Karen W
Childminder in Harlow
My Summary
Close 2 Home Childcare
About Me
Outstanding Childcare Place Available
I am an experienced childcare provider with many years in early years care. In 2016, I invested fully in my business and now work from a purpose-built play house, designed specifically for children’s learning, play, and development.
The setting includes a large undercover outdoor play area, allowing children to enjoy outdoor play all year round, whatever the weather.
I work alongside:
A full-time assistant at the setting
I am proud to say that my setting has been graded Outstanding by Ofsted in my last two inspections, reflecting the high standard of care, learning opportunities, and nurturing environment I provide.
Pets
I have two dogs, but they are not around the children.
I have a part time cat that is with us 50% of the year when my daughter is working away
My Experience
I have been a registered childminder for 30 years and have truly enjoyed working in childcare throughout my career. I am passionate about providing a fun, happy, and nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued, and excited to learn.
I work in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and offer a play-based approach that supports each child’s individual development. We regularly go out and take part in mother and toddler groups, visit local parks, and enjoy days out when possible, giving children valuable social experiences and opportunities to explore the world around them.
During the summer holidays, I work to a clear planned programme, so parents always know where we are going and what activities we will be taking part in.
I am NVQ Level 3 qualified, have attended many childcare courses covering a wide range of topics, and I also have experience working within a nursery setting. This has given me strong knowledge of child development and best practice in early years care.
I offer school pick-ups from The Downs and work alongside an assistant, ensuring consistent, high-quality care and supervision at all times.
My Qualifications
First Aid pediatric
NVQ 2 childcare
NVQ 3 childcare
safe guarding lv 3
Food hygene
graded ofsted outstanding
My Availability
updated 5th January 2026
eyfs
Next availability is September 2026
minimum of 3 days per week
I will have 1 spaces then
the downs
I have space for school holiday only children if required
open 7am to 5.30pm
monday , tuesday , wednesday, thursday, friday
I accept 15 and 30 hour funding
i work school holidays
i dont work bank holidays and weekends
schools
The downs
Mon to Friday after school pick up only, breakfast club available at school and will drop to breakfast club
My Fees
- Childminding from £6.00 per hour
I charge £6.00 per hour
no charge for bank holidays or my holiday
I can to term time only contracts pro rata @£6.50 per hour
and I can do holiday only or inset day cover @£6.00
My Local Schools
- I provide pick ups at The Downs Primary School and Nursery
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at William Martin Church of England Infant and Nursery School
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at St Alban's Catholic Primary School
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 08/05/2019)
Reviews
5 out of 5
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Karen w. 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.
My husband and I have used Karen and Alex for 2 years now and honestly couldn’t rate them highly enough. We found them when going back to work after having my son. As I’m sure many can relate to, leaving your child to go back to work is a horrible feeling. Karen made us feel relaxed, with constant updates and photos of what he was up to. She didn’t mind me ‘torturing’ her to see how he was throughout the day.
My son loves going to spend time there; from toddler group to parks & picnics, they are always entertained. Karen’s own children are so good with the different ages that attend her facilities (there is a purpose-built nursery and covered park area, as well as a big garden, so the children are always busy). They also do a wide-range of activities from painting to exercising to arts and crafts.
If you are looking for a professional, happy, loving childminder, Karen and Alex are definitely the ones. I couldn’t thank them enough for the care they have given our child. We are moving to another country and hope to get someone as reassuring and supportive as Karen.
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Overall
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Setting
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Cleanliness
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Food
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Communication
by
Leanne
on 08/07/2021
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This profile was last updated on 10th February 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.
