.  Each location has slightly different apparatus, but all AAA sports classes are delivered to the same high standard at each location. Please visit our website for more details.

Discover Disability Gymnastics and TrampolineAAAsports are proud to offer Disability Gymnastics &amp; Trampoline across our classes.  Through our vast experience of delivering disability classes, we are able to adapt our programmes to meet individual needs to ensure progression and fun at every class.  No matter what the disability, we aim to look at the strengths of the individual whilst working together to create a safe environment for each Member to grow and learn.All new Members are welcome to come along to any of our classes in advance to meet our Coaches, assess each location and observe the delivery of our classes.  By providing us with as much information as possible about each Member, we can ensure that the right adaptations are introduced to the class.  If you would like to arrange a visit or to discuss joining, please contact us.Can anyone with a disability join?Pretty much.  AAAsports aims to be as inclusive as possible and we accept Members with almost all disabilities.  However, the safety of our Members is always paramount and therefore we always recommend that any Members with medical conditions that affect their day-to-day life check with their GP before joining our classes.  There are a very small number of disabilities which we are not able to accept in our classes due to medical reasons:<ul><li>Detaching retina</li><li>Dwarfism (Achondroplasia)</li><li>Downs Syndrome Members who have tested positive on an AAI Test</li></ul>For more information visit our website.

AAA Sports

The Alan Shearer Short Break Centre offer tailored specialist short breaks or longer holidays for disabled adults. It provides highly specialised respite breaks in a safe and specially adapted environment for people with a range of disabilities and behavioural issues, allowing parents and carers a well-earned rest. It is the only short break centre in the North East with its own on-site activity centre, set within several acres of private and beautifully landscaped grounds. Please visit our website for more details.

Alan Shearer Short Break Centre

I have completed the childminder course and am a qualified childminder. I have also finished all the mandatory training including QNUK Level 3 in Paediatric First Aid and Food Hygiene, all relevant childminding training, Designated Safeguarding Lead training and Home Based Childcare award. I have also completed the course Promoting Positive Behaviour, Supporting Early Language Development, Understanding Anaphylaxis and Understanding Asthma. I am a happy, patient, tolerant resilient and active mother of two children (13 and 11). I provide a fun, active, and relaxed atmosphere where children interact and improve their learning through play. Play is the highest expression of human development in childhood, for it alone is the free expression of what is in a child's soul. The playing child advances towards new stages of mastery.   I operate a multilingual setting to support Early Language Development in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Malay. Scientists from King's College, London found that the brain scans looked at a substance called 'myelin'- the insulation that develops from birth within the circuitry of the brain and found out that the distribution of myelin is fixed from the age of four, suggesting that the brain is more flexible and open to change in very early life. Brain circuitry would also explain why supporting children as they become bilingual is most effective when they are very young. The early years are the prime for children to learn and grow under the encouragement of their family, carers, and friends. The types of brain development in children include visual and auditing development, language development, physical and motor development emotional and social development. Alice's Childminding provides a homely safe environment with constant attention. More adult attention is seen to impact a child's childhood, creativity, confidence, independence, and self-esteem. I will regularly attend a local playgroup/ childminder group, library, a nearby playground/park and the beach. I offer a large variety of activities and help with homework if needed. I will use various materials which reflect different religious and cultural needs to support British Values. Healthy eating is crucial for children's development. I provide homemade healthy food, fruits, and snacks for all children and follow the guidance of the Food Standard Agency.I was an experienced primary teacher teaching Maths and Art in Malaysia.  I worked in a Nursery for a year in London.  I'm currently a teacher at Newcastle Chinese School for 5-6 year olds.  I have experience working with children with Autism. Please don't hesitate to contact me or drop me a message with any questions if you would like to come and have a look around and speak to me in person.

This provider will welcome all children and will work with parents and professionals to try to meet individual children’s needs

Alice Siau Li Chong

Amie lives with her six year old son and they have a guinea pig and a dog.   She is a friendly and outgoing person, trustworthy and very caring. Within her home she has a playroom with a variety of toys and activities and a quiet corner for children to complete homework. She also has a good sized enclosed back garden with a slide and various ride-on’s. Although Amie doesn’t drive, she is within walking distance of Castletown Primary School, local parks and soft play, which she goes to on a regular basis. Amie has lots of previous experience of working with children. She has worked in a youth project for four years with 5-13 year olds. She has also worked with autistic children for the last four years. Before that time she worked in a private nursery for over a year. QualificationsPaediatric 1st AidAwareness Raising in Safeguarding ChildrenCACHE Level 2 Diploma in Playwork Amie has also completed awareness classes in epilepsy, drugs and alcohol, special needs and sign language. Amie is registered for Tax Free Childcare.

This provider will welcome all children and will work with parents and professionals to try to meet individual children’s needs.

Amie Fletcher

Hi my name is Amy and I am an Ofsted registered childminder based in Albany, Washington. I have a welcoming home in which your child can receive quality childcare. Somewhere your child will be valued and offered the best start in life in a home from home setting. I aim to follow a child led approach to learning. The children will learn independence and life skills and start their building blocks to life. Through following the principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), I can support your child using their own interests, wants and needs.  Qualifications include:<ul><li>Childminding qualifications based on EYFS learning </li><li>Level 3 Paediatric First Aid </li><li>Safeguarding and child protection </li><li>Enhanced DBS </li><li>Full clean driving licence and own car </li></ul>

Amy Jane Falcus

This provider will welcome all children and will work with parents and professionals to try to meet the individual children's needs.

Amy Louise Hall

Ann is a mother to 3 grown up children and has 4 grandchildren. Ann has successfully potty trained 6 children before the age of 18months. Level 2 CACHE-  for the Children and Young Peoples Workforce    Level 3 Diploma - for the children and Young Peoples Workforce  Level 3 SENCo Registered for Tax Free Childcare.

Ann Tranter (Ann's Childminding)

Eligible to offer free 2 year old childcare places. Eligible to offer free 3 and 4 year old childcare places.  Anna offers childcare with family focus and values.  She provides a warm environment, in which she hopes parents and children feel at home.  Anna regularly visits playgroups and participates in varied activities. Anna holds a level 3 NVQ, is fully insured and is a member of the NCMA. Registered for Tax Free Childcare.

Annamarie Richardson

Argyle House is an Independent Day School for pupils in the age range of 3 - 16 years of age.Registered for Tax Free Childcare.

Argyle House School

The Autism Outreach Team is a well established multi disciplinary team, based at Columbia Grange School, comprising representatives from Education, Health and Social Care. The AOT offers support and guidance to professionals, parents/carers and children/young people. The AOT is a key partner in the diagnostic process, as part of the ‘Diagnostic  Pathway’.  The Pathway team comprises representatives from Autism Outreach Team, Children &amp; Young People's Services and Speech and Language Team. Criteria for access A diagnosis of Autism Universal servicesThe AOT offers a variety of services to stakeholders<ul><li>Consultation with staff in schools</li><li>Consultation with multi agency professionals</li><li>Training for professionals eg. ASD Awareness</li><li>Training for parents/carers  eg. EarlyBird, EarlyBird Plus, Healthy Minds, Jigsaw, SpeakEasy</li><li>Training for pupils eg.  ASD Awareness</li></ul>Targeted services<ul><li>Support schools in relation to policy, provision and practice for pupils with AS</li><li>Code of Practice Reviews for pupils with AS</li><li>Consultation with parents/carers of children with AS</li><li>Training for professionals eg. Visual Strategies, Social Stories, Sensory Strategies</li><li>Training for parents/carersof children with AS  eg. EarlyBird, EarlyBird Plus, Healthy Minds, Jigsaw, SpeakEasy</li><li>Transition planning for pupils with AS</li><li>Supporting the FSA process for pupils with AS</li><li>Develop and manage Autism database</li></ul>

Autism Outreach Team

AIM is neither a mental health service nor learning disability service. We are commissioned by NHS Sunderland Clinical Commissioning Group to provide low level preventative support. We are a solution-focused service that works with individuals and families to enable them to live as independently as possible, with the knowledge that if they need any further support, it is available. We work with individuals and families helping them to resolve any issues or problems they have. We endeavour to stop things from becoming worse and reaching crisis point. AIM supports individuals in many different ways:<ul><li>Providing a link to other services </li><li>Making and attending appointments </li><li>Support during benefit assessments </li><li>Offering personal profiling for individuals</li><li>Self-awareness and understanding sessions</li><li>Supporting housing or accommodation issues</li></ul>We also offer an adult’s autism outreach service to individuals on the autistic spectrum who are socially isolated and are unable to attend drop-in sessions, but who are in need of support.  Please visit our website for more details.

Autism in Mind (AIM)

Banana Moon Sunderland

Barbara has been a registered childminder since 1993.  Barbara is married with two adult sons living in a semi detached house close to Seaburn Dene school. She also has two dogs. She is registered to look after babies and school age children. She has successfully completed Level 3 Certificate in Childminding Practice, Early Years Foundation Training and a wide range of training courses through the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership and has a Playgroup Leaders Certificate and Youth Club experience. Barbara offers a warm home environment with lots of different experiences and activities, arts and crafts, toys, play equipment, building blocks, dressing up, songs and rhymes, books, puzzles, outdoor play in garden, baking and games. Attends playgroups, play parks and soft play areas and takes children on lots of outings to farms, museums, library, beach, centre for life, cinema, bowling and Sea Life Centre etc. Barbara offers care all year, full time, before and after school, early mornings and school holidays. School drop/ collections to Seaburn dene primary school, though maybe available for collections and drop offs at other local nurseries. Barbara is registered for Tax Free Childcare.

Barbara Reed

Education provision for 3 to 11 year olds. This setting is registered for Tax Free Childcare.

Full details of the school's Local Offer can be found in their 'Special Educational Needs Information Report' which can be found on the school website.

Barmston Village Primary School

Education provision for pupils aged 3 - 7 years. This setting is registered for Tax Free Chidlcare.

Barnes Infant Academy

Education provision for pupils aged 3 to 11 years. Barnwell also have a Children's Centre on site offering services for children from birth to 3 years old. This includes free nursery education for 2 year olds for families who meet the relevant criteria, as well as full daycare for working families.

Barnwell Academy

Belinda is a mother to 3 grown up children and 3 children still at school and currently has one grandchild.  She is OFSTED registered to look after babies and toddlers up to senior school leaving age. Belinda provides a fun, friendly and family orientated childcare setting. There is a range of toys to suit children of all ages, theses include various types of building blocks, trains, cars, happy world, baby toys, books, kitchen, tool bench, dolls and buggies, jigsaws and puzzles. Activities include painting, drawing, playdoh, music and rhymes. Children also have access to either the front or rear garden where there are bikes, scooters, slides, rockers, a swing, sandpit and various other outdoor toys and games. Belinda and all the grown children are all fully CRB checked. She is proficient in Safeguarding, paediatric first aid, first aid at work and can also administer medication. Belinda is registered for Tax Free Childcare. Any further information or requests please don't hesitate to contact her.

Belinda Outhwaite (Bel's Butterflies)

Education provision for pupils aged 3 to 11 years.  Benedict Biscop has a purpose built learning centre.  Benedict Biscop C. E. Academy is a place where Christian love is lived within a caring, nurturing environment.  Children access a vibrant curriculum which emphasises both outdoor and indoor experiences.  There is a high level of staffing who are experienced in leading children through learning within the six areas - creative development, mathematical development, physical development, knowledge and understanding, communication, language and learning and personal, social and emotional development.  Children love coming to school and flourish as they grow. Benedict Biscop C. E. Academy is also a Teaching School.  Designated Teaching Schools work together as part of the Prince Bishop Teaching School Alliance, a unique Multiple Teaching School Alliance with 5 local Anglican schools working together to develop outstanding teaching and learning.  This setting is registered for Tax Free Chidlcare.

Benedict Biscop Church of England Academy

Benedict Biscop Church of England Academy Logo

My name is Bernadette, usually known as Bernie. I am Ofsted registered and graded as GOOD. I have raised 3 children which are now grown up. We are a non-smoking household with no pets, everyone at home has been CRB checked. I offer home from home flexible care including weekends. I am First Aid trained which is renewed every 3 years and a member of PACY and I child. I have over 30 years experience working with children of all ages. I have a long standing commitment to the Girl Guiding Association as Brown Owl and Guide Leader. In the past I worked for Sunderland City Council as a Play Scheme Worker. I enjoy swimming, walking and craft. The children in my care will have fun in a safe environment, I have a dedicated room for the children to play in and a garden. I work closely with parents to provide a safe, happy, healthy environment that will allow your baby/child to develop and learn new skills through play and at their own individual pace. I believe parents are the child's main educators and they know their children's needs better than anybody. I have put together a parent information sheet outlining my services. Please let me know if you would like me to email you a copy, please feel free to get in touch. I work towards the framework that is mandatory for all early years providers EYFS. The things on offer will be -Homework, drawing/colouring and painting, baking, gardening, collage, model making, crafts, sewing, interactive games, books, storytelling, seasonal activities, games, puzzles, jigsaws, outdoor activities, visits to museums and art gallery's, local toddler groups. I will focus on activities that interest the children in my care. Registered for Tax Free Childcare.

Bernadette Catherine Conlan (Bernadette's Childminding Service)

Beverley has been childminding for 20 years. On her last inspection report she was graded Outstanding by OFSTED for the second time. Beverley has completed all the relevant training associated with her job and continue to keep this up to date. Beverley belongs to the Forestry Commission Childminding and from this she takes the children she care's for out for walks and to explore the world around them and learn from the wild life and nature. Beverley has a back garden but also lives near a large football field and nature walks. The children enjoy doing lots of craft activities, cooking, blackberry picking, nature learning and collecting for crafts etc. Also, if they wish, Beverley will teach them to do basic sewing to their ability and age. Beverley's house is a home from home setting, not a nursery and this is the way all of her childminded children and parents are more than happy with.  This provider is registered for Tax Free Childcare. Hello!My name is Bev and I have been a Professional Registered Childminder with the City of Sunderland / OFSTED since 2004. I live with my husband and have been married nearly 30 years. My husband works full time as a Quality Engineer for an automotive company. Our son who is 25 years old who has been to University doing a sports degree and finished his teaching degree at University, has done placements in Primary schools in Sunderland and in Darlington. He now has a job working with children with SEN. My spare time is taken up with my hobbies for sewing, doing crafting, spending time with my family. I enjoy taking the children I care for blackberry picking, sledging, nature walks, toddler groups, soft play, park and beach etc, The children love doing crafts, baking, singing, reading books etc here. I am a member of the Forest Childcare Association. This means I take children on weekly/ daily outdoor outings as the outdoors is something I really believe is important for children to discover and learn from and builds confidence outdoors by discovering nature and learning about the environment around them, I am a strong believer in getting children outdoors this is a proven fact that children learn more in an outside environment quicker and children who are outside more have less stress, anxiety, promotes wellbeing, health benefits and physical development etc. As a Professional Childminder, I can take the opportunity to go out at any time during the day so this is a bonus for children to get to know the world around them and explore in different environments for them to learn, enjoy and not keep the children in one room or one environment all day every day. I like to think that all the children I care for see this as their second home when they are with me and have use of most of the house as they would at their own home and are not confined to one room. As my house is a home with a homely feel and NOT a nursery or school look and I keep my home homely with the benefits of learning and development too. My parents of the children I care for log on to The Baby's Days system via their phones/ computer or tablet in the parents spare time to view all paperwork / pictures / diaries for there child/children's care only. This means they can keep up to date during the day with their child's progress, daily routines, pictures and many more. This is an online system to provide the parents with information and also to aid my job doing paperwork and regulations I work from. All my parents do find this very helpful and easy to use and great for keeping them up to date and informed, it is a great way to work in partnership with parents. Parents feel connected to their child's day to day children activities and fun. My experience working with children and parents / carers are that I use to run a local toddler group for 8 years. I also volunteered in the local school in the nursery and reception years as a mummy helper when my son attend. I then did my placement at the school when I was doing my Teaching Assistant qualification. I also grew up with children as my mother was a professional nanny in Cambridge for a family. I am originally from Cambridge and moved to Sunderland 30 years ago. I decided to become a professional childminder in 2004. I have got a GOOD grade on my passed Ofsted inspections and on My last two inspections I have received Outstanding grade ( 24/09/2014 / 20/08/2019 ). The inspection reports can be found and viewed on the Ofsted website if you wish to read them.

Beverley Jane Metcalf

Education provision for 2 - 11 year olds. This setting is registered for Tax Free Chidlcare.

Bexhill Primary Academy & 2 Year Provision

Education provision for pupils 3 - 11 years. Biddick Primary is registered for Tax Free Childcare.

Biddick Primary and Nursery School

Education provision for pupils aged 3-11 years.

Blackfell Primary School

Blind Children UK is the leading charity for children and young people with sight loss.  They help children and their families tackle the challenges of young sight loss so that they can enjoy their childhood and realise their potential as adults. They believe that no child should feel isolated and afraid or be deprived of a full life just because they can't see.  They help children and young adults with sight loss to be all they can be, and to live as independently as possible. The services they deliver support children - and their families too - right from birth through to young adulthood. Their aim is to enable the whole family live life to the full, so they also give parents tools they can use to help their children reach educational and recreational goals.   Services available - Movement Matters - provides training to help blind children and young people get around safely and independently.  Movement Matters also teaches important life skills such as handling money and preparing food. These vital services are delivered by qualified Habilitation Specialists, who work shoulder-to-shoulder with other organisations, including local authorities.  Family Support - The Family Support Team gives the families of children with visual impairment emotional and practical support, advice and information.  They also advise and work with other professionals and organisations. Education Support - The Education Support Team is on hand to help children and young people with sight loss to get the best from their education.  The support they offer is particularly valuable to help children move smoothly and confidently from one stage of education to another. They can assist with identifying a suitable nursery, school or college, and provide confidential advice around a child's statutory rights.  They explain complex terms and help with processes and forms.  They are also experiences at liaising with professionals on families' behalf and acting as expert witnesses. Technology - The Access Technology Team gives advice on choosing the most appropriate technology and sensory equipment to help children with a vision impairment study and play.  They also offer a grants programme that allows families to apply for recommended items they otherwise wouldn't be able to access. CustomEyes® Books - Blind Children UK's CustomEyes® service produces large print books for children with vision impairment.  These are tailor-made for each child or young person, but we only charge the recommended retail price.

Blind Children UK

Education provision for pupils aged 3 - 11 years. This setting is registered for Tax Free Chidlcare.

Burnside Academy Inspires

Eligible to offer free 2 year old childcare places and 3 and 4 year funding. Carol is registered to care for babies to school age children. She is a qualified Nursery Nurse and Social Worker, with a Certificate in Playgroup Practice. Carol has also completed an Advanced Diploma in Childcare and Education, a Level 3 Certificate in Childminding Practice, a Foundation Degree in Education and Care in July 2010 and has completed a BA (Hons) Education and Curriculum Studies degree in July 2012. She regularly attends childminder training courses to keep up to date. Carol has worked in the childcare profession for over 36 years, she has relevant qualifications as well as vast experience.  Parents both past and present are happy to speak with prospective parents as a form of reference. Carol can also offer a babysitting service in the Sunderland area.  Carol was graded Outstanding in her two Ofsted inspections in 2008 and January 2011.   Carol has also been a member of the Redby childminders group for over 10 years where she attends play sessions each week and  during the school holidays Carol attends places such as Washington Wildfowl Park, local parks and the beach etc with the group. During term time the children are taken out to parks, toddler groups, museums and soft play etc regularly. Carol has 2 pet cats. Carol is registered for Tax Free Childcare.

This provider will welcome all children and will work with parents and professionals to try to meet individual children’s needs. She has past  and present experience of children with additional needs.

Carol Cameron

Caroline is registered to look after babies to school age children.  She attends the local toddler group. Caroline has the following qualifications: CACHE Level 3 in Childminding Practice, Level 1 Adult Numeracy, Level 1 Literacy, Emergency First Aid for Carers, EYFS Training, Level 2 Food Safety in Catering and a Health &amp; Safety Course. As well as the facilities listed, Caroline regularly attends Childminder Network Meetings and takes part in fundraising for Dr. Barnardo’s.

Caroline Cook

Castle Kindergarten aims to provide each child with a caring environment which is safe, stimulating and a very happy day-time alternative to home.  Our carefully designed indoor and outdoor space allows children to play, explore, discover and create in safe, secure and inviting surroundings.  We promote all areas of learning and development as outlined in England's statutory Early Years Foundation Stage which sets the standards for learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years old. We do this through a planned and purposeful play based curriculum.  At the heart of our approach we have created an environment where children can express themselves, explore and investigate. We offer a curriculum that is not only broad based, but considers the individual needs of each child, allowing each child to develop at their own pace and to follow their own interests. In each room the experiences offered are appropriate to children's age and include both indoor and outdoor activities. Our learning environments are pivotal to our whole approach to learning and teaching; they are flexible so that spaces can be adapted in response to children's interests or lines of enquiry. Resources are easily accessible to children and are open-ended using largely natural or recycled materials so that children can create many different things in many ways. We strongly believe that the environment for children must be safe, warm, welcoming and calm; that the activity spaces and meeting spaces in the kindergarten are homely and nurturing; some areas have furniture that would be found in our homes and there are plenty of cosy spaces where children can come together to be with others or on their own. Objects, artwork and photographs from the natural world are displayed around the setting. Lighting and colour are also used to best effect to create a sense of well-being. These features will surround children within an environment that helps them feel safe and secure and encourages and supports positive behaviour for learning.  We have a large outdoor space where children spend a lot of time investigating the natural world around them. At Castle Kindergarten we provide day care for children from 3 months to 5 years of age. We offer funded places for 2 year olds who are eligible for the government's 15 hours free education and funded places for 3 &amp; 4 year olds who are eligible for 15 and 30 hours of free education. Parents can either choose to use their full 30 funded hours with us or split it across two settings. Where the 30 hours are split between Castle Kindergarten and Albany Village Primary School, children can be transferred easily between the two settings at lunchtime through our pick up and drop off service. We also provide after school and holiday care. This provider is registered for Tax Free Childcare.

Castle Kindergarten has a clear approach for identifying, responding to, and meeting children’s additional needs. We support and involve parents (and where relevant children), actively listening to, and acting on their wishes and concerns. We work in partnership with the local authority and other external agencies to ensure the best outcomes for children and their families. We regularly monitor and review our policy, practice and provision and, if necessary, make adjustments. Accessibility:Our building is completely accessible, with flat footpaths and outdoor areas.  We have a wide entrance and easy access throughout the building. The setting is on one floor, with easy access into the rooms and we have a large tarmac play area in addition to our grass play space. We have an accessible toilet and the children’s toilets are in cubicles which are large enough for staff to support a child when needed. Experience:Staff at Castle Kindergarten have experience in supporting children with:<ul><li>ADHD</li><li>Autism Spectrum Disorder</li><li>Challenging Behaviour</li><li>Dietary Needs</li><li>Eczema</li><li>Emotional Needs</li><li>Language Impairment </li><li>Serious Allergy</li><li>Speech and Language Difficulties</li><li>Toileting</li><li>Visual Impairment</li></ul>Training:At times, where children need very specific support, for example any medical support, staff will undertake any necessary training to ensure that the best possible care can be provided for every child.Staff at Castle Kindergarten have received training on:<ul><li>ADHD</li><li>Autism Spectrum Disorder</li><li>Challenging Behaviour</li><li>Dietary Needs</li><li>Emotional Needs</li><li>Family/Parent Support</li><li>Social and Emotional Difficulties</li><li>Speech, Language and Communication Difficulties</li><li>Toileting</li></ul>Supporting Children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities:Each child has a named key person, who supports them and liaises with families. The key workers are supported by our Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) and the deputy SENCO. The SENCO and key person meet with the family of any children who require any additional support, putting targeted plans in place that are outcome focused. Any plans that are in place are reviewed regularly with parents/carers to ensure that these are current and specific to the child's individual needs. Working with outside agencies:We may need to work alongside additional agencies to support children in the best way possible; this might include, Health Visitors, Speech and Language Therapists, Behaviour Support and Child Psychologists for example. We would always seek parental consent before doing this and you would be involved with the process throughout.Castle Kindergarten will always work in partnership with families and professionals to try and fully meet the individual child's needs. We always seek additional training and support where necessary.

Castle Kindergarten (Albany Village Primary School)

Castle Kindergarten aims to provide each child with a caring environment which is safe, stimulating and a very happy day-time alternative to home.  Our carefully designed indoor and outdoor space allows children to play, explore, discover and create in safe, secure and inviting surroundings.  We promote all areas of learning and development as outlined in England's statutory Early Years Foundation Stage which sets the standards for learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years old. We do this through a planned and purposeful play based curriculum.  At the heart of our approach we have created an environment where children can express themselves, explore and investigate.  We offer a curriculum that is not only broad based, but considers the individual needs of each child, allowing each child to develop at their own pace and to follow their own interests.  In each room the experiences offered are appropriate to children's age and include both indoor and outdoor activities. Our learning environments are pivotal to our whole approach to learning and teaching; they are flexible so that spaces can be adapted in response to children's interests or lines of enquiry. Resources are easily accessible to children and are open-ended using largely natural or recycled materials so that children can create many different things in many ways. We strongly believe that the environment for children must be safe, warm, welcoming and calm; that the activity spaces and meeting spaces in the kindergarten are homely and nurturing; some areas have furniture that would be found in our homes and there are plenty of cosy spaces where children can come together to be with others or on their own. Objects, artwork and photographs from the natural world are displayed around the setting.Lighting and colour are also used to best effect to create a sense of well-being. These features will surround children within an environment that helps them feel safe and secure and encourages and supports positive behaviour for learning.  We have a large outdoor space where children spend a lot of time investigating the natural world around them. We work in partnership with Hylton Castle Primary School and have access to their wooded area to further extend the children's experiences nature.  Here at Castle Kindergarten we provide day care for children from 3 months to 4 years 11 months. We also offer funded places for 2 year olds who are eligible for the government's 15 hours free education. Funded places for 3 &amp; 4 year olds who are eligible for 15 and 30 hours of free education. Parents can either choose to use their full 30 funded hours with us or split it across two settings. Where the 30 hours are split between Castle Kindergarten and Hylton Castle Primary School, we provide a pick up and drop off service. We also provide after school and holiday care. This provider is registered for Tax Free Childcare.

Castle Kindergarten has a clear approach for identifying, responding to, and meeting children’s additional needs. We support and involve parents (and where relevant children), actively listening to, and acting on their wishes and concerns. We work in partnership with the local authority and other external agencies to ensure the best outcomes for children and their families. We regularly monitor and review our policy, practice and provision and, if necessary, make adjustments. Accessibility:Our building is completely accessible, with a sloping driveway and double doors throughout the corridors and entrance. The setting is on one floor, with easy access into the rooms and we have a hard gravel path throughout our outdoor area. We have an accessible toilet and the children's toilets are in cubicles which are large enough for staff to support a child when needed. Experience:Staff at Castle Kindergarten have experience in supporting children with:<ul><li>ADHD</li><li>Asperger's</li><li>Asthma</li><li>Autism Spectrum Disorder</li><li>Challenging Behaviour</li><li>Dietary Needs</li><li>Dyslexia</li><li>Dyspraxia</li><li>Eczema</li><li>Emotional Needs</li><li>Language Impairment </li><li>Oxygen Dependency</li><li>Serious Allergy</li><li>Speech and Language Difficulties</li><li>Toileting</li><li>Visual Impairment</li></ul>Training:At times, where children need very specific support, for example any medical support, staff will undertake any necessary training to ensure that the best possible care can be provided for every child. Staff at Castle Kindergarten have received training on:<ul><li>ADHD</li><li>Autism Spectrum Disorder</li><li>Asthma</li><li>Challenging Behaviour</li><li>Dietary Needs</li><li>Emotional Needs</li><li>Family/Parent Support</li><li>Makaton</li><li>Oxygen Dependency</li><li>Social and Emotional Difficulties</li><li>Speech, Language and Communication Difficulties</li><li>Toileting</li></ul>Supporting Children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities:Each child has a named key person, who supports them and liaises with families. The key workers are supported by our Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) and the deputy SENCo. The SENCos and key person meet with the family of any children who require any additional support, putting targeted plans in place that are outcome focused. Any plans that are in place are reviewed regularly with parents/carers to ensure that these are current and specific to the child's individual needs. Working with outside agencies:We may need to work alongside additional agencies to support children in the best way possible; this might include, Health Visitors, Speech and Language Therapists, Behaviour Support and Child Psychologists for example. We would always seek parental consent before doing this and you would be involved with the process throughout. Castle Kindergarten will always work in partnership with families and professionals to try and fully meet the individual child's needs. Seeking additional training and support where necessary.

Castle Kindergarten - (Hylton castle)

The Changing Places Consortium launched its campaign in 2006 on behalf of the over 1/4 of a million people who cannot use standard accessible toilets. This includes people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, as well as older people. To use the toilet in safety and comfort, many people need to be able to access a Changing Places, which have more space and the right equipment, including a height adjustable changing bench and a hoist. To find out more about Changing Places toilets and to find where the nearest ones are to you, visit our website.