Tasha
Childminder in London: Croydon (also available for babysitting)
My Summary
Experienced Childminder | Eyfs, Send & Tuition
About Me
Welcome to StarApple Day Care
Welcome to StarApple Day Care, a warm, nurturing and stimulating home-from-home setting where every child is valued as an individual and encouraged to be happy, confident, curious and excited about learning.
I am genuinely passionate about working with children. One of the things I love most is watching a child grow in confidence, discover something new or achieve something they once found difficult. I believe the early years should be filled with warmth, laughter, discovery and meaningful opportunities to learn.
For me, childcare is about much more than keeping children safe and occupied. At StarApple, children receive the warmth and security of a home-from-home environment alongside the richness and purpose of a high-quality early education.
Learning, Playing & Discovering
StarApple follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and offers a varied and purposeful curriculum that carefully balances structured learning with child-led play and exploration.
Our days can include sensory and creative play, stories, early literacy and mathematics, science and discovery, cooking, gardening, outdoor learning, imaginative play, music, yoga, movement and drama. Activities are thoughtfully planned while still giving children plenty of freedom to make choices, follow their interests, use their imagination and simply enjoy being children.
Music has a special place within our wider curriculum. Alongside singing, dancing, instruments and rhythm, I use music therapeutically to support communication, emotional wellbeing, self-expression and regulation. Drama encourages imagination, language and self-assurance, while yoga and movement support concentration, coordination and calm.
Ready for School, Ready to Thrive
School readiness is at the heart of our approach. I want children to leave StarApple ready not simply to start school, but to thrive when they get there.
Alongside early phonics, mark-making, books, numbers, counting and problem-solving, we focus strongly on the skills children need for everyday school life: communication, listening, resilience, sharing, taking turns, following routines, managing belongings, becoming increasingly independent and building positive relationships.
Our aim is to nurture capable, enthusiastic learners who are ready to embrace their next stage with strong foundations for school and for life.
Every Child Has Their Own Journey
No two children develop in exactly the same way, and I strongly believe that every child deserves the opportunity to participate, progress and experience the joy of achievement.
I have a particular interest in supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and adapting activities, routines, communication and learning opportunities around the individual child rather than expecting the child to fit the environment.
I work closely with families and, where appropriate, other professionals so that children feel understood, included and supported to reach their individual potential.
Adventures, Experiences & Happy Memories
Learning at StarApple extends well beyond our front door. Children have opportunities to get out, explore and experience the world around them through nature walks, parks, libraries, educational visits and exciting days out.
Our summer scheme is a particularly special part of the StarApple year, bringing together creative projects, music, cooking, outdoor adventures, physical activities, educational experiences and wonderful outings.
I want children to remember not only what they learned at StarApple, but the places they visited, the things they discovered and the fun they had along the way.
Healthy, Happy Little Learners
We provide healthy, balanced and nutritious meals, encouraging children to enjoy a variety of foods and develop positive eating habits. Mealtimes are also relaxed social occasions where children can talk together, practise good table manners and become increasingly confident in doing things for themselves.
Outdoor play, movement, dance, yoga and active games are a natural part of our days, helping children develop healthy bodies as well as supporting their overall wellbeing.
The Heart of StarApple
I believe children flourish when their families and childcare provider work together. I value open communication with parents and enjoy sharing children’s achievements, special moments and progress while listening to what families want for their child.
Ultimately, I want StarApple to be somewhere children love coming to — somewhere they feel safe, known and valued; where they can play, sing, create, investigate, make friends, ask questions, get messy, laugh and discover just how exciting learning can be.
Most of all, I hope every child leaves StarApple carrying something with them: happy memories, growing self-belief, greater independence, a sense of curiosity and a genuine love of learning.
My Experience
I bring together extensive hands-on childcare experience with over 20 years’ experience as a private tutor, giving me a strong background in both early childhood development and education.
I have worked with babies, toddlers, preschool children and school-aged children, supporting children across different stages of their development. This has given me valuable experience in recognising individual needs, adapting my approach as children grow and providing the right balance of support, encouragement and challenge.
Within the early years, I have extensive experience of working with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This includes planning and delivering age-appropriate learning experiences, observing and assessing children’s development, tracking progress and using these observations to plan meaningful next steps. I am also experienced in recognising when a child may benefit from additional support or greater challenge and adapting provision accordingly.
I have particular experience supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and additional developmental needs. This includes recognising emerging developmental concerns, adapting activities, routines, communication and the learning environment, and working closely with families and other professionals to support children’s individual needs and progress.
School readiness is also a significant part of my experience. I support children in developing the early literacy and mathematical foundations they need alongside the communication, listening, independence, concentration, social and practical skills that help prepare them for a successful transition into school.
My 20+ years as a private tutor have given me considerable experience in teaching children at different ages and ability levels, identifying gaps in learning and adapting how I teach to suit the individual child. This experience also enables me to support school-aged children with homework, reinforcement of classroom learning and private tuition where required.
Bringing my childcare and educational experience together allows me to support children from their earliest stages of development through to school and beyond, while keeping their individual abilities, needs and progress at the centre of the support I provide.
My Qualifications
I hold a strong combination of early years, academic and professional qualifications, supported by ongoing training in safeguarding, children’s health, wellbeing and safe practice.
My key qualifications and professional training include:
• CACHE Level 3 Award in Preparing to Work in Home Based Childcare (QCF)
A recognised Level 3 qualification providing a professional foundation for home-based childcare, including children’s development, learning, welfare and safe childcare practice.
• BSc in Biomedical Sciences
Providing me with a strong academic and scientific background, with knowledge relevant to health, development and wellbeing.
• Paediatric First Aid – ProTrainings UK
Specialist first-aid training focused on babies and children.
• Level 3 Safeguarding
Professional safeguarding training supporting the identification of concerns and the protection and welfare of children.
• Safeguarding Children and Babies in Early Years Settings – Department for Education (DfE)
Early-years-specific safeguarding training focused on protecting babies and young children within early years provision.
• Safer Eating in an Early Years Setting – The Safer Food Group
Specialist training in safer eating practices within early years provision.
• Food Allergy and Intolerance Training – Food Standards Agency (FSA)
Training and assessment in food allergy, intolerance and allergen awareness.
These are some of my key qualifications and training, alongside a range of additional early years and childcare-related courses and continuing professional development. I am committed to keeping my knowledge and practice current and to continuing my professional development as part of providing safe, high-quality care and education.
My Availability
StarApple Day Care is open Monday to Friday, from 7:00am to 7:00pm, giving families greater flexibility around work, study and everyday commitments.
I offer full-time and part-time places, funded childcare places, term-time and school-holiday care, and wraparound care. School pick-ups are also available, subject to location and availability.
I understand that every family’s childcare needs are different, so where possible, I am happy to consider some flexibility with days and hours depending on individual requirements and current availability. Sunday care may also be available by prior arrangement.
Please get in touch to discuss the days and hours you require, and I will be happy to advise on current vacancies and the childcare arrangements that may work best for your family.
My Fees
- Babysitting from £10.00 per hour
- Childminding from £6.50 per hour
I aim to keep my fees clear and straightforward, while recognising that every family’s childcare requirements are different.
My standard full-day rate is £65 per child, covering childcare from 8:00am to 6:00pm. Fees for care outside these standard hours, wraparound care and other individual childcare arrangements are quoted according to the days, hours and services required.
School collection is available subject to location and availability, with any applicable collection or transport costs confirmed as part of your individual quotation.
I offer government-funded childcare places for eligible families, including funded hours for eligible babies, 2-year-olds and 3 & 4-year-olds. Tax-Free Childcare is also accepted.
A healthy, balanced lunch is available at £8 per day, or parents are very welcome to provide a packed lunch from home. Any other optional services or additional charges will always be explained clearly when your childcare arrangements are discussed.
Please get in touch to discuss your child’s required days and hours, and I will provide a clear individual quotation based on your family’s childcare needs.
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.
My Documents
- Ofsted Certificate (added 26/12/2024)
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This profile was last updated on 10th September 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.