Willows
Childminder in Chelmsford
5.0
My Summary
About Me
I am an OFSTED-registered childminder based in Chelmsford, working in line with the Montessori approach to education. I am also a member of PACEY. I bring over a decade of experience in early years education, having worked in nursery settings in London since 2011 across a range of roles.
I believe that when children step into a new environment away from home, they should feel safe, secure, and truly cared for. My setting is designed to offer a warm, home-like atmosphere where children are supported with love, respect, and individual attention. I understand how important it is for parents to feel confident that their child is not only well cared for, but also engaged, stimulated, and enjoying meaningful experiences.
Rather than expecting children to simply fit into a routine, I carefully observe their interests and tailor activities to support their development in a way that feels natural and enjoyable. I work closely with parents to ensure that each child’s needs are understood and that they are supported to reach their full potential at their own pace.
I am passionate about nurturing each child’s individuality. I encourage children to feel confident in themselves, to respect others, and to appreciate both similarities and differences in a positive and inclusive way. Promoting a healthy lifestyle is also an important part of my practice, including encouraging balanced nutrition, independence in self-care, and positive daily habits.
My aim is to create a supportive and enriching environment where children feel happy, valued, and inspired to learn.
My Experience
I have over 20 years of experience in childcare and early years education. As a mother to a 10-year-old daughter, I understand both the joys and challenges of parenting, which helps me build strong and trusting relationships with the families I support.
Before starting my childminding journey, I worked in several well-established nursery settings in London, holding roles such as Room Leader, Floor Marshal, Deputy Manager, and Manager. I have also mentored staff, including those from Montessori backgrounds, supporting them in developing high-quality practice.
I have experience working with children aged from 3 months to 5 years, giving me a strong understanding of early childhood development. I am confident in supporting a range of needs, including some experience with children with special educational needs. I am also a proactive problem solver and enjoy offering practical guidance and reassurance to parents.
My childcare journey began in 2005 when I completed a Level 3 Diploma in Childcare, followed by a Level 4 International Diploma in the Montessori Method of Education in 2008. I have since continued to build on my knowledge and experience through both practice and further study.
I have recently completed a Master’s degree in Education, with a focus on Montessori practice. This has strengthened my understanding of child development, learning theories, and modern educational approaches, enabling me to provide a high standard of care and education.
I am highly committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where children feel secure, valued, and inspired to learn. I believe every child is unique, and I support their development by following their interests and encouraging independence, confidence, and a love for learning.
Working with children is both rewarding and inspiring for me. I am dedicated to continuously improving my practice and providing meaningful learning experiences that support each child’s individual journey.
My Qualifications
Masters Education with Montessori (ARU)
Level 5 CACHE Diploma in health and social care and children and young people services.
Level 4 in international Diploma- Montessori method of curriculum.
Level 7 Edexcel BTEC - Extended Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership. .
I have all other qualification including first aid/Epi-pen
Safeguarding Children (Level 2)
Food Allergy Awareness
Food Safety and Hygiene (Level 2)
Health and Safety Essentials
Infection Prevention and Control
I continue to undertake regular courses to enhance my professional development.
My Availability
I am available 08.00-18.00 Monday to Friday.
My Fees
- Childminding from £6.00 per hour
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 15/01/2023)
- DBS Check (added 15/01/2023)
- Proof of Covid-19 Vaccination (added 15/01/2023)
- First Aid Certificate (added 15/01/2023)
Reviews
5 out of 5
Parents say
The childminder receives consistently high praise for providing exceptional care. Parents appreciate the clean, welcoming environment and the variety of activities offered. Children make significant progress in social skills and development under the childminder's nurturing guidance. The childminder is described as caring, attentive, and reliable, putting parents at ease during the transition to childcare.
Summary generated by AI from the text of recent member reviews
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Willows. 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.
Just two weeks of taking our daughter to Willow’s place and i see so much difference. Her words are more clear and she has become more expressive. Willow pays attention to details and tailors the care of each children to their personal needs. She is an advocate for healthy eating and snacking and i love that about her.
Her environment is very clean and peaceful. Our daughter won’t stop saying she wants to go to Willow’s place every morning after our two weeks came to an end.
Willow is kind hearted as she gladly took in our daughter even at the last minute and I’m glad we chose her.
I would definitely choose Willow again.
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by
Janet
on 02/08/2025
Response by
Willows
on 02/08/2025:
Thank you
Vilo provided excellent care for our little boy (2) and our daughter (4). Not only is she friendly, gentle and caring but also provides a range of activities every day for the children. My daughter particularly loved getting butterflies! I couldn’t recommend this setting enough. Unfortunately our time with Vilo is coming to end as we are relocating but we will all miss her and her wonderful family.
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by
Parent2
on 30/07/2025
Response by
Willows
on 30/07/2025:
Thank you
Our time with Willows has now come to an end but the care she gave to my little girl was exceptional. From the very first day I have been completely at ease with Willows, she welcomed my baby and gave her the best care, she nurtured her and helped her grow from a baby into a nearly 3 year old.
Willows always gave excellent hand overs and kept me in the loop about everything. Her setting is clean and tidy and has a lovely variety of toys. I highly recommend Wilows to any family.
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by
Chessie
on 30/01/2025
Response by
Willows
on 30/01/2025:
Thank you
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This profile was last updated on 26th 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.