North Watford Childminder

About Me:

Hello, I'm Natalie, a married Mum to 3 beautiful children, I have an 8 year old boy, a 5 (nearly 6) year old girl and a baby boy of 10 months. We live in North Watford and I can do drop-offs/pick-ups for Knutsford School and the Nursery and Pre-School attached.

I regularly attend local toddler groups, visit parks, the library and museums with the children and during the warmer months will plan outings to farms and woodland walks/nature trails where we can have picnics and get plenty of fresh air. Even during the winter months we always go out of the house at least once a day even if it’s just to scoot around the block!

Experience:

I am a recently registered Childminder having completed the Unit 1 Diploma in Home Based Childcare. As a Mum to 3 children I've had plenty of first hand experience helping my own children grow and learn and would love to share my enjoyment at doing so with others. For me there is nothing more inspirational than watching a child achieve new goals and I aim to provide an enriched and safe learning environment that is warm and caring but most of all welcoming to all children of all abilities, cultures, beliefs and backgrounds.

As a previous working parent I understand the need to feel content that your child is being well cared for, treated equally and encouraged to learn and achieve whilst you are at work. Peace of mind for a working parent is essential.

Parents are equally as important to me as the children and I welcome and actively encourage feedback and suggestions regarding our daily/weekly routines and topics. It is paramount to my service that any positive or negative thoughts be communicated freely and without worry as with parents help I can improve and aim to achieve the best care possible for your child.

As well as providing a happy and welcoming home based environment I aim to help each child in my care reach the goals of the Early Years Foundation Stage by the September after their 5th Birthday.

To evidence this I will provide Daily Diaries up until a child's 3rd Birthday, weekly planners, monthly and yearly planners, together with a yearly Learning Journey for every child. The Learning Journey will set out your child's achievements on a monthly basis, detailing activities undertaken, examples of your child's art work, together with photos (if permission given), observations and references to the 6 areas of Learning & Development covered under the EYFS.

I will promote with positive encouragement healthy eating and provide nutritious meals and snacks. Fresh drinking water will be available at all times. I am happy to incorporate any special dietary requirements and food allergies will be taken into account and implemented into my weekly menu planner.

Of course along with learning and achieving through play and activities, sleep and rest times are just as important in a child's routine to maintain well being physically and mentally.

I hope this gives you as a parent some insight into what I have learnt first hand being a Mum and through my recent Childcare Diploma and how I plan to extend this knowledge and care to more children.

Please do not hesitate to call and arrange a stay and play visit to help you gain a better idea of whether I am the right childminder for your child.

Qualifications:

CACHE Unit 1 Diploma in Home Based Childcare
Paediatric First Aid Certificate
Young in Herts Introduction to EYFS Certificate
Young in Herts Safeguarding Children/Every Child Matters Certificate
National Strategies E-learning Guidance for Childminders (Re: Observation, Assessment & Planning)

Intended further learning:

Food Hygiene
Herts Quality Standards
NVQ Level 3 in Childcare, Learning & Development

Availability/Times:

I have vacancies for 2 children under 5 (but not under 1 due to my son's age) and 2 children over 5 (reception age 4 children included in that group).

I am available Mon to Fri 8.00 am to 6.00 pm

Earlier drop offs and later pick ups can be discussed

Fees:

£4.00 per hour rising to £4.50 after the first year
£38 per full day (8.00 - 6.00 pm)
£170 per week (5 full days)

Food and snacks are provided although special dietary requirements may require parents to provide specific food

Tel: 01923 816302