Sarahell

About Me

I have been a registered Childminder since 1994, located on Ashgate Road. I provide a stable, loving, nurturing environment to school age children from when they start reception until they leave me to attend secondary school. This relationship includes supporting all aspects of school life including homework should you as a parent wish for this. I live in a detached house in Ashgate (with my husband and son), which has a dedicated play room, large kitchen diner for arts and crafts, play doh, painting, meals etc , a lounge for reading /TV or quiet time, a downstairs toilet and a large garden with toys and lots of seating and tables in various areas. (I have a substantial hard standing area for the winter to enable ball games /skipping etc.) My garden is fully lit during the winter evenings if children want to play outside or find a quiet area with a blanket and a book. It is totally secure. I also have a small sectioned off wildlife pond, which the children love, but are supervised. The children have been at school all day and like a home environment which is fun, and that is exactly what I provide.

I open at 7.30 (or earlier if needed) and officially finish at 5.30 pm. This can be flexible if you work later. Latest pick up at 6pm. I provide a selection of breakfast choices (free choice by your child) and milk (milkshakes if preferred), water, squash. I take your child to school and then if you require collection, collect from school and provide a light snack (sandwich, beans on toast, toasties, cheesy pasta etc. Fruit is always available ). I am happy to liaise with school for any of your needs. On the way back from school we have a vote on who wants to go to the park (weather permitting) and most days we will visit even if it is only for 15 minutes… I usually take a football and various games and in the nice weather we may have our sandwiches there. My house is situated just metres from Inkermann park. (It takes us 10 minutes to walk to and from school).

I support reading if you wish for this and homework. Ipads are available at all times to enable your child to do their doodle /seesaw set homework from school and children often enjoy sitting in a group and doing this at the table. Also age related games are set up on these. I have a wii which is popular with the children in the winter months including microphones and numerous singing /dancing games, wii fit and fit board and various games including bowling, tennis, fifa and mario. (Too many to mention all of them). I have a playstation 3, netflix, prime and virgin tv. (To be honest no one really watches tv, unless they are feeling really tired or poorly). Children have free choice of toys and activities and art equipment. Activities are not limited due to the fact that I do not have toddlers or babies. All equipment is age appropriate and fun is not spoilt by being restricted in playing with lego for instance due to the risk to younger children . Many of my children attend because they like to attend, rather than they need to!

I have three dogs who are extremely well trained and well behaved. I have had dogs all my life and I do not tolerate ill mannered, badly behaved dogs…. I have separate kennelling areas used for the afternoon session. Children who come to me scared of dogs, usually overcome their fear within a short time - references available to prove this from various children and parents. My dogs are all bitches and range in size, shape and age…. All wormed, spayed and flead. My dogs are calm and gentle with the children and they don’t jump up. I also have a tropical fish tank in the kitchen. Children are taught to respect other people and animals in my setting.

I do not charge for bank holidays /inset days or charge retainers for school holidays. I charge a month in arrears and provide an invoice which is acceptable for universal credit. I accept all childcare voucher schemes. I am fair in my charging and flexible whenever it is possible for me to be so. I do not charge extra for food or milk.