Babybean

My Summary

My Experience

I am now a newly OFSTED registered childminder. Although I was an au-pair and a part-time nanny when I was a student, my childcare experience comes mainly from my own children. As you know, there is no one-size-fits-all approach in terms of childcare and education. However I have a few principles which I believe contribute to give children the best possible start in life:

- Parents are the prime educators of their children, nobody can replace them. As a childminder, I am committed to support the parents in what they think is best for their children. Since each child is unique, I do think that the most important is to work with parents as a team in order to understand the child's background and define together what is the best way for the child to develop and thrive.

- Along with free play and Arts and Crafts activities, I also like to slowly introduce children from about two year old to collaborative board game playing. I also put a great emphasis on interacting with and talking to the children as much as possible and whatever their age. Music, anything from Bach to the Beatles, is also of great interest at home and we listen to it everyday! We also attend local playgroups almost everyday since I think it is essential for the children to learn how to develop basic communication skills in a bigger group. Occasionally I organise day-trip to farms, museums and to other kids-friendly venues.

- Unless exceptionally, and agreed beforehands with the parents, my home is a screen-free environment. So no TV - we literally have none anyway-, no video gaming, no cartoons- which will give the parents full control over screen-time allowance.

- Healthy mind in a healthy body! Food at home is a serious business! I cook and prepare all meals from fresh using only the best quality ingredients. Many of the veg and fruits I buy are organic and as much as possible locally sourced. I bake my own organic home-made bread. The great majority of the meat I buy is free-range, if not organic, grass-fed and sourced from responsible and sustainable British farms. Finally, I do not normally provide junk food (crisps, fruit juices, sweets, squash, etc.) to the children. However I am of course happy to make here as well some exceptions when there is something to celebrate and as a treat!

- Everybody at home learns politeness and respect on a daily basis: so saying 'please', 'thank you', cleaning after oneself, helping clearing the table, tidying up the toys, etc. is part of the daily routine.

My Qualifications

Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Childminding training in the Common Core Skills
Paediatric First Aid Certificate

My Availability

I work term-time only and have currently some availability from January 2025.
I offer funded places and do school pick-ups and drop-offs at Saint Mary's primary school in Beckenham as well as Millie's preschool in Addiscombe.

My Fees

• Childminding from £8.00 per hour

I charge 8£ an hour - term-time only.
Full-day fee (8am to 6pm) is 70£.
My fee is inclusive of breakfast, snacks, lunch, nappies, wipes and outings.
Please note that I do not take paid holidays.