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Paula

Childminder in Maidstone

4.85 stars

Usually responds within 4 hours

Female Member since Sep 2011 Last Updated Sep 2024 Last Login 11 Jul 2025

My Summary

Ofsted Registered
First Aid Training
DBS Check
Newborn Experience
Full Driving Licence
Own Car
School Pickups
Childcare Qualifications
2 Year old Funded Childcare
3 and 4 Year old Funded Childcare
Tax-Free Childcare
Outstanding Rated
I'm Covid-19 Vaccinated
9 months old Funded Childcare

About Me

Hi, I'm Paula, an Outstanding Ofsted Registered childminder living in Maidstone, very near the town centre. I am originally from South Africa and my family is Portuguese and I have lived in the UK since 2003.

My Experience

I have been working as a childminder since August 2011 and have previously worked as an Au Pair in the USA and have done regular babysitting for friends and family. Over the years I have had the privilege of taking care of many children of all ages and been able to help them all with their learning and development.

My Qualifications

I have completed my Paediatric First Aid course and have been CRB cleared. I have also completed regular training courses with my local authority/council. I have also completed my Level 3 Childcare Diploma.

My Availability

From April 2025 I'll have availability for 2 children between the ages of 9 months and 3 years, either part-time or full-time. I am flexible though so please feel free to contact me directly for further information.

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Before School yes yes yes yes no no no
Morning yes yes yes yes no no no
Afternoon yes yes yes yes no no no
After School yes yes yes yes no no no
Evening no no no no no no no
Overnight no no no no no no no
Last Updated: 26/09/2024

My Fees

  • Childminding from £6.50 per hour

Please contact me directly for fee details, I do accept Childcare Vouchers and I am registered for Tax-Free Childcare.

My Local Schools

This childminder has not yet informed us whether or not they provide any drop off or pick up services at local schools.

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.

Ofsted Good Provider Logo
Good
26 February 2025
A recent inspection has rated this childminder as 'Good' across all areas. Children benefit from a well-organized learning environment that supports development through play, with strengths in mathematical skills and reading promotion. The approach values diverse cultural backgrounds and languages. To further improve, the childminder could allow more time for children to respond to questions and provide additional opportunities for developing independence.
Summary generated by AI from the text of the inspection report.
29 April 2019 - Outstanding
20 January 2016 - Good
Show previous inspections
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My Documents

  • image/svg+xml Ofsted Certificate (added 22/09/2021)
  • Inspection Report (added 14/01/2021)
Request Document Access We will notify the provider and you will receive an email if they accept your request

Reviews

4.85 stars 4.85 out of 5
13 ratings

Latest reviews

Below are the latest reviews for Paula. 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.

My daughter was with Paula for 1 year ,and iam absolutely amazed by her work .Paula is very welcoming, always smiling and full of energy. Sophie is with her 3 days a week and every morning she asks me if today is Paula's day and if I say yes she starts jumping and saying yuyyyy😁 her house is always tidy, full of lovely ,educational toys ,games ,books ,..she has very fun garden with outdoor toys to play with ,...I also love that she often visit playgroups and she sends daily her pictures from outing .
I know that my daughter is safe with her and well look after !!!!!! Definitely recommend 👌

  • 5 stars Overall
  • 5 stars Setting
  • 5 stars Cleanliness
  • 5 stars Food
  • 5 stars Communication

by Avatar for JDidi JDidi on 11/07/2025

I am so grateful to have found Paula three years ago. I was a little unsure with picking a childminder, as my eldest son went to a large chain nursery but it was the best decision I have made. My Son has been with Paula from 2022 and sadly leaving her to go to big School this year 2025.
He loves the variety with Paula, the visits to playgroups, parks, arts and crafts and her home setting. Play in the garden. He really gets it all with her, fun yet educational.
Paula recommends things to try at home to strengthen skills.
Yesterday in fact he was sad on the way home from hers as still wanted to be playing at Paula’s.
Paula has a loving and professional approach, you can truly see she cares and wants the best for the children. She goes above and beyond and we are truly going to miss her. She is apart of our lives and has been apart of Teaching my son so much. I sometimes question my son on how he knows new things and he says Paula taught me. I am so grateful to Paula.
The home setting is safe and Paula’s daughters are playful and caring. My son is surrounded by adventure and new activities every day in Paula’s setting.
We highly recommend Paula in every way.

  • 5 stars Overall
  • 5 stars Setting
  • 5 stars Cleanliness
  • 5 stars Food
  • 5 stars Communication

by Avatar for Donna Donna on 11/07/2025

My daughter has been with Paula since starting Reception class at Primary school. She has literally only just ended due to starting Secondary School in September. Paul and her family welcomed her immediately, making her feel welcome and taking the time to find out about her. My daughter has thoroughly enjoyed her time with Paula and has flourished in her care. I cannot recommend her enough. Paula has been flexible where she can and goes above and beyond. She cares and nurtures those in her care. I think she was even more nervous than I was the day you find out Secondary School places….texting to see where my daughter had got ☺️. Paula has supported my daughters preparation for each of the next steps in her educational journey, my daughter has thoroughly enjoyed her time and made many memories of the years. It is going to be strange not collecting my daughter from Paula and I am sure she will be interested to see her flourish in her next stage. Thank you for everything you have done for her 🥰

  • 5 stars Overall
  • 5 stars Setting
  • 5 stars Cleanliness
  • 5 stars Food
  • 5 stars Communication

by Avatar for Carol Carol on 29/05/2023

Our youngest daughter was with Paula from the age of 9 months until starting school. We would not have changed child minder but our daughter was going to a different school.
Florence enjoyed every moment of her time at Paula's and sees the whole family as an extension of our own family. Paula offers a kind, supportive, compassionate and nurturing environment for children and I do not hesitate to recommend her to anyone.
Whichever milestone Florence was working towards - talking, walking, starting pre-school Paula wholeheartedly supported and encouraged. Her communication is excellent and we have kept the communication diaries as a reminder of Florence's time there. We loved the regular WhatsApp pictures and communications also.
Paula is an amazing child minder who is highly regarded by our whole family.

  • 5 stars Overall
  • 5 stars Setting
  • 5 stars Cleanliness
  • 5 stars Food
  • 5 stars Communication

by Avatar for Wendy Wendy on 04/10/2021

Paula is a great childminder, she provides excellent care for the children, her own daughters are lovely and caring towards the little ones, always happy and smiling.
We used Paula for wrap around care and my daughter loved going there as there were always lots of toys to play with, she was well looked after and I didn’t have to worry about anything.
There was always great communication from Paula, lots of pictures and the kids were always happy.
We highly recommend Paula to anyone

  • 5 stars Overall
  • 5 stars Setting
  • 5 stars Cleanliness
  • 5 stars Food
  • 5 stars Communication

by Avatar for monika k monika k on 20/09/2021

Paula was the first and only child-minder I visited over 2 years ago when I was looking for care for my 16 month old daughter Zeynep. She was very welcoming and had a very loving home and knew straight away that Zeynep would be happy there.
I was definitely right as Zeynep is very happy, her development has been absolutely amazing and I know Zeynep has a lot to do with this with all the fun, making friend ,learning activities she puts on for them, including day trips out. Communication is great too. From pictures sent to me throughout the day to her end of term report. Couldn’t be any happier.
My son Deniz has now also been with the family for the past 5 months, and as I knew he fit in perfectly too and is just as happy as his big sister. Zeynep is going to nursery now and she settle in very well.
I cannot praise Paula enough for everything she has done, not only for my children but for myself. She is a loving, caring, supportive lady and I do not know what I would do without her and her loving family. I feel I drop my babies off to a second family, rather than a childcare provider :)

WE LOVE PAULA

  • 5 stars Overall
  • 5 stars Setting
  • 5 stars Cleanliness
  • 5 stars Food
  • 5 stars Communication

by Avatar for Ozlem Ozlem on 07/09/2021

My daughter started with Paula just over a year ago and I have been impressed ever since our first settling in session.

Paula is so professional and the needs and happiness of Harper always come first. Harper is so happy to go to Paula and feels completely comfortable with her. Paula always strives to to make everyday fresh and new, from exciting lunches and different activities to keep Harper busy. The lunches are always nutritious and tasty and good snacks are provided too. Paula keeps track of Harper’s day in a little book which comes home at the end of the day which is really lovely to read.

Paula works from her family home but the separate room she has for the children is just amazing. Its colourful, full of toys, educational books and games to keep Harper busy and active. Harper has also become to love Paula’s family too and is always happy to see them too.

Communication is great too. From pictures sent to me throughout the day to her end of term report. Couldn’t be any happier.

I would highly recommend Paula. She is a fantastic Childminder and has treated Harper like her own whilst looking after her. If your looking for a childminder then look no further!

  • 5 stars Overall
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  • 5 stars Cleanliness
  • 5 stars Food
  • 5 stars Communication

by Avatar for swheadon swheadon on 02/12/2020

My daughter enjoyed being with the other children in Paula’s care, and had the opportunity to make valued friendships.
Paula offers a structured and professional service in which my daughter felt safe, with consistent messages about expectations of behaviour and clear rules around play and activities.
Paula regularly communicated her non-availability (holiday, evening trips, school events) beforehand so we could arrange alternative childcare.
Paula provided a valuable link between myself and the school, allowing me as a working parent to keep abreast (and not forget!) of important dates and events.

  • 4 stars Overall
  • 4 stars Setting
  • 5 stars Cleanliness
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  • 5 stars Communication

by Avatar for Parent Parent on 24/04/2019

Paula had my son for one day a week and he always had a good time. At first he didn't want to be left and Paula had loads of strategies to support him with the morning drop off so that it was smooth after a few visits. Paula communicates really well with us as separate parents and her children are also kind to my son. I would recommend Paula as a childminder to any parent needing wrap around or full time care for their little one.

  • 4 stars Overall
  • 4 stars Setting
  • 5 stars Cleanliness
  • 5 stars Communication

by Avatar for Parent Parent on 28/08/2017

Paula has been great with my son Scott. .He abs loves being picked up from school and going back to paulas house where he can play with her children. She is always happy to help and has helped me out a great deal when I have needed emergency childcare.
Very easy to communicate with and happily helped out with my paperwork that was required for my student finance.
Paulas house is very nice and spacious and has a great sealed garden for little ones to play in therefore, I felt very happy that my little one could not get out.
Great childminder..would recommend

  • 5 stars Overall
  • 5 stars Setting
  • 5 stars Cleanliness
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by Avatar for Parent Parent on 22/06/2016

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