Nicolac
Childminder in Euxton
Usually responds within 4 hours
Female Member since Sep 2017 Last Updated Dec 2024 Last Login 17 Dec 2024
My Summary
About Me
Rated with a GOOD with outstanding qualities within my professional development...June 2019
Hi my name is Nicola Cookson (was Moore) and I would like to welcome you to Little Bear Cubs Childminding which is now located in (Balshaw Lane area of Euxton) and will be doing the school service of drop off and collection from Balshaw Lane Primary School.
My Setting
Myself and my family (my husband and 2 daughters) live in a semi detached house in Euxton which is on the outskirts of Chorley/Leyland. We have a private garden and the whole of my small orangery/conservatory is dedicated for my childminding business, with natural views and continuous play in the garden where the children can have access to free and open ended play if they wish to be indoors or outdoors, which means the children within my care have a continuous provision made up of space so they can access their interests through their own choices (I cater for individual children based on interests, needs and abilities)
I also change my resources and room around where necessary so each child is well catered for, are able to feel a sense of belonging, feel secure and are able to take their learning further through particular play interests.
I don't currently drive but this is something I'm looking into for future reference, but it doesn't affect my line of work or the children as we do lot's of different activities in lots of different places especially being out doors and travel by foot or use public transport for different experiences for example splashing in the local stream, pond dipping, playgroups (for further social interaction), Forest school, library visits, Phonics class, museum visits, messy play class, swimming etc... but please also see my Little Bear Cubs Childminding page to see everything we get up to through photographic evidence. (Faces blurred out and copyright placed on for protection of all children and persons on the photos)
My ethos
I am very ambitious about children, I make sure that they have the best learning experiences, become independent and I follow their interests as best I can to make sure they get the learning and life skills that they need throughout their lifes. I do also like to get messy and creative so your child/children may come home a little bit dirty/messy, but they would of had lots of fun and would of learnt a considerable amount during their time with me as my ethos is to follow a child's inquisitions and help to support them to understand about the world around them.
The natural environment and natural resources are also something I consider as open ended play and learning, I will try to promote these into my line of work to get more out of the children, this includes being outdoors as much as I can in most weathers to ensure the children experience the world that they live in.
I also love to do as much craft outside as I do inside and love a child to be involved with observational drawings/paintings of the environment this enables them to get a sense of what's around them and what inspires them the most. Babies will also be involved in being outdoors and will learn through repeated experiences and able to use their senses to help them learn more.
I am able to pick up new experiences quite quickly and use my initiative to promote and positively implement learning into my planning, the continuous provision/setting to support and encourage the children to learn and develop further, whilst encouraging independence and self learning through using their own ideas. Most of the activities provided will come from the children through child led play, I will watch and observe them daily to see what interests they have incurred and implement strategies to help them extend their play and learning.
Please note... I will not observe but will gladly do the same for before and after school children, but will also ask what they would like to do and try to implement it as best as I can. I will also try my best to help out with any homework that has been set by school - sometimes if there is a particular topic on my long term/medium term planning they can get involved with that if they wish to i.e. Festivals/religious celebrations/special occasions etc... - making cards/ decorations etc…
I am currently undertaking courses from the Hygge Accreditation and the Curiosity Approach to get some more natural outdoor learning to adapt my setting and pass on to the children to.
My Experience
From a young age I have always known that I have wanted to work with children and help them to learn and develop in the best ways I can possibly give. I do go above and beyond to give the children within my care the best possible start in life, and treat them as if they are my own children.
I started out from leaving school in 2004 to study for my CCE level 2 and NVQ level 3 in childcare and education. During this time, I have worked in various Early Years settings which include Nurseries, Preschools and Primary Schools working as a Nursery Nurse or Teaching Assistant, I have been a Play Scheme assistant for Special Educational Needs children and worked as an Exam Invigilator for a Secondary School. I have worked my way up from working with young babies to working in reception class in a school as 1-1 support. I also spent 9 years of my career within an Outstanding Children’s Centre with children aged 0-5 years where I gained a considerable amount of experience which has helped me develop to become a good Mum, Role Model and Early Years Professional.
I have also gained 2 modules of the level 4 Qualification but didn’t get to finish it due to family commitments, but within in the near future I may continue to finish it and possibly further my career. I also have all the important up-to-date training from the Childminding Workshops, Paediatric First Aid, Safeguarding, Allergy Awareness, Food Hygiene and plenty more to ensure the children within my care are well cared for, secure, safe and have the best learning experiences to help them develop further - these will be updated and reviewed regularly.
My Qualifications
10 GCSE'S
CCE level 2 and NVQ level 3 in childcare and education.
Gained 2 modules of the level 4 Qualification
Ofsted Registered Childminder from April 17
Rated Good in June 2019
Lots of professional courses undertaken and repeated - these include first aid training and have a high knowledge of safeguarding children etc...
My Availability
I am available Monday - Friday throughout the year from 7:30Am - 5:30Pm Full and Term Time only children accepted (pro rata will require a pro rata payment scheme over 12 months)
From January 2023 - I now no longer provide an evening meal but will happily provide a more substantial snack from 3:30/4pm instead.
Funding for 2/3/4 year olds, voucher schemes and tax free childcare is considered.
Pick up and drop off from Balshaw Lane Primary School if required.
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before School | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Morning | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Afternoon | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| After School | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Evening | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Overnight | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Last Updated: 16/12/2024 | |||||||
My Fees
- Childminding from £4.50 per hour
£40 Full day (Full year and Term time)
£25 Half Day (Full year and Term time)
Fees cover - food (no evening meal), resources, sensory/messy play classes, playgroups, learning classes, forest school, trips out etc...
Term time only consists of 39 weeks of the year (additional days can be used in the holidays, subject to prior arrangements)
£10 After school care - includes substantial snack and drink.
£5 Before school care
(Please note I am flexible and will try my best to accommodate children wherever and whenever I can)
My Local Schools
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at Balshaw Lane Community Primary School
My Ofsted Inspections
The inspection grades below have been obtained from the Ofsted website based upon the registration number the childminder has provided to us. You should verify this information yourself prior to using the childminder.
My Documents
- Ofsted Certificate (added 12/04/2023)
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