Karene74
Childminder in Crawley
Female Member since Feb 2013 Last Updated Dec 2023 Last Login 01 May 2024
My Summary
About Me
My name is Karen Edwards, I am based in the Pound Hill area of Crawley, and run my childminding business under the name Karen's House Childminding. I have been a childminder for over 17 years, before that I was a primary school teacher for 9 years. I'm a mum to three girls aged 14 -20 years old, and my husband is registered as my assistant, and although he does not work with me full-time, he can be around if he is needed to help.
I currently have no vacancies for an under 5 year old, but I have spaces for holiday only childcare for all ages. I anticipate that I will have vacancies from August 2024. I can offer the 2 year old funding and the 3 and 4 year old free entitlement funding. For wrap-around care for Pound Hill Infant and Junior Schools I have vacancies for over 8 year olds only, as my 5-8 year old spaces are currently full. Please get in touch to discuss your requirements.
I offer a warm caring home from home environment in which children feel safe, secure and most importantly have fun! Generally our mornings are busy going out and about with visits to toddler groups, the library, play parks, National Trusts or woodlands. We have a huge amount of wonderful places on our doorstep and we love to explore these. After lunch (which is provided) while the little ones nap the older pre-school aged children enjoy a more focussed learning time as well as some more free-play opportunities. We have a weekly theme which the children really engage with in learning new vocabulary and increasing their knowledge - most of our themes are nature based. The older and younger children really enjoy playing together inside and outside in the fully enclosed garden, often enjoying a craft or baking activity. The school holidays provide a great opportunity for visits further afield or for a whole day, and favourite trips include The Bluebell Railway, Knockhatch, Tate Modern, various National Trust sites, den building and hot dogs in the woods and the beach, as well as enjoying whatever the weather throws at us. We have an allotment nearby and we love picking, digging and collecting seasonal produce which I often use in my home-cooked meals. We have a wide range of toys, books and games.
I have excellent references, available on request and was rated as Good overall with Outstanding in "Personal Development, Behaviour and Welfare" during my last Ofsted inspection in January 2019. I was particularly proud of this comment: "Children form close, wonderful relationships with the childminder and build strong friendships across all age groups. Older children are very considerate of the younger ones in all activities. Behaviour is excellent." I communicate daily with parents using WhatsApp, to share photos and learning in relation to the Early Years Foundation Stage. I love my career, watching children develop and thrive, and always strive to do my best to support families. "Exceptional parent partnerships enhance children's learning so they make rapid progress."
My Experience
I taught in the Primary sector for nine years, mainly Reception to Year 2, before I decided to become a childminder following the birth of my second daughter 18 years ago. I use my teaching skills and those of a parent in my childminding role, in order to create a stimulating and safe environment. I myself used a childminder when I returned to work after my oldest daughter was born and so can empathise with parents returning to work. Over the years I have undertaken several courses to continually develop professionally, and I feel that these help me to be a reflective practioner, always looking to do the best I can for the children I care for.
My Qualifications
BA (QTS) Education & Art and Design - University of Warwick 1996
Introduction to Home-based Childcare - April 2006
12 hour Paediatric First Aid Certificate
Food Hygiene Certificate
Makaton level 1
My Availability
I currently have no vacancies for under 5s, but I do have spaces for holiday only childcare for all ages. I will have more vacancies in August 2024 when some of my existing children start school. I can offer the 2 year old funding and the 3 and 4 year old free entitlement funding. For wrap-around care for Pound Hill Infant and Junior Schools I have vacancies for over 8 year olds only, as my 5-8 year old spaces are currently full. Please get in touch to discuss your requirements.
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before School | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Morning | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Afternoon | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| After School | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Evening | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Overnight | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Last Updated: 22/12/2023 | |||||||
My Fees
- Childminding from £6.00 per hour
£6.00 per hour which includes all food and snacks for under 5's
£6.00 per hour with £2.50 charge for evening meal for over 5's
My Local Schools
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at Pound Hill Infant Academy
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at Pound Hill Junior School, Crawley
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 07/04/2023)
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