Regulation 15: Statement of Purpose
NMS 1: Parents have all the information they need to make an informed choice about the childcare service they require.
Introduction:
Nestled in Monmouthshire, Abergavenny is a quaint town with a rich heritage and lush green spaces, making it an ideal location for Welsh language childcare. Its parks and riverside areas offer ample opportunities for outdoor play, while historical landmarks and local events provide cultural enrichment. With convenient amenities and proximity to schools, Abergavenny is a welcoming community for families seeking Welsh-focused childcare.
Daffodil Welsh Language Childcare offers an immersive experience focused on the early development of Welsh literacy and language skills. Through engaging activities and interactions, we foster a nurturing environment where children can learn and grow in both Welsh language proficiency and cultural awareness.
Our unique selling points include:
- Experienced and qualified staff proficient in Welsh language and culture.
- Tailored curriculum and activities designed to promote Welsh language acquisition.
- Integration of Welsh cultural traditions and celebrations into daily routines.
- Small group sizes to facilitate personalised attention and support for each child's linguistic development.
- Collaborative partnerships with families to ensure continuity of language learning at home.
- Emphasis on creating a supportive and inclusive community that celebrates Welsh heritage and identity.
At Daffodil Welsh Language Childcare, we provide a holistic approach to early childhood education, where language, culture, and identity are celebrated and nurtured from the very beginning.
Provider Contact Information:
Name: Lady Sara Taylor-Platt
Location: Abergavenny, Monmouthshire
Telephone: 07547 061525
Email: daffodilwlc@gmail.com
Website: www.daffodilwlc.com
Social Media: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558673091773
About the Provider:
My Name is Sara, and I am a registered childminder in Abergavenny, Monmouthshire. I am committed to creating a nurturing and stimulating environment that promotes the growth and development of children through immersive Welsh language experiences. I prioritise privacy and do not disclose my address for confidentiality reasons.
Composition of Own Family:
My own family includes 2 daughters, Eden (Born 2018) and Erin (Born 2020). I am a divorcee and am the only adult resident at the property. My children's ages are indicated in a manner that remains relevant over time, ensuring transparency about the family dynamic. I am in a long-term relationship with Ryan, a financial advisor who resides in Newport. He will rarely visit, but should he do so, he will be required to sign the visitor book and will never be left unattended with the children. He has a DBS but is not involved with my childminding. Other members of my family are my father, Andy (known to my children as Banty), a retired operations manager, and my stepmother Julie (Known to my children as Nanny Julie), a caterer at Caldicot Comprehensive. They, too, will be required to sign the visitor book should they visit, and will not be left alone with the children at any time.
Details of Pets/Animals:
Whilst I do not have any pets on the premises, I have established a clear policy to address encounters with animals during organised events or general outings. This policy ensures that children's safety and well-being are always prioritised.
Aims and Objectives of the Service:
My primary aim is to empower children to reach their fullest potential by fostering a nurturing, engaging, and supportive environment. I am dedicated to ensuring that every child feels valued, safe, healthy, and confident throughout their time in my care. I strive for continuous improvement in the quality of my service, constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of children and families in the community. Through nurturing care, engaging learning experiences, and meaningful play, I lay the foundation for lifelong success and well-being.
Details about the Children for Whom Care is Provided:
I welcome children from birth to 12 years old, prioritising Welsh language immersion throughout their developmental journey. My inclusive service embraces families from all backgrounds, fostering a culture of diversity and respect for individual differences.
I am registered with CIW and adhere to specified child-to-caregiver ratios, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards while providing attentive and personalised care to each child. I am dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive in both the Welsh language and culture.
Languages Used:
Welsh is the primary language used, and to ensure inclusivity, there is still the use of the English language. However, outside of term, English is used more frequently, as my service opens to children from all local schools. I believe in nurturing bilingualism from an early age and introducing children to both languages through daily interactions and activities.
Additionally, I incorporate British Sign Language (BSL) into daily practices, further enhancing communication and inclusivity within our childcare setting.
I may include keywords from other global languages during activities, where relevant, in line with the CFW’s third purpose: Ethical, informed citizens of Wales and the world. This holistic approach reflects our commitment to providing a supportive and enriching environment where children can thrive linguistically and socially.
Opening Hours:
Term Time: Monday to Friday
I understand the demands of modern family life and offer differing opening hours to accommodate the needs of working parents.
From 1st December 2025, I will also be employed as a 1-2-1 Learning Assistant at Ysgol Gymraeg Y Fenni from 9 am until 3 pm, Monday to Friday, during term time.
This means that during school term time, I will only be offering wraparound care for children 2+ years, who attend Ysgol y Fenni and Cylch Meithrin y Fenni, at the following times:
Before school: 7 am – 9 am
After school: 3 pm – 6 pm
The setting will be closed between 9 am and 3 pm Monday to Friday during term time.
Inset days will remain closed.
All year availability: Weekend care
Weekends operate from 9 am to 6 pm and are available for children from birth to 12 years.
Weekends can be booked in 3-hour slots, 9-12, 12-3 or 3-6, or a combination of (for example, 9 until 3 is 2 slots), allowing me to plan effectively for the children.
Out of Term Time: Half Term and Holiday Care
Half-term and holiday club runs from 9 am to 3 pm for children aged 3+. I understand parents may need more time; therefore, additional hours before and after are available at an extra rate, which is detailed on the website.
Weekends and out-of-term care include meals, snacks and activities, ensuring your children receive holistic care that caters to their diverse needs.
To ensure convenience and peace of mind for parents, clear procedures are in place for collecting children from our service. We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, so arrangements are also made for late pickups when needed. Our goal is to provide a reliable and supportive childcare solution that meets the diverse needs of families in our community.
Staffing:
As the sole childminder, I assume full responsibility for all aspects of childcare provision. With my relevant qualifications and certifications, I ensure the safety and well-being of every child under my care.
Currently, there are no plans to employ additional staff. I provide personalised and attentive care to each child, maintaining the highest standards of quality and professionalism.
Volunteers may assist on outings; however, parental consent will be sought beforehand, and all necessary safeguarding checks will be conducted prior to children being introduced.
Visitors are required to sign my diary, with date, time (in and out), and purpose of visit. IDs will be checked before entering the premises, and children will never be left unsupervised.
Full Details of Provision:
My home boasts a thoughtfully designed layout that maximises both indoor and outdoor spaces to create a stimulating environment for children's growth and development.
Indoors, children have access to various designated play areas, each carefully curated to cater to different aspects of their learning and exploration.
The living room provides a cosy setting for quiet reading sessions, educational tv, and group storytelling activities, while the kitchen doubles as a creative hub for hands-on experiments and messy play, such as baking, crafting and science-based learning, and the communal mealtime area. Additionally, the bedroom/playroom offers a versatile space for imaginative play and structured learning activities, with ample room for children to engage in role-playing games or artistic pursuits.
Outdoors, children have the freedom to explore and discover in a safe and secure environment. The grassy area and patio serve as ideal settings for active play, with plenty of room for running, jumping, and exploring nature. Outdoor toys and equipment, such as scooters and balls, are readily available to encourage physical activity and social interaction among peers. I have been awarded a small capital grant from Monmouthshire County Council, for my outdoor area to be upgraded with a shelter, which will enhance the play space, making it all weather ready.
Ongoing development to both the inside and outside, occurs depending on the Childrens needs and interests. All changes will be subject to dynamic risk assessments.
To further enrich the learning experience, I provide a wide range of toys, books, and educational resources (In Welsh where available) tailored to children's interests and developmental needs. Activities are carefully planned and implemented to support each child's unique journey, with regular reviews and adjustments made to ensure continued engagement and progression.
Creating a daily childcare routine for children aged 0 to 12 requires careful consideration of their developmental needs and interests. Here's a look at our typical term-time daily structure, which is available for children 2 years+ who attend Ysgol Gymraeg y fenni, and/or Cylch meithrin y fenni:
(half term/ holiday club and weekend care information are available on my website)
07:00
Arrival of Early Drop children (Additional fee*), settling in, breakfast served within this hour.
08:00
Arrival of children, settling in
08:30
supervised drop-offs and ensure children are safely escorted to their classrooms / nursery.
Closed between 9am and 3pm Term time.
15:00
Pick up from Ysgol y Fenni
15:30
Arrive home and have a nutritious snack (provided by parents) to replenish energy levels
16:00
Structured activities or free play, offering a balance of physical, creative, and educational experiences. Homework support, home reading will be offered for children of school age.
17:00
Wind-down activities such as storytelling or group discussions, preparing children for the end of the day and ensuring a smooth transition to departure.
17:30
Departure
Terms and Conditions:
I believe in transparency and clarity when it comes to my terms and conditions. Parents are provided with comprehensive information outlining our policies on fees, holiday arrangements, sickness policies, and contract agreements. We understand the importance of clear communication in ensuring a positive experience for both parents and children. There is a section on prices, policies and procedures on my website, allowing quick access for anyone who wishes to know more about the service I provide.
In addition to my standard terms and conditions, I actively participate in government-funded schemes such as the Childcare Offer and the tax-free childcare scheme. I also work with parents who receive childcare vouchers, registering with the providers required where possible. These initiatives provide financial support to eligible families, helping to alleviate the financial burden associated with childcare expenses. By participating in these schemes, I aim to make high-quality childcare accessible to all families in our community, regardless of their financial circumstances.
Admissions Policy:
I pride myself on my inclusive admissions policy, which warmly welcomes all families in the setting. I understand that each child and family is unique, and I strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported from the moment they join my childcare family.
As part of my commitment to ensuring a smooth transition for children and parents, I offer a free settling-in session. During this time, I work closely with both the child(ren) and their family to establish a sense of familiarity and comfort within my childcare setting. This period allows children to gradually acclimatise to their new surroundings, build trust with our caregivers, and become familiar with the daily routines and activities.
I recognise that starting childcare can be a significant milestone for both children and parents, and I am dedicated to making this transition as seamless and stress-free as possible. By providing personalised attention and support during the settling-in period, I aim to instil confidence in both children and parents, setting the foundation for a positive and fulfilling childcare experience.
Dealing with Complaints:
I believe in fostering open communication and transparency in all aspects of our service, including addressing any complaints or concerns raised by parents or children. I encourage a culture of openness where parents and children feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and concerns.
Transparent procedures are firmly in place to ensure that any complaints or concerns are handled promptly and effectively. I take all feedback seriously, seeking to understand the issues raised and work towards a resolution in a timely manner. Whether it's a minor concern or a more significant issue, I am committed to addressing it with sensitivity and professionalism.
In addition, I hold a Level 2 Qualification in Counselling Skills, further enhancing my ability to address issues and concerns with the utmost confidentiality and care. With this qualification, I am well-equipped to provide emotional support and guidance to parents and children, ensuring that all discussions are handled sensitively and respectfully. Whether it's a simple question or a more complex issue, parents can trust that their concerns will be met with empathy and professionalism, maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality throughout the process.
In the rare event that a complaint or concern cannot be resolved at the service level, parents and children have access to escalation procedures. Contact details for the Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) are provided, allowing complaints to be escalated beyond the service level if necessary. Parents can reach CIW via telephone, email, or post, ensuring that their concerns are heard and addressed by the appropriate regulatory authority.
Telephone: 0300 7900 126
Email: CIW@gov.wales
Post: Care Inspectorate Wales, Welsh Government office, Sarn Mynach, Llandudno Junction, LL31 9RZ
When CIW receive a complaint/concern they may take one or more of the following actions:
- They may inspect to check compliance with regulations
- They may refer the complainant to myself (Sara) to manage in line with the complaints procedures, I have set. (non regulatory issues i.e contract and fee disputes ect)
- They may refer the concern to another agency
- They may take no immediate action
and/or
- they may use the information to help inform what they look at during the next inspection.
By maintaining transparent procedures and providing access to external support channels, I demonstrate my commitment to accountability, continuous improvement, and the well-being of the children and families I serve.
Dealing with Emergencies:
The safety and well-being of the children entrusted to our care are paramount, which is why I maintain comprehensive emergency procedures to handle any unforeseen situations with efficiency and care.
I undergo regular first aid training to ensure she is equipped with the necessary skills to respond swiftly and effectively in the event of an emergency. Additionally, I have designated backup support, trusted individuals who are trained and ready to step in if needed, ensuring continuity of care even in her absence.
Parents play a vital role in the emergency procedures by providing consent for emergency care, allowing us to take prompt action should the need arise. Clear protocols are established and communicated to parents, outlining the steps we (myself and the parents) will take in various emergency scenarios, from minor injuries to more serious incidents.
In the event of an emergency, I am prepared to act decisively, following established protocols and communicating with parents every step of the way. I understand the importance of reassurance and transparency during stressful situations, and I strive to keep parents informed and involved throughout the process.
By maintaining rigorous emergency procedures and fostering open communication with parents, Daffodil - Welsh Language Childcare ensures that every child in our care receives the prompt and effective support they need, giving parents peace of mind knowing their children are in safe hands.
Reviewing the Statement of Purpose:
The Statement of Purpose for Daffodil - Welsh Language Childcare is reviewed annually/ as soon as there is a change to the service to ensure accuracy and relevance. CIW is notified of any changes to the service, maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements and standards.