Samantha
Childminder in Portchester
5.0
My Summary
About Me
Hello, my name is Samantha Ford (or Sam for short) and I have been a registered childminder in Portchester for over 20 years. I have 3 sons aged 26, 21 and 19. We are a happy and friendly family and welcome the company of others.
I really love my job and am very dedicated to it. I try to provide the highest qualty care possible and always make the children feel welcome.
I promote good manners and behaviour while in my care but still making sure they enjoy themselves and have fun.
I have a large play room with various toys and equipment for all ages and genders. I have a very big garden with an assortment of outdoor toys. I take children for trips out with other childminders and their children so they can interact and make new friends. We often go on outings to places such as local parks, activity centres and children's groups.
While in my care, I encourage children to take part in many activities. This could be baking, painting, drawing, building and creating.
All food provided is nutritious and homemade and children sit at the table when eating.
I do not have any pets and have a no smoking policy.
My Experience
I love my job and over the years I have put in a lot of work to make sure I can provide the highest qualty care possible; building a playroom, taking a variety of courses, etc.
I am Ofsted registered, DBS checked and fully insured. I have completed up-to-date courses in first aid and safeguarding as well as my Level 3 diploma in Home-Based Childcare. I am also available to offer the 30 hours government funded childcare.
Whilst in my care, I always promote good manners and behaviour but still making sure the children can enjoy themselves and have fun!
I have a large play room with various toys and equipment for all ages and genders. I have a very big garden with an assortment of outdoor toys. I regularly take children for trips out with other childminders and their children so they can interact and make new friends. We often go on outings to places such as local parks, activity centres and children's groups. We also go on trips to Marwell Zoo, Staunton Country Park and Manor Farm.
When not out and about I encourage children to take part in many indoor activities such baking, painting, drawing, building and creating.
All food provided is nutritious and homemade and children sit at the table when eating.
I do not have any pets and have a no smoking policy.
I have cared for children from under 1 through to 8 years of age and from a variety of different cultures.
My Qualifications
My qualifications are;
-Level 3 Diploma in Home-Based Childcare
-Advanced Childcare Protection Course
-Messy Play Course
-Sound and Letters Course
-First AID Course
-Early Years Foundation Stage Awareness Training
-Level 2 Certificate in Food Hygene
-NCMA Registered
My Availability
I offer care for children 0-8 years old on Monday to Friday. I am available from 6am to 6pm. I am able to pick up and drop off at wicor school school every day.
Availability varies throughout the year so please contact me if you are interested or if you would like any more info!
I have availability for school holidays as from now as most of my children are term time only.
My Fees
- Childminding from £6.50 per hour
My normal fee is £5.00 per hour
However, charges may differ depending on the circumstances.
I am open to the childcare voucher scheme.
Parents are welcome to provide their own food which I am happy to prepare or I can provide food for a small charge.
Most day trips and outings are free however there may be a small cost for larger outings and trips.
My Local Schools
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at Wicor 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.
This member has chosen not to display their Ofsted inspection ratings on their profile. We recommend you check their current registration status and read their latest inspection report before using them.
My Documents
- UK Driving Licence [DELETED] (added 07/09/2023)
Reviews
5 out of 5
Parents say
The childminder provides excellent care in a clean, well-equipped environment. Children enjoy various activities, including outings and educational experiences. Parents appreciate regular updates and photos. The childminder is described as caring, reliable, and nurturing, fostering positive development in children. Overall, parents highly recommend this childminder's services.
Summary generated by AI from the text of recent member reviews
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Samantha. 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 3 year old son loved going to Sam’s house and would get excited when he knew he was going.
Her house is immaculate, the playroom had a large variety of different toys and he settled in very quickly.
It was lovely to know that books were being read also.
It was reassuring to be sent photos/updates during the day to see my son involved in activities and park trips.
Unfortunately we had to move so did not have much time together but I am very thankful for Sam.
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Chloe
on 11/03/2026
Sam has been looking after my 20-month-old daughter for around 8 to 9 months, and she’s been absolutely fantastic. They’ve built a wonderful bond — my little one even learnt to say her name!
Sam always greets us warmly each morning for handover and gives me a detailed update at the end of the day. I really appreciate the regular updates and photos throughout the day showing the different activities they do together.
Communication with Sam has been brilliant — she’s always quick to respond to any questions I have. Her home is super clean, well equipped, and a lovely environment for children.
I’m genuinely sad to be moving away because the connection between Sam and my daughter has been so special. I honestly wish I could take her with us!
Overall, Sam has been amazing, and I’d highly recommend her to anyone looking for a caring, reliable, and engaging childminder. 😊
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Jennifer
on 29/10/2025
Sam has looked after my son and daughter one day over the holidays each week for the last year. She has always been kind and friendly and both my children have loved spending time with her. Her house and garden are lovely and she creates safe boundaries, encouraging good eating and manners combined with nice trips out on the bus, by car (if there is space) or by foot. Couldn’t recommend her highly enough. Thank you for all your help Sam
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Kate
on 25/08/2025
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This profile was last updated on 20th April 2026 and 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.