Vera
Childminder in Dunmow (also available for babysitting)
Usually responds within 24 hours
Female Member since Mar 2023 Last Updated Nov 2025 Last Login 10 Nov 2025
My Summary
Inspiring Little Minds Through Creativity, Sustainability & Care - A Career That Sparks So Much Joy!
About Me
0- 3 years setting - All year-round care with 20 days holiday closure.
My childminding opening hours are
1.Monday - CLOSED
2.Tuesday 8am-6pm.
3.Wednesday 8am-6pm
4.Thursday 8am-6pm
5.Friday 8am-5pm
6.Saturday - CLOSED
7.Sunday - CLOSED
at £8.50 per hour.
About Me and My Setting – Creativity Matters
My name is Vera, I am 52 years old and live in Flitch Green, a peaceful area between Dunmow and Felsted, with my husband and two teenagers (currently in Year 11 and Year 13).
I provide care in a dedicated learning environment called The Annexe. Separate from my main home, this space has been thoughtfully designed to offer a calm, nurturing, and stimulating environment where babies and toddlers aged 0–3 can flourish and feel secure.
At the heart of my practice is my ethos: PLAY IS LEARNING: Creativity Matters. I believe that creativity begins in the earliest years—through curiosity, exploration, and joyful discovery. My aim is to nurture each child’s creativity, independence, resilience, and curiosity while ensuring their safety, wellbeing, and development across all prime and specific areas of the EYFS framework.
Outdoor learning is central to our day. The outdoor environment is a natural extension of our indoor space, offering endless opportunities for sensory exploration, movement, and imaginative play. Babies and toddlers explore nature in all seasons—feeling textures, listening to birds, splashing in puddles, and discovering the world with wonder. Outdoor play supports physical development, emotional wellbeing, and confidence from the very start.
We are deeply in tune with our emotions and relationships. Through gentle modelling and responsive interactions, children learn about kindness, sharing, empathy, and caring for others. Emotional security, attachment, and trust form the foundation for every experience. Each child’s voice, however small, is valued and respected.
Sustainability and care for our environment are woven into our daily routines. Guided by our reduce, reuse, recycle philosophy, we reuse everyday and natural materials creatively—helping children learn to value their world, make thoughtful choices, and express their imagination freely.
My curriculum and planning are guided by the children’s individual needs, interests, and next steps. Each week, I reflect on what we are learning, how we will explore it, and what experiences will best support their development. This ensures a meaningful, balanced journey filled with creativity, connection, and joy—both indoors and outdoors.
Creativity Matters was recently recognised by my local authority Early Years Team as an inspirational EYFS setting for childminders across the county. My practice is now being shared to inspire others, and I am proud to support fellow practitioners in reigniting creativity and confidence within their own work.
With almost 30 years’ experience in the Early Years Foundation Stage and a teaching degree specialising in Early Childhood Development, I am deeply passionate about supporting babies and toddlers in their most important years.
I believe every little one deserves every opportunity—every single day. Whether through song, rhyme, movement, sensory play, or outdoor discovery, each child in my care embarks on a rich, creative, and emotionally nurturing journey that helps them grow in confidence, kindness, and joy.
Creativity Matters is where creativity, sustainability, emotional wellbeing, and high-quality early education come together—because the earliest years truly matter.
My Experience
I have worked across many different educational settings, including those facing significant challenges, and became known for helping to turn underperforming provisions around. This experience has given me a deep understanding of the EYFS curriculum and the Early Learning Goals (ELGs), as well as the importance of excellence in every area of learning.
Now, my focus is on providing the very best care for babies and toddlers in a nurturing, creative, and inclusive environment. I believe every little one deserves every opportunity, every single day, and I place great importance on personal, social, and emotional development to help them grow in confidence and resilience.
My aim is to make the transition between home, childminding, nursery, and school as smooth as possible, ensuring your little one feels secure, inspired, and ready for the future.
My Qualifications
FURTHER EDUCATION
*BA (Ed) Hons QTS - 4 Year Pre-Primary and Primary Teaching degree
(Bachelor's Degree in Education) 1996
*EYFS Teaching Diploma 2019
Compulsory Childminding courses
*Paediatric First Aid 2023 - 2026 (within the EYFS statutory framework - St Johns Ambulance)
*Designated Safeguarding Lead - Level 3 -2025-2027 Essex County Council
Continuous Professional Development
PROFESSIONAL STUDIES (2019/2021/2022/23/24)
2020
Safeguarding children in education
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Advanced Child Protection
ADHD Awareness
Basic First Aid Level 2
Child on Child Sexual Violence and Harassment
Child Protection in Education– Safeguarding
Child Protection Awareness – Safeguarding
Child Neglect – Safeguarding
Equality and Diversity
First Aid Essentials
2021
Child protection awareness
Positive Handling
Behaviour Basics
EYFS: Theories of Child Development
EYFS - Positive Relationships
EYFS Inclusion
EYFS Assessment
EYFS: Enabling Environments
From Mark-making to Handwriting
Positive Behaviour Management
Phonics: Introduction to SSP
Phonics: RWI training
2022
slips trips & falls course
data protection and the GDPR (general data protection regulation) course
safe lifting of children course
manual handling: safe lifting of adults and children course
food hygiene course
basic first aid course
DSE (display screen equipment) course
COSHH (control of substances hazardous to health) cours
A Guide to UK Data Protection: Education
Administration of Medication in Schools COSHH
Control of substance Hazardous to Health
Data Protection and GDPR
DSE (Display Screen Equipment)
Effective Health and Safety for Children with SEND
Food Hygiene and Safety
Food Hygiene Level 2
Fire Safety for Fire Wardens Level 2
Health and Safety in Education: Staff Awareness
Health and Safety Introduction Level 1
Child Protection (Refresher 2022)
2023
Curriculum and Ofsted Inspection
Teaching and Ofsted Inspection
Teaching the Curriculum
Ofsted and Recording Children's Learning
Baby Training
Small Group Time
The 7Ps of Outstanding Practice
Answering Ofsted's Questions
Parents and the Pandemic
Ofsted Focus on Communication and Language
Growth Mindset
Childcare Register and Safeguarding
Introduction to Self-regulation
Curriculum for Self-regulation
Executive Function
Early Talk
Curriculum Foundations
Teaching the Prime Areas
Keeping Parents Updated
A Year of Planning in 2024
Action Planning in 2024
Changes to the EYFS 2024
2024
Brain development and how children learn
Communication and Language for 2024
Personal, Social and Emotional Development for 2024
Physical Development for 2024
Play for 2024
How to avoid an Ofsted Inadequate Grade
Safeguarding Update
Environments for Learning
Funding Changes with 'Free Childcare
Teaching and Observation
Teaching and Assessment
Teaching and the Learning Characteristics
What is your Intent?
Teachable Moments
Brain Development in the Early Years
Recent Ofsted Inspection ‘Trends'
Brain Development and Play
Improving Assessment
SEND and Ofsted Inspection
Safeguarding Update June 2024
A Practical Curriculum
Curriculum and the Learning Characteristics
Managing your Ofsted Inspection
Communication and Language Best Practice
PSED Zones of Regulation
Movement Matters
Literacy - Steps to Reading
Mathematics: Numerical Patterns
The Natural World
School Readiness
Teaching Groups of Children
Curriculum and Parents
Assessment and the Learning Characteristics
Loose Parts Play
Safeguarding Paperwork
Health and Safety Update
Ofsted Inspection Checklist
Developmental Play
Life Skills for Early Years Children
Sustainable Living Goals
Meal Time Audit
Activities are not Enough
SEND Assessment Guidance
EYFS 2025 Changes
Business Planning for 2025
Monthly Planning for 2025
Action Planning for 2025
2025
Health and Safety Update 2025
Safeguarding Update 2025
Climate Action Planning
EYFS Changes 2025
Safer Eating - EYFS 2025
Child Absences - EYFS 2025
Basic Safeguarding (EYFS 2025 Annex C part 1 & 2
Safeguarding - DSL (EYFS 2025 Annex C part 3)
Safer Recruitment - EYFS 2025
Ofsted 'Best Start in Life’
Sequencing the Pre-school Curriculum
Supporting Learning Behaviours
Language Rich Environments
Culture of Safeguarding - EYFS 2025
Improving Learning Environments
Parents and Ofsted Inspection
Improving SEND Provision
Safeguarding - Whistleblowing EYFS 2025
Ofsted - Recent Inspections
Improving Outside Play and Learning
Resources to Support Learning
DfE EYFS Nutrition Guidance
Effective Interactions
Teaching Kindness
Core Strength and Stability
Revisiting Observation, Assessment and Planning
Care and Learning for Birth to 2 Year Olds
Safer Sleep
Transition to School 2025
Are you ready for the updated EYFS September 2025?
Are you ready for Safeguarding EYFS 2025
Parents and Ofsted Inspection
Slow Pedagogy
Ofsted Inspection Changes from November 2025
Ofsted Inclusion Focus from November 2025
Ofsted Leadership Focus from November 2025
My Availability
0-30/36 month setting only
All year-round care
with 28 days holiday closure.
My childminding opening hours are
-Tuesday 8am-6pm.
-Wednesday 8am-6pm
-Thursday 8am-6pm
-Friday 8am-5pm
at £8.50 per hour.
To maintain consistency in my little ones’ routines, I DO NOT offer the following services:
X After-school care
X Collections
X Drop-offs
X Wrap-around care
This ensures focused, uninterrupted attention in a calm and stable environment.
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before School | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Morning | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Afternoon | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| After School | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Evening | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Overnight | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Last Updated: 08/11/2025 | |||||||
My Fees
- Childminding from £8.50 per hour
- Babysitting from £15.00 per hour
Childminding: My rate is £8.50 per hour
@ 0-30/36 month setting only
@ Open 45 weeks
@ Open all half terms
My childminding opening hours are
-Tuesday 8am-6pm.
-Wednesday 8am-6pm
-Thursday 8am-6pm
-Friday 8am-5pm
I do not offer half day care and require a minimum of 8 hours per day and offer a maximum 10 hours per day care.
Evening Babysitting from
@£12.50 per hour (1 Child)
@£15 per hour (2-3 children)
Weekend babysitting rate
@£15 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 Documents
- Ofsted Certificate (added 12/07/2023)
- DBS Check (added 20/04/2023)
- Training Certificate: DSL Level 3 2025-2027 Essex County Council (added 04/11/2025)
- Proof of Covid-19 Vaccination (added 28/03/2023)
- Exam Certificate: Designated Safeguarding Lead - Level 3 (added 28/03/2023)
- Training Certificate: EYFS Teaching Diploma (added 28/03/2023)
- Training Certificate: BA (Ed) Hons QTS - 4 Year Pre-Primary and Primary Teaching degree (Bachelor's Degree in Education) 1996 (added 28/03/2023)
- First Aid Certificate: St John Ambulance - paediatric first aid within the Early Years foundation stage statutory framework. (added 28/03/2023)
Reviews
5 out of 5
Parents say
The childminder receives consistently high praise for providing a loving, stimulating environment. Parents appreciate the regular updates, photos, and detailed reports on their children's activities and development. The setting is described as immaculate and creative, offering a wide range of activities. The childminder is praised for her professionalism, flexibility, and genuine care for the children in her charge.
Summary generated by AI from the text of recent member reviews
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Vera. 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.
Vera is absolutely outstanding as a childminder, this is clearly not just a job for her but a deep passion. My daughter could not be any happier than she is at Vera’s house, the children are outside as much as possible and always growing in confidence. The transition for my little one was so smooth and she settled in so quickly with all the love and reassurance she gets, Vera is a safe person that my daughter genuinely loves.
Within a day the children can be doing sensory or messy play, outdoors play, creative activities to support pre-writing skills, supported with social interactions and emotions… I could go on and on!
My daughter always receives the best care and one of the nicest things is all of the children are treated with genuine love, if they need a cuddle they certainly get it!
I simply could not imagine my child in any other setting while I am at work. The regular contact and photos throughout the day of beaming happy faces is all the reassurance a parent needs. If you’re looking for a childminder, you’ve find the one you’ll never be without afterwards.
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
Lucy
on 26/03/2025
Response by
Vera
on 26/03/2025:
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words. Your trust and support mean everything, and I feel so privileged to be a part of your child’s journey. Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt review—it really touched me!
We are absolutely delighted with our experience with Vera. She is extremely professional, kind, and caring, offering the best experience for babies and toddlers. Her setting is immaculate and is always set up in new, creative ways for the children to learn, explore, and have fun.
Vera provides regular updates, including photos, which allow us to see our child's activities throughout the day. We receive a daily update on our child's day, as well as a comprehensive weekly report on their learning and development.
We feel confident and happy knowing that our little one is in the very best hands with Vera. Her dedication and attention to detail have made us feel at ease and assured that our child is receiving the highest standard of care.
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
Tiffany
on 18/06/2024
Response by
Vera
on 18/06/2024:
Thank you so much for your beautiful message. Highly appreciated. 🌟
Vera looked after my little girl after we had recently moved to the area and we were waiting to start a nursery prep. My daughter spent a couple of days a week with Vera for a couple of months and seemed to very much enjoy it. Vera did what she could to help us at short notice as well. Vera has a brilliant set-up with a lot of activities and toys. Vera herself is friendly and my daughter warmed to her quickly. Vera also gave very thorough updates of the daily activities with images which I loved seeing, and I also really enjoyed receiving the art/craft activities, Vera approaches this with enthusiasm and humour! My daughter is nearly 3 now and settled at nursery prep but we'll definitely call Vera for future babysitting help if required. Overall a great service and lovely person.
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Food
-
Communication
by
Pip
on 26/04/2024
Response by
Vera
on 26/04/2024:
Thank you kindly for you review ✅
Vera helped me with childcare for my 2 children when I had to attend a funeral. We all live out of county and so finding someone as professional and caring as Vera took a huge weight off my mind. She had great communication before the day as well and on the day too. She thoughtfully sent photos while the children were in her care to show me what they were up to and to reassure me they had settled. My children had a great time with her in her amazing setting! Would highly recommend.
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Communication
by
Laura
on 18/11/2023
Response by
Vera
on 18/11/2023:
Thank you kindly for your review. You are most welcome.
Vera has been working with my family for the last two years. From nannying, emergency call outs and ad hoc babysitting, Vera has become a part of the family! Our boys were only 10 weeks old and 2 when she started with us. She was a great support to myself and our family. She is excellent with the children; patient, nurturing and always coming up with great educational ideas to keep them entertained and engaged, while helping to develop their fine motor skills and cognitive development. Her setting is lovely and I wpuld highly recommend her services!
-
Overall
by
Tasha
on 23/08/2023
Response by
Vera
on 29/08/2023:
Thank you so much for your review 👌
The moment we met Vera we knew she’d be brilliant, she’s got a very warm and welcoming personality and our daughter immediately took to her. We used her for lots of ad hoc baby sitting and nannying days and she was always very flexible and accommodating. She was brilliant at communicating with us, sending lots of photos and updates and our daughter clearly had a great time with her. Her home is set up to be a child’s heaven for her childminding. Would highly recommend Vera!
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
OliviaG
on 18/08/2023
Response by
Vera
on 18/08/2023:
Thank you so much for your review 💛
From the moment Vera entered our home we could immediately see that she is very experienced. Looking at her profile I had high hopes - and she did not disappoint. Our two-year-old son was comfortable being left with her. She updated me throughout the afternoon and evening. She was asked to babysit him from mid-afternoon till 11 pm, which included playtime, feeding him, bathing him as well as getting him settled for bedtime. She read and sang to him whilst I was getting ready for the evening and it was so lovely and heartwarming. I will most certainly welcome her back to our home in the future.
-
Overall
-
Communication
by
Diana
on 09/05/2023
Response by
Vera
on 17/08/2023:
Thank you for your lovely review Diana.
Vera came in to babysit my twin 4yr old boys while I worked. Her demeanour was professional but warm, clearly very experienced; and she struck an instant rapport with my boys. We were all very comfortable having her in our home and I would certainly both rebook and recommend her.
-
Overall
Communication
by
Jessie83
on 04/05/2023
Response by
Vera
on 08/05/2023:
Thank you so much for your review. I really appreciate it. Take care.
You must be a registered parent and logged in to leave a review.
If you don't have an account then Register Free now.
This profile 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.
