Avatar for Annette

Annette

Childminder in St Albans (also available for babysitting)

5 stars 5.0
Shakira Shakira Isabella Clare Gemma
(52 reviews)
Usually responds within 24 hours
Rates from
£7.50/hr
Member
16 years
Last seen
10 Jan 2026
Updated
Jan 2026

My Summary

Ofsted Registered
DBS Check
First Aid Training
Weekend Babysitter
Newborn Experience
Full Driving Licence
Own Car
Childcare Qualifications
2 Year old Funded Childcare
3 and 4 Year old Funded Childcare
Hotel Babysitter
Tax-Free Childcare
Emergency Babysitter
Childminder Assistant Job
9 months old Funded Childcare

About Me

Introducing Lillies of the Valley: Your Trusted Childminder in St Albans

Are you looking for a reliable and caring childminder in St Albans? Look no further!

Meet Annette and Edward, the dedicated husband-and-wife team behind Lillies of the Valley. With their professional services, your little ones will be in safe and nurturing hands.

At Lillies of the Valley, we prioritize creating a warm and welcoming environment for your children. As a family-run business, we take pride in offering exceptional childminding services. Our home is clean, smoke-free, and secure, providing a safe and stimulating space for your child to grow and thrive.

What sets us apart is our commitment to individualized care. We believe in aligning our routine with yours, ensuring your child receives personalized attention and support. With a wide range of modern facilities, equipment, and toys, we create an enriching and enjoyable experience for your little ones.

Annette and Edward bring extensive qualifications and experience to their childminding practice, including a DCE in Child Care and Education, First Aid, and Social Care. You can trust that your child is in capable hands. Annette has also volunteered in schools, nurseries, and playgroups, further enhancing her expertise.

As parents themselves, Annette and Edward understand the importance of providing exceptional care for your children. They take pride in enriching the lives of the children under their care, fostering a happy and nurturing environment where children can grow and flourish.

Lillies of the Valley is Ofsted registered, ensuring we meet the highest standards of childminding. Our last inspection was exceptionally well-received, reflecting our commitment to quality care.

Join the Lillies of the Valley family and experience the difference a dedicated and professional childminding service can make.

Transportation Made Easy

We offer a convenient pick-up and drop-off service, equipped with a clean driving license and a spacious seven-seater vehicle. Parents have praised this service for the added convenience it brings to their busy lives.

At Lillies of the Valley, we believe in providing nutritionally balanced meals made from fresh, local ingredients. We work with families to create menus that cater to your child's preferences, ensuring they enjoy their meals while receiving essential nutrients. We also offer a variety of fresh seasonal fruits daily to promote healthy eating habits.

We invite you to visit our childminding setting to see the care and attention we provide. During our initial face-to-face meeting, we will discuss your requirements and get to know your child's needs. We kindly request your child’s presence during this meeting, as establishing a connection between the child and caregiver is essential for understanding and meeting their needs.

For expecting mothers, and husband/ partner we can arrange a meeting once the child is born. We also offer the option to conduct a meeting in your home, allowing us to observe your child in their familiar surroundings

Your child's development is important to us, and we provide a range of stimulating activities both indoors and outdoors. From visits to local parks, playgroups, farms, aquariums, and libraries to educational trips, your child will have ample opportunities to learn and explore their environment.

Settling In

We recognize the trust you place in us when you leave your child in our care, and we strive to help them feel part of our happy family. We encourage independence, confidence, and teach essential life skills.

We are equipped with various resources to stimulate your child's imaginative development. From painting and collage to pattern making and role play, your child will have opportunities to explore their creativity and develop communication and cognitive skills.

Outdoor play is integral to our program, as we have access to open spaces and woodland areas nearby. With adult supervision, your child can enjoy safe and engaging playtime in a natural setting, promoting healthy physical development.

Invest in your child's future by giving them the best start with Lillies of the Valley. We foster effective relationships, teach good choices, and promote good manners and personal hygiene. Our cosy homely environment allows for individual attention and the development of social skills and friendships.

Join the Lillies of the Valley family and experience exceptional childminding services. Contact us today to discuss how we can support your child's growth and provide you with peace of mind. Your child's happiness and well-being are our top priorities!

My Experience

Experience Exceptional Childminding Services with Lillies of the Valley!

We are a married couple dedicated to providing outstanding care for children in the Hertfordshire area.

Before becoming registered childminders, Annette volunteered in nursery schools, schools, and playgroups for several years. This experience helped her develop a deep understanding of children's needs and the importance of setting high standards. As parents ourselves, we feel it is our duty to create a nurturing and supportive environment for all children.

About Our Family

We take great pride in our own family’s achievements. Our eldest daughter, 29 works part-time at a law firm while studying for her degree in Law and Forensic Science. She serves as a role model for her siblings, embodying hard work and determination. A talented musician, she writes her own songs, has auditioned for shows like The Voice and Britain’s Got Talent, and plays multiple instruments, in addition to being a graphic designer.

Our second daughter, 19 is an A-level student now attending university. She loves dancing, songwriting, and photography, and has a keen interest in sports, playing for a football team while studying to become a physiotherapist.

Lastly, we have a 12-year-old son who enjoys the outdoors, loves to sing, and is currently training to become a professional footballer. He performs exceptionally well in school, too.

Our Happy Place

We often hear from parents that we are very caring towards their children, who may not be biologically ours. This means the world to us, as it reflects our commitment and passion. The children we care for become cherished members of our Lillies family, and we love to see them revisit us years later.

As parents ourselves, we understand the importance of supporting both children and their families. We believe in fostering a strong support system and strive to excel in our role as childminders. Your child's well-being and development are our top priorities.

Contact us today to discuss how we can create a nurturing and supportive environment for your child. Together, we can provide a positive and enriching experience for your little one.

My Qualifications

DCE Childcare and Education, Level 3,qualified in Social Care,
Child Protection
Health and safety
Food hygiene
Personal Safety
Safeguarding Children in Health and Social
Equality and Inclusion in Early Years Settings
Paediatric First Aid Level 3 (VTQ)
Trained in Anaphylaxis
Counsellor...

My Availability

OPENING HOURS
Monday - Friday: 7:45 AM - 6 PM

If you require earlier start times or later finishing times, please discuss this with us, as there will be an additional charge for this extra service.

Emergency Childcare
We offer emergency childcare services in case your regular childminder is on holiday or unavailable due to illness. It’s always wise to have a backup plan. To use this service, you’ll need to register your details and meet us beforehand.

Birthday Parties*

Let us know your wishes, and we’ll handle the planning and organization for you!

Wedding Entertainment
Getting married and need entertainment for your children? Just tell us what you envision, and we’ll make it happen. Nothing is impossible at Lillies of the Valley—just an email away for happy days!

New at Lillies of the Valley
As of July 2016, we are pleased to offer qualified birthing coaching services. I am a qualified counselor with a background in childcare education and a mother of three. If you’re seeking extra support, I am here to help.

Booking Face-to-Face Meetings for Potential Childcare
At Lillies of the Valley, we recognize the importance of face-to-face meetings with potential clients. To ensure fairness and optimize appointment availability, we ask that you notify us at least 24 hours in advance if you cannot attend a scheduled meeting. This allows us to accommodate other potential clients who may be interested in the same time slot.

To encourage timely cancellations, we have introduced a charge for meetings that are not canceled within the specified timeframe. This charge helps offset the resources and efforts invested in preparing for the meeting and ensures that our team’s time is utilized effectively.

We greatly appreciate your understanding and cooperation with this policy. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are committed to providing exceptional service to all our potential clients and look forward to assisting you.

Face-to-Face Meetings
When scheduling our initial face-to-face meetings, we kindly request that only parents and their child attend. Thank you for understanding.

During our face-to-face meeting, we will cover the following aspects:

Overview of Childminding Services: I will explain the services offered, including daily routines, activities, and any special programs or educational approaches I follow.

Child Development Focus: Discussion on how I will support your child's development, including social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth through play-based learning.

Safety and Well-being: Information about safety measures, policies, and procedures in place to ensure a safe environment for all children.

Communication Practices: I will outline how I communicate with parents, including updates on the child's progress, daily reports, and any concerns that may arise.

-Policies and Procedures: An overview of important policies, such as behaviour management, health and safety, emergency procedures, and payment structures.

- Feedback and Involvement: I will discuss how parents can get involved and provide feedback regarding their child's care.

Questions Parents May Want to Ask:

- Daily Routine: What does a typical day look like for my child? What activities do you provide?

- Child Development: How do you track my child’s development, and how do you support their learning?

- Safety Measures: What safety precautions do you have in place? How do you handle emergencies?

- Communication How will you keep me informed about my child's progress and well-being?

- Behaviour Management: How do you handle conflicts or behavioural issues among children?

- Nutrition: What meals and snacks do you provide? Are you able to accommodate dietary restrictions?

- Parent Involvement How can I be involved in my child's care and activities? Are there opportunities for parent participation?

- Transition Plans: How do you support children transitioning to school or other care settings?

-Feedback Process How can I provide feedback or express concerns about my child's care?

- Fees and Policies Can you clarify your fees, payment schedules, and cancellation policies?

By understanding what to expect from the meeting and preparing relevant questions, parents can ensure a productive discussion about their child's care.

We look forward to meeting you!

Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Before School
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
no
no
Morning
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
no
no
Afternoon
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
no
no
After School
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
no
no
Evening
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
Overnight
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
Available
Not available
Last updated 07/01/2026

My Fees

  • Babysitting from £15.00 per hour
  • Childminding from £7.50 per hour

We open at 7:45 AM and close at 6 PM.

Starting wages:
- £7.50
- £8.50

Food options will be discussed in the meeting.
Parents are required to provide all wipes, nappies, and creams.
We accept all types of childcare vouchers.

*** AVAILABILITY ***

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.

Ofsted Good Provider Logo
Good
18 June 2024
Children thrive in a safe and happy environment at this childcare setting. The provider creates a nurturing atmosphere where emotional development and communication skills are prioritized. Children enjoy nutritious meals and outdoor activities, promoting healthy lifestyles. Parents are encouraged to engage in their children's learning. While the overall care is good, there is room for improvement in organizing group sessions to ensure all children are fully engaged.
Summary generated by AI from the text of the inspection report.
20 March 2018 - Good
24 October 2013 - 2
Show previous inspections
Hide previous inspections

My Documents

  • DBS Check (added 04/06/2019)
  • Ofsted Certificate (added 07/07/2017)
  • Inspection Report (added 02/08/2024)
Request Document Access We will notify the provider and you will receive an email if they accept your request

Reviews

5 stars 5 out of 5
52 ratings

Latest reviews

Below are the latest reviews for Annette . 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.

Annette was extremely warm and welcoming to us and in particular to our baby. Her setting is fantastic, clean and well equipped. Annette addressed all of our questions before we even asked them. Any questions we did ask she was happy to answer.

  • 5 stars Overall
  • 5 stars Setting
  • 5 stars Cleanliness
  • 5 stars Food
  • 5 stars Communication

by Avatar for Clare Clare on 29/04/2025


Response by Avatar for Annette Annette on 29/04/2025:

Thank you for visiting us! It was a pleasure to have a chat and meet you and your child in person. we look forward to caring for your child and we appreciate your wonderful positive review. See you soon!

Update: my child has settled in so well after only a month! We have noticed that she has become more confident, adventurous and creative. Potty training success also accelerated under their care. My child loves coming home and telling me about the things she did in the day. The activities are varied and certainly seem enriching.

I will also say that communication home has been great and frequent, which has helped us all to sing from the same hymn sheet.

We are so glad that we chose Annette!

  • 5 stars Overall
  • 5 stars Setting
  • 5 stars Cleanliness
  • 5 stars Food
  • 5 stars Communication

by Avatar for Shakira Shakira on 20/02/2025


Response by Avatar for Annette Annette on 21/02/2025:

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I’m delighted to hear that your child has settled in so well and is becoming more confident, adventurous, and creative. It’s a true joy to witness their growth, especially with the progress in potty training!

I’m passionate about providing enriching activities that inspire curiosity and enthusiasm, so it warms my heart to know that your child enjoys sharing their daily experiences with you. Effective communication is essential, and I’m pleased to hear that it has helped keep us all on the same page.

I appreciate you choosing us, and during our first face-to-face meeting at our home, I felt it was the perfect environment to meet your child's needs. I look forward to continuing this journey together and watching your child thrive! thanks again

isabella started attending lillies of the valley at the start of Feb. I was worried as she's my first child and she's only 8 months but we knew after meeting Annette last year she would give isabella the best care. My mind was put at ease straight away and I get daily updates and picture of what they have been doing/ exploring today. Isabella loves going and she's come on so much in the weeks that she's been there. she's become much more vocal with her noises and learnt to clap. We are more than thrilled with the level of care isabella gets and cannot recommend Annette and Eddie enough.

  • 5 stars Overall
  • 5 stars Setting
  • 5 stars Cleanliness
  • 5 stars Food
  • 5 stars Communication

by Avatar for abby abby on 19/02/2025


Response by Avatar for Annette Annette on 19/02/2025:

Thank you so much for your lovely review! It’s been a true pleasure having your adorable daughter with us at Lillies of the Valley. We completely understand how important it is for parents to feel secure in their child’s care, especially when they’re so little. We’re overjoyed to hear that she is enjoying her time here and making wonderful progress in her development. It’s been such a joy to see her become more vocal and learn to clap! Your kind words mean the world to us, and we truly appreciate your trust in our care. We eagerly look forward to each visit and can't wait to see Isabella again for more fun adventures!

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This profile was last updated on 7th January 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.