Kate

My Summary

My Experience

I have four years’ experience as a childminder, alongside several years working as a primary school teacher, mainly in Key Stage 1. I’m passionate about providing children with a happy, nurturing start in life, where they feel safe, secure and understood.

Throughout my childminding career, I’ve built close, trusting relationships with the children and families I’ve worked with. I value open communication and working in partnership with parents to ensure each child feels settled, supported and able to thrive. I’m proud that every family who has left a review of my setting has shared positive feedback.

My setting has also received very positive feedback during annual quality assurance and compliance visits, with my practice recognised as outstanding in three out of four assessed areas and very close to outstanding in the fourth.

My approach combines my teaching experience and understanding of child development with a belief that children learn best through play, curiosity and hands-on experiences. As Science Lead at a primary school, I led the development of a new enquiry-based curriculum, ensuring every science lesson included practical learning. This continues to influence my approach to early years, where I love encouraging children’s natural curiosity.

Our days offer a varied mix of activities at home and out and about, giving children opportunities to explore different environments and experiences. At home, we enjoy creative activities, stories, building, sensory play, singing and play. We also make the most of outdoor adventures, nature exploration and trips around the local area, helping children develop confidence, independence and curiosity about the world around them.

I work closely with parents to support each child’s individual development, including potty training, self-feeding, developing practical skills and growing independence. I believe children thrive when they have secure relationships, time to follow their interests and the freedom to develop at their own pace.

I have also previously worked as a Teaching Assistant and spent four years as a children’s holiday camp and parties assistant. I also have over a decade of regular babysitting experience. Alongside my professional experience, being a mum and Step-Mum has further strengthened my appreciation of the importance of nurturing, responsive care and strong relationships with families.

My aim is to provide a welcoming, home-from-home environment where children feel a genuine sense of belonging, families feel confident in the care they receive, and little ones have the freedom to learn, play and thrive.

My Qualifications

Formal qualifications and professional training:

* Qualified Primary School Teacher (QTS).
* Degree in Environmental Science.
* Childminder training with tiney.
* Paediatric First Aid.
* Designated Safeguarding Lead training.
* Food Hygiene training.
* Children’s Mental Health First Aider.
* Adult Mental Health First Aider.
* Level 1 Makaton training.
* Early Years Professional Development training.
* Baby weaning and nutrition training with Charlotte Stirling-Reed.

Additional training and professional learning:

* Montessori-inspired approaches to early learning.
* The Curiosity Approach and hygge-inspired childcare environments.
* Schemas and how children explore and make sense of the world through repeated patterns of play.
* Potty training and supporting children’s growing independence.
* Safe sleep guidance and requirements for babies.
* Danish early education and parenting philosophies, particularly outdoor play, wellbeing and a balanced, unhurried childhood.

My Availability

Monday - Wednesday

My Fees

• Childminding from £8.00 per hour

Everything included (all meals, daily resources for activities such a baking etc)