Lucyd
Childminder in St Albans
Usually responds within 24 hours
Female Member since May 2010 Last Updated Oct 2023 Last Login Jan 2024
My Summary
About Me
No early years spaces available for now
I am in Marshalswick, St Albans. Excellent references available.
Normal opening hours from 07:00 - 17:30, Monday-Thursday.
BEFORE SCHOOL BREAKFAST CLUB OPEN FROM 7am, Monday to Thursday to drop off at Wheatfields Schools.
AFTER SCHOOL CARE AVAILABLE MON-THURSDAY with pick up from Wheatfields Schools
I live with my husband and two of our three (adult) children (born 1997, 1999 and 2002) in the Marshalswick area of St Albans. I love the community of Marshalswick and we are within easy walking distance of shops, parks and schools. I am registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. I am member of the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY), meet regularly with other local childminders to have fun, share best practice and keep up to date with early years practice through our local authority and children’s centres.
I believe that leaving your child with a childminder instead of a 'day nursery type' setting will give them that 'home from home' experience. They will be with other young children of similar ages and will take part in my usual day to day routine which can include school drop offs and pick ups, food preparation, gardening and even some housework - simple stuff such as using a dustpan and brush after messy meal times!! But, ultimately, parents will feel assured that their child is in a happy, friendly, safe and nurturing environment whilst they are unable to look after them.
My Experience
Children play a big part in my life (3 of my own) and I have found that working with children is an enjoyable and rewarding way to earn money whilst still caring for my own family from home. I became registered with Ofsted in 2003 and now work as a childminder 4 days a week all year round. I also offer term time only care (different hourly rate) - so my services are ideal for teachers and students as I do not charge during school holidays. A commitment to professional development and increasing my knowledge in supporting children’s development have improved my understanding of how children learn – through PLAY! Therefore, I provide a warm, safe and friendly place where children can play and explore independently both indoors and outdoors.
My Qualifications
I am fully up to date on first aid, safeguarding children and food handling qualifications – the official stuff! I have completed the Foundation Degree in Early Years with the Open University (Level 5 qualification) and have studied a course in child development.
My Availability
I OFFER YEAR ROUND CARE
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 07:00 - 17:30.
Breakfast club open Monday - Thursday from 07:00 to include drop-off to Wheatfields schools (contact to discuss spaces).
After school care available Monday - Thursday with pick up from Wheatfields Schools.
Hours worked are generally 07:00 - 17:30, OR AT TIMES REQUIRED BETWEEN THESE HOURS
Term-time only spaces no fees paid during school holidays, although fees are pro-rated - all I ask is for spaces to be confirmed from the beginning of the previous term. A retainer fee may be payable over the longer summer holiday.
| 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: 25/10/2023 | |||||||
My Fees
- Childminding from £7.50 per hour
For a year round contract: £7.50* per hour includes meals, snacks and essentials such as nappies, wipes, nappy sacks etc.
*Term-time only rate: £8.00 per hour.
Parents to provide change of clothes and specialist products.
Fees may be charged whilst a child attends pre-school or nursery - if I drop the child off and subsequently pick them up because this ultimately takes a place that can't be filled.
Funded places may be available in line with the government funded childcare scheme - the funding you receive is payable towards my childminding fees.
My Local Schools
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at Wheatfields Infants' and Nursery School
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at Wheatfields Junior Mixed 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
- UK Driving Licence (added 08/10/2022)
- Ofsted Certificate (added 19/11/2020)
Reviews
Below are the latest reviews for LucyD. Please note that reviews represent the subjective opinions of other Childcare.co.uk users 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.
Lucy is a fantastic childminder. She looked after my two daughters from 2 years old until 8 yrs. My daughters loved going to Lucy's - when I picked them up they would have lots to tell me. They were always engaged in interesting activities and they had fun. The activities were both varied and suitable to their age. Lucy's care gave the girls a safe, warm environment along with pre-school education. I feel privileged to have been lucky enough for Lucy to look after my children in that important time. I couldn't have hoped for anyone better.
Overall
You can stop looking. You cannot find anyone better than Lucy. Lucy takes her work very seriously and provides a fantastic service. She is great with children and a lot of learning takes place while the children are having fun. Great with artwork. Lucy makes sure the children get fresh air every day as well. Lucy looked after my daughter for about 3 years and Emily loved it! She is nearly 8 now and still remembers the trips to the parks and the fairy tree! The service worked perfectly as I needed term-time childcare so I did not have to pay in the holiday. Highly recommended. Thank you Lucy.
-
Overall
Lucy is amazing. She looked after my son, Jonny, from age 2-4yrs. She is a loving mother and childminder. She instilled confidence and a love of learning in Jonny. He is now 8 and wants to be a teacher when he grows up. I am sure the learning environment at Lucy's played a big part in this choice to date. Ever since he started school he has displayed this growth mindset to learning and is at the higher end of the national levels in reception, Yr 1 and 2. Currently he is in Yr 3.
Your child will be in the best of hands and I still cannot thank her enough for looking after Jonny so brilliantly.
-
Overall
Lucy looked after both my children from 5 months old until they left nursery and went to school. She is caring, fun and creative. They always loved going to her house and learned so much from her. Lucy is an absolute whizz with craft stuff and always had a full programme for each term that fitted in with the seasons. Each year, we got beautiful books with photos and comments. I feel so incredibly lucky to have had Lucy as my childminder. My children had the best possible start and still look forward to seeing Lucy. She is also Brown Owl of the local Brownies so luckily my daughter still gets to see her (and so does my son when we drop off/pick up!). Her children are delightful too and often played with my children, adding to the whole family feel of her house. Lucy was always reliable. I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone! I am only disappointed that she does not live near to my children's school as otherwise I would definitely have her helping with the school run.
-
Overall
Lucy looked after our two young sons (both preschool) and from our experience we would recommend her without hesitation. She is an excellent childminder and my boys loved their time with her and her family. Every day she wrote a summary of their activities and events. Her own children are lovely and we felt, wonderful role models, to our two young boys.
Thank you Lucy.
-
Overall
You must be a registered parent and logged in to leave a review.
If you don't have an account then Register Free now.
This profile has been produced from information provided to us by the user. We have not verified or confirmed the accuracy of any of the information and members should undertake their own vigorous checks and references. Please ensure you read our Safety Advice and information on how to Check Childcare Provider Documents.
