Rachel A

My Requirements

I'm ideally looking for 2 days during term time for both of my boys.

My 5 old will not be at school so I need someone who offers a Home Ed friendly setting, meaning someone who welcomes older children alongside their EYFS children. Ofsted are very happy with childminders having Home Educated children so long as you can meet the needs of your EYFS children, who essentially are your 'priority'. Ofsted effectively only really are assessing the quality of your EYFS provision. HE provision is no different from caring for children who attend school and are in your setting before or after school as wrap around care or during the holidays, it's just different hours.

I would like to find a setting who is understanding of the benefits of learning through play, child-led learning and a childhood spent largely outdoors, reading lots of books for pleasure (we don't do phonics!) and values learning in the real world. I would not be expecting you to do any kind of academic worksheets or to 'teach' or tutor him.

The benefit of taking on a HE child is they do not count in your EYFS ratio so you can potentially earn more, and also no school drop off or pick up required. This means we are really flexible on location as I'm happy to drive further afield to drop them off to you as we are not restricted to school location. It also means if you only have 1 EYFS space, you could still take on both my boys.

To clarify, I wouldn't be expecting you to 'educate' my eldest, I just need childcare. The Local Authority are responsible for assessing if a parent is meeting the requirements of the Education Act in relation to Elective Home Education, not Ofsted. So you won't need to worry about your educational provision in terms of assessments and reports for him, really the focus is on ensuring they're safe and well cared for, fed and safeguarding.

I understand some childminders prefer to specialise in under 5 care, or even under 4s and 3s so obviously if that's you, we will not be a good match. You'll need to be on the 5-8 childcare register.

It would be really great if you were able to accept one of the childcare funding schemes like tax free childcare/free hours as that would help with the cost.

Happy to discuss details. I'm flexible on days and hours. I just need some childcare so I can work. Cost of Living crisis and all that!

My eldest has undiagnosed 'additional needs'. His presentation fits with an ADHD/PDA profile, so ideally I need someone who is open to nurturing children who are neurodiverse. You don't necessarily need experience in that but just an understanding and patient/empathetic approach. I had zero experience with this before becoming a mum so I am happy for you to have zero SEN experience and SEN training too.

I just want to find a caring childminder for who it is more than just a business. I'm not the kind of mum who cares for what Ofsted grades you are. I love photos rather than lots of chunks of text.

I am a Paediatric Occupational Therapist so I have quite a few strategies I can talk you through to help with emotional regulation, following instructions etc. I utilise a gentle parenting approach which is all about prevention too e.g. ensuring well fed!

Both my boys love being outside in nature and doing free play like playgrounds and playing with toy vehicles. They also both love books and water play, trampoline, ride on cars, play house and climbing things. They're not really into sit down activities like arts and crafts, little one loves to draw and they both like a bit of mixing during baking activities. They're both able to play independently for long periods of time but just need some supervision. :)

A secure garden is a good idea.

I'm open to doing some trial babysitting days first before any contracts are signed and any commitment is made.

My youngest is very securely attached to me so will cry upon being left, so lots of cuddles for 10 minutes or so and then he'll be settled after that. He'll be reassured with big brother around. The two of them love each other very much.

My eldest is very imaginative and social, very chatty!

My youngest does not verbalise much. He's starting to put a few words together. He mainly points and vocalises through sound.

They both love little children but equally are happy amongst older children.

My MIL was a childminder for many decades so I'm aware of a lot of the frustrations of being a childminder (frequent late pick ups, late payment etc.) and try my best to be a 'good parent'.

Happy to discuss more! :)