One of the main advantages of children being looked after by us, is that your child will be in a small group. They will have plenty of individual attention on one to one basis. In our care every child is made to feel important and listened to.
I believe that children settle much better into a smaller home environment where they are being cared for throughout the day by the same person, rather than staff who rotate on a regular basis. I believe that having only 3 children per adult rather than having to look after a whole group is a great advantage to the parent/carer as well as the child. The children generally don’t catch many colds as they are not exposed to a large number of children which means parents are less likely to have to take time of work. We have more time to teach children potty training, personal hygiene and helping them in becoming independent. We are able to get to know children and their needs very well.
As a result children feel safe, secure and confident.
They express their ideas, feelings and ask more questions, they are able to come out of their shell and express their magnificent imagination without feeling nervous or shy. Children benefit from consistent care from one person who knows their individual needs and their individual interests. Children’s masterpieces and milestones are noticed and challenged on a daily basis.
Because this is a small setting I‘m able give parents extra time, advice and personal support. We like the fact that we can take the children to the park, the woods, library, the play groups and local attractions. We can do all the things that some busy parents would do if they had more time off work. As a childminder I let children run about, make noise, have fun and be themselves. I do not insist that children have a nap at a designated time or tell them they cannot eat until the next designated meal time if they are hungry. We change their nappy as soon as it needs changing.
In my setting we give children real life skills and experiences, we let the children join in on making lunch, baking, taking pictures of leaves they pick up in the park. The children also learn letters, numbers, have fun with messy play and spend time outdoors.
As a Wandsworth Registered Childminder I’m inspected by Ofsted and work with Social Services if needed. I have a public liability insurance and I’ve completed the paediatric first aid course. I also keep up with all the changes in the law and complete additional courses if necessary.
As part of Ofsted registration everybody in my house has had to have an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau disclosure (the most stringent available); a health check; and a house inspection to make sure it is safe for children. I meet the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage in England and national standards for childminders in Wales.
I live and work in my own home and so we are based in residential areas, often very close to the families of the children I care for. This means the children can grow up in their community, visiting the local shops and parks they’re familiar with and usually still be able to attend local clubs or visit their friends. I have the freedom to give children in my care a wide range of experiences both in and out of the house, they also attend play sessions so children can mix with larger groups.
I’m trained to follow the early years foundation stage (EYFS). This provides a structure of learning and care for children from birth to five years old. I have children of my own so as a parent you will know you are leaving your child with someone with great experience in caring for children.
