Dorothy179
Childminder in Canterbury (also available for babysitting)
Usually responds within 2 days
Female Member since May 2014 Last Updated May 2025 Last Login 31 May 2025
My Summary
Dedicated Childminder/ Nanny With 10+ Years Experience In Early Years Education And Family Support
About Me
Please note: I have limited availability as of now, and from September 2025, my availability will be very limited until the end of 2026. Please feel free to reach out to discuss future openings or join my waiting list.
As a registered childminder with over 10 years of experience in childcare, I am passionate about providing a nurturing, engaging, and enriching environment for children. My background as a nanny and early years educator has given me extensive hands-on experience in supporting children's learning and development.
I offer home-based childcare that fosters curiosity, creativity, and independence. My setting provides a warm and stimulating space where children can thrive, with a strong focus on play-based learning, outdoor exploration, and healthy living. I plan fun and educational activities tailored to each child's needs, ensuring they feel safe, happy, and valued.
You'll often find me and the children enjoying a variety of local activities, including Stay and Plays, playgroups, Toddlers Cove, Wingham Wildlife Park, Badgers Hill Farm, Betteshanger, local libraries, or simply exploring nature with walks along the Stour River and visits to John Danes Gardens. I believe in the importance of fresh air and active play as part of a child's daily routine.
Reading with children is one of my greatest joys, and I am passionate about early literacy and fostering a love for books. I also prioritise healthy eating, preparing nutritious meals from scratch to support children’s well-being.
I take pride in running a structured yet flexible childcare setting where children feel at home while learning key life skills. My experience allows me to maintain a calm and organised environment, helping families balance their busy lives with confidence and ease.
I hold a Child Care Level 3 Diploma in Early Years and am fully committed to providing the highest standard of care and education. If you're looking for a dedicated, experienced, and nurturing childminder, I’d love to chat and see how I can support your family.
My Experience
With over 10 years of experience in childcare, I have developed a deep understanding of child development, supporting children from infancy to adolescence. As a registered childminder, I now provide a nurturing and stimulating home-based setting where children can thrive.
Throughout my career, I have supported numerous families, maintaining strong and lasting relationships. My responsibilities have included:
School runs
After-school activities
Meal preparation and feeding
Toileting and potty training
Arranging engaging activities
Assisting with homework
Proxy parenting and overnight care
Attending parent-teacher meetings and relaying feedback
I also have experience working alongside healthcare professionals, attending medical appointments with children, and implementing recommended therapies from physiotherapists and speech and language specialists. My areas of expertise include weaning, potty training, and sleep training, and I pride myself on being adaptable to the unique needs of each family and child.
Currently, I am working part-time as a nanny in addition to running my childminding business. I also lead a local mother and toddler group, where I facilitate play-based sessions, support new parents, and help build a sense of community for families.
Previously, I worked part-time at a preschool, where I gained valuable experience setting up activities, supervising meals and snack times, assisting with toileting, and supporting children in their daily routines. I engaged children in singing, reading, painting, and physical activities, and collaborated with SENCO and senior staff to ensure consistent care for children with special educational needs.
Before transitioning into childcare, I worked in finance. After my company went into administration, I followed my passion and made the decision to pursue a career in childcare a choice that has been immensely rewarding. I continue to enhance my knowledge and skills through ongoing training and remain committed to providing high-quality, personalised care for every child in my care.
My Qualifications
Level 3 Diploma Early Years Educator.
Understanding Leadership & Management Level 4
Healthy & Safety In Early Years Level 4
Recognising and Supporting Children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) Level 3
Safe Guarding for Children Level 3
Observing Children Level 3
Partnership With Parents Level 3
Paediatric First Aid
Food Hygiene Level 2
Child Protection Level 2
Preventing Bullying Level 2
Equality & Diversity Level 2
Child Exploitation & Online Safety for Education
Common Core Skills & Knowledge
Safe Sleeping For Babies-Reducing The Risk of SIDS (CPD)
Early Years Nutrition Level 3
My Availability
I have limited availability as of now mainly on ad-hoc basis.
Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Before School | yes | yes | yes | no | yes | no | no |
Morning | yes | yes | yes | no | yes | no | no |
Afternoon | no | yes | no | yes | no | no | no |
After School | no | yes | no | yes | no | no | no |
Evening | no | yes | no | yes | no | no | no |
Overnight | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
Last Updated: 27/05/2025 |
My Fees
- Babysitting from £13.00 per hour
- Childminding from £7.00 per hour
A minimum of 2 sessions a week is required for childminding services
My rates are negotiable depending on the hours, days required, and the number of children.
For those requiring me as nanny Please note the following:
For part-time work, I have a minimum requirement of 5 hours per day.
Part-time nanny work totaling less than 20 hours per week will be charged at £18 per hour (gross).
Please be aware that for nanny positions, I will be your employee, meaning you will be responsible for both employer and employee responsibilities, such as taxes and contributions.
Only babysitting and ad-hoc work will be on a self-employed basis.
My Local Schools
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at St Johns Church of England Primary School
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at St Thomas' Catholic Primary School, Canterbury
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at Barton Court Grammar School
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at Pilgrims' Way Primary School
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at The King's School Canterbury
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at St Peter's Methodist Primary School
My Documents
- Ofsted Certificate (added 22/03/2025)
- DBS Check (added 19/03/2025)
- Basic Disclosure Check (added 16/02/2022)
Reviews

Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for dorothy179. Please note that reviews represent the subjective opinions of other Childcare.co.uk members and not of Childcare.co.uk. Parents must carry out their own checks and references on childcare providers to ensure that they are completely happy before enaging in the use of their services.
Dorothy looked after my son sometimes when he was 1yo and 2yo. She has a real natural talent for connecting with kids - he loved playing with her. She is warm, great fun, friendly and lovely to be around. She is also a great cook! Able to make foods filled with secret veg that kids actually eat.
by
Laura
on 15/09/2023
Response by
dorothy179
on 19/07/2024:
Thank you so much for your kind words and support, even after all this time – I'm thrilled to hear that your son enjoyed our time together and appreciated my cooking!
Looked after our three boys very well. Kept them safe, fed them and put them to bed. Also washed up after them. Will highly recommend 😊
by
P and T
on 27/04/2022
Response by
dorothy179
on 19/07/2024:
Thank you so much for your glowing review and recommendation! I'm delighted that you were satisfied with my care and the overall experience.
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