Annette 26
Childminder in St Albans (also available for babysitting)
5.0
My Summary
Lillies Of The Valley | A Loving Start For Bright Futures
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!
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
- I provide pick ups at Margaret Wix Primary School
- I provide pick ups at Bernards Heath Junior School
- I provide pick ups at Bernards Heath Infants' School
- I provide pick ups at Fleetville Junior School
- I provide pick ups at Fleetville Infant and Nursery 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
- DBS Check (added 04/06/2019)
- Ofsted Certificate (added 07/07/2017)
- Inspection Report (added 02/08/2024)
Reviews
5 out of 5
Parents say
Parents consistently praise the childminder for providing excellent care in a warm, nurturing environment. Children thrive developmentally, gaining confidence and enjoying regular educational outings to farms, zoos and playgroups. Families particularly value the frequent communication, flexible pick-up service, and the welcoming home-from-home atmosphere that helps children settle quickly and happily.
Summary generated by AI from the text of recent member reviews
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Annette 26. 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.
Our daughter, Sophie, has loved her time with Annette and Eddie.
Since starting with them at just 14 months old, Sophie has grown into a confident, polite, and helpful young girl who is now ready to begin school in August. Annette and Eddie are incredibly warm and caring. They always keep us updated on how Sophie is getting on each day and regularly send photos so we can see her enjoying herself with her friends.
Sophie especially loves her weekly trips to Whipsnade Zoo, Willows Farm, playgroups, and visits to feed the fish at the aquarium. We love that she is always out and about, learning new things and having fun.
She also loves their food, and somehow they never seem to have any trouble getting her to eat — unlike us at home!
The pickup and drop-off service they provide has been an enormous help for our family, and Sophie always greets Eddie with a huge smile when he arrives to pick her up.
Sophie genuinely looks forward to her days with Annette and Eddie. It is never a struggle to get her ready in the morning, and she always comes home happy, energised, and full of stories about her day.
We truly cannot recommend Annette and Eddie highly enough.
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Phillip
on 12/05/2026
Response by
Annette 26
on 13/05/2026:
Thank you so much ...We have loved every moment caring for Sophie. Over time, you naturally form such a healthy attachment and bond with the children you care for, so saying goodbye as they move on to their next chapter is always difficult.
We have truly loved working with your family, and the partnership we built together has been so lovely. Thank you as well for all the thoughtful gestures over the years, especially the beautiful fruit and vegetables from your garden they were always so appreciated.
Sophie has been amazing from the very beginning, and her happiness coming into the setting every day has been such a joy to see. Watching her grow into the confident, polite, and helpful little girl she is today has been incredibly special for us both.
We will really miss Sophie and your family very much, but we are also so excited for her as she starts her new adventure at school. We wish her all the happiness and success in this next chapter.🌹
My daughter started with Annette when she was very young at 9 months when I retured to work, she settled into the setting so quickly and Annette has always kept us updated on how she is doing during the day and photos.
She has now attended lillies of the valley for a year and a half. She has thrived during this time and she loves going to the setting during the week.
Her speech has developed and she's is turning into a confident,cheeky toddler. She's learnt colours and numbers and plenty of nursery ryhmes and people always tell me how advanced she is for her age however this is from the help of Annette and Eddie.
Annette always helps me with her development and gives me tips and pointers on how to help her at home to develop and moving onto the next steps.
I always feel reassured that isabella is in the best hands during the days as me and my partner travel a lot for work during the day and know we don't have to worry and can reley on Annette services.
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by
abby
on 11/05/2026
Response by
Annette 26
on 11/05/2026:
Dear Abby
Thank you so much for your lovely review and kind words. It is an absolute pleasure looking after Isabella watching her grow and develop over the last year and a half. We are so proud of how confident, happy, and clever she is becoming.
Seeing her settle so well from such a young age and build such strong relationships within the setting has been wonderful. She brings so much fun and laughter to our days, and we love supporting her learning and development as she reaches new milestones.
Thank you also for your trust and support. We know how important it is for parents to feel reassured when leaving their child in someone else’s care, and we are so grateful to be part of Isabella’s journey.
Thank you again for your recommendation it truly means so much to us.
Annette & Eddie
We cannot recommend Annette Finn and Edward highly enough for the incredible care they have given our daughter, Mina. As a family newly relocated to the UK without nearby relatives or support, they truly became our “family away from family.”
They have helped Mina enormously with every part of her transition — behavior, socialization, learning routines and boundaries, potty training (honestly amazing!), eating, confidence, and overall development. The environment they provide is so rich, nurturing, and engaging. Mina has regular outings multiple times a week to wonderful educational and social places including Willows Farm, the zoo, aquarium, play groups, and more. She is constantly learning and experiencing new things.
There are genuinely days when I joke that Mina is probably getting a better experience with them than she would if I stayed home full time! The amount of care, stimulation, patience, and thought they put into childminding is extraordinary.
Their flexibility and support with pickups and dropoffs has also made an enormous difference for us, especially since we do not drive here yet. They have made what could have been a very difficult transition to life in the UK feel manageable, warm, and supported.
Knowing that we have someone able to help with our toddler as we navigate a new, complicated pregnancy has only made me more grateful. Cannot recommend enough!
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Luisa
on 10/05/2026
Response by
Annette 26
on 11/05/2026:
Dear Luisa
Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words. Reading your review truly means the world to us.
It has been such a pleasure getting to know your family and watching Mina grow in confidence, independence, and personality since joining us. We know how challenging relocating to a new country without your usual support network can be, so we are especially grateful that you trusted us to be part of your journey here in the UK.
Mina is such a joy to care for curious, funny, bright, and always ready to explore and learn something new. We are enjoying supporting her through all of her milestones and seeing how much she has achieved, especially with her confidence, routines, and potty training.
Thank you also for recognising the care and thought we put into creating enriching experiences and outings for the children. We always aim to provide a warm, nurturing environment where children feel safe, happy, and excited to learn.
We are so pleased that we have been able to make this transition a little easier for your family, especially during such an important time for you all. Your appreciation and trust mean more than we can say.
Thank you again for your wonderful recommendation and for allowing us to be part of Mina’s story.
Annette & Eddie
We had such a positive experience meeting Annette and visiting her setting. From our first interactions, communication was excellent and after reading so many glowing reviews, we felt optimistic going in but meeting her exceeded our expectations.
Annette is warm, kind, and incredibly experienced. What stood out most was how naturally aligned we felt not only in her approach to childcare, but also in her general approach and outlook. This gave us real confidence that our son would be cared for in a way that truly reflects what matters to us as a family.
This is a big step for any parent and something I had been feeling quite anxious about but after meeting Annette we felt genuinely reassured and at ease. We would wholeheartedly recommend her to any family looking for a nurturing, trustworthy, and thoughtful environment for their child.
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Rachael
on 19/04/2026
Response by
Annette 26
on 19/04/2026:
Hi Rachael,
Thank you so much for your incredibly kind and thoughtful review. It truly means a lot to me, and I’m so grateful you took the time to share your experience.
It was such a pleasure meeting you and your family. I’m really glad that you felt reassured and comfortable during your visit—that’s always so important to me, especially knowing what a big step this is.
Your words about feeling aligned in values and approach really mean a great deal, and I would be absolutely delighted to care for your son and support him as he grows and develops.
Thank you again for your trust and recommendation it’s genuinely appreciated. I’m really looking forward to working together.
Warmest wishes
Annette
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.
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by
Clare
on 29/04/2025
Response by
Annette 26
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!
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by
Shakira
on 20/02/2025
Response by
Annette 26
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.
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by
abby
on 19/02/2025
Response by
Annette 26
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!
We visited Annette today. She was so warm and friendly. It is glowing apparent that she cares about the holistic development of the children in her charge. She was thorough in her explanations, personable, reassuring and practical.
The most impressive thing was how well our little one settled. Our child is quite shy but by the end of the visit, spoke yo Annette, accepted help from her and was even content to take toys from her and play. She has a wonderful manner with children.
I can't wait for out little one to be under Annette's care.
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Shakira
on 08/12/2024
Response by
Annette 26
on 08/12/2024:
Firstly, thank you for your wonderful review of our setting! It was such a pleasure to meet you and your husband and child.
and I truly enjoyed playing with your child, who seemed very happy. I’m thrilled about the many common interests we share and the strong connection we established. I felt completely comfortable during our face-to-face meeting. It’s a joy to work together in caring for your child, and I look forward to our partnership. See you soon, and Merry Christmas!
We visited Annette over the weekend to discuss emergency childcare.
Annette was lovely and wonderful, so welcoming and instantly put us at ease. We had a little tour of the setting, which was lovely, my son couldn’t get enough and wanted to explore all of it. We talked about all the activities they do, which made me want to join in. We saw all the wonderful food cooked for the children and the baking they do. My son took to Annette instantly and when we had to leave I couldn’t get my son to go. Such a lovely and welcoming setting.
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by
Lj87
on 02/12/2024
Response by
Annette 26
on 02/12/2024:
Dear Lyndsay
It was a pleasure meeting you and your son! In our setting, we have a playroom, a sleep room, a rest room, and a kitchen where all food is made also the children bake. We also have a craft area and a library, along with a 50-foot garden for the kids to enjoy. It was wonderful to see your son engage and have fun during our face-to-face meeting. He seemed very happy when it was time to leave and didn’t want to go!
It was such a joy to have him over and to get to know him better. Having emergency care cover is always a great advantage.
Thank you so much for your positive review!
Kindest regards,
Annette Finn
we went to visit Annette about our little girl starting in Feb. She is my first baby and I've been so nervous about her going to someone else especially with her only being 8 months old when she goes. Annette manged to put my mind at ease straight away. she has a very lovely set up with a wealth of toys and books for the little ones. we are looking forward to isabella starting her adventure with her in Feb
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by
abby
on 28/11/2024
Response by
Annette 26
on 29/11/2024:
**Profile Review Response from Childminder**
Choosing the right childcare is crucial for both families and caregivers, so it's wonderful to hear that you felt comfortable during your visit to our home. we felt the same way. Your daughter was so alert and eager to engage, and it was a joy to see her interacting.
With my experience in caring for many children, it’s clear that your child is an outgoing baby, which aligns perfectly with our program focused on outdoor learning and interactive activities. We also provide educational toys at home and ensure a safe, happy environment where children can make friends. We offer a variety of nutritious food, but you’re welcome to bring your own if you prefer.
We’re thrilled to welcome your child into our setting! Investing in your child’s future means giving them the best possible start.
Thank you for your kind review. We look forward to seeing you both very soon!
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This profile was last updated on 1st May 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.