Helena J
Childminder in Reading
My Summary
Currently No Vacancies Available.
About Me
Hello, my name is Helena, and I am a registered childminder based in Reading.
I live with my husband, our two sons, aged 17 and 12, and our three cats. My boys have grown up with the children I have cared for over the years, and they have always enjoyed being part of our busy, welcoming home. Together, we have created a warm, home-from-home environment where children feel comfortable, included and cared for.
I have over 25 years of experience working with children. I am Level 3 qualified and hold a Diploma in Nursery Nursing. Before becoming a childminder, I worked as a nanny. After having my own family, I decided to continue my childcare career by offering other families a caring, stimulating and nurturing home environment.
I believe children learn best when they feel happy, safe, valued and confident to explore. I provide a lovely selection of age-appropriate toys, books and activities, giving children plenty of opportunities to play, investigate, create and develop their independence at their own pace.
Our days include lots of creative and sensory play, such as messy play, exploring different textures and materials, arts and crafts, music and activities that encourage imagination. I also provide experiences that support children’s physical development and coordination, while helping them build their communication, social skills and confidence.
Our safe and secure garden is a wonderful space for outdoor play. We have a sandpit, water tray, ride-on toys and a variety of other activities for children to enjoy. We spend lots of time outside, getting fresh air, being active and having fun together.
I also love taking the children for walks and exploring the local area and nature. These outings give us wonderful opportunities to discover the world around us, whether we are looking at plants, trees, insects and wildlife, noticing the changing seasons or simply talking about what we can see and hear. I enjoy following children’s interests and turning everyday experiences into meaningful learning opportunities.
Every child is unique, and I take the time to get to know their personality, interests, strengths and individual needs. My aim is to create a relaxed, nurturing and happy environment where children can be themselves, build friendships and develop a love of learning through play.
For me, childminding is much more than providing childcare. I want children to feel that my home is a place where they belong: somewhere they are listened to, encouraged and cared for, and where they can enjoy happy experiences and make special memories.
I look forward to welcoming new families into our home and hopefully becoming a trusted and valued part of your child’s early years journey. lol
My Experience
I have 10+ years childcare experience as a nanny and have also worked as a creche manager.
I have had experience of caring from children from newborn-8 years.
My Qualifications
DNN level 3 (NNEB)
First aid trained
Ofsted registered - Good
My Availability
Full or part time space available please message me for more information.
My Fees
- Childminding from £6.50 per hour
Please contact me for more information.
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.
My Documents
This member has provided us with electronic copies of the following documents. These copies are held on file unless specified as deleted. The documents have been certified by the member as being true and accurate. We recommend you ask to see original copies of the documents before you hire them in order verify the true accuracy for yourself. Find out more about checks & references.
- Enhanced DBS Check including Children's Barred List (issued 07/06/2012)
- Ofsted Certificate (added 10/01/2022)
- Other (added 17/10/2023)
- Training Certificate: Oral Health (added 10/01/2022)
- Training Certificate: Coronavirus risk assessment (added 10/01/2022)
- Training Certificate: FGM training (added 10/01/2022)
- Training Certificate: Prevent training (added 10/01/2022)
- Training Certificate: Safeguarding (added 10/01/2022)
- Training Certificate: Food safety level 2 (added 10/01/2022)
- Training Certificate: Childminding certificate (added 10/01/2022)
- Exam Certificate: Diploma in nursery nursing (added 10/01/2022)
Reviews
5 out of 5
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for HELENA J. 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.
We honestly couldn’t recommend Helena highly enough. We sent our daughter to her from just 10 months old, and she stayed for 3 very special years. From the very beginning, we knew she was in the best possible hands.
She absolutely loved going and always came home happy, full of stories and excited to tell us about her day. The care, love and attention she received was incredible, and it was so lovely to see her confidence grow and watch her thrive under Helena’s guidance.
The support with settling her in and helping her through transitions was amazing. Helena’s communication was always fantastic, and we really valued all the advice, updates and reassurance along the way.
The amount of time and effort Helena put into activities, learning and development was brilliant. Our daughter was given such a wide variety of experiences and opportunities, all while being cared for in such a warm, nurturing and homely environment.
Our daughter has made so many lovely memories during her time with Helena, and we will always be incredibly grateful for the part Helena has played in her early years. We were genuinely so sad when it was time to say goodbye.
We would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for a caring, dedicated and wonderful childminder.
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MC88
on 28/09/2026
We cannot recommend Helena enough as she has created a warm, safe and loving place for our children to grow and learn. Helena is very knowledgeable and helpful when we have asked for advice.
The range of activities the boys are encouraged to take part in are varied and the updates we receive via WhatsApp and the tapestry app and our diary are useful and are filled with photos of happy smiling boys engaging with the activities in hand. We are also glad the boys take part in walking the school runs and spend days out at parks getting lots of fresh air and mixing with a variety of children of all ages playing happily together.
We would have no hesitation in recommending Helena to any parents considering her. Our first child has been with Helena from 1 yr to 41/2 years, and we were in no doubt that this was the right place for our second child when he arrived. In our view we could not have found better for our two boys.
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Smitroby
on 27/04/2022
The title is not an understatement, I was very unsure on whether I would get on using a childminder, as 1st time round we used a nursery, however with my 2nd we decided to research childminders, helena was recommended by a friend and from the moment we met and she showed me around her home I could tell she would be ideal, she is like a 2nd mum to my son and I really cant recommend her enough, she is informative, flexible and she loves her job and the children she looks after they are like 1 big happy family. My son has been with her 2 years and adores going to play, they always have an adventure to a playgroup out walking or activities at home etc, I always receive lots of information on what they've done in the day and how my sons been. I sometimes text for an update and she always responds with the information I need. I really couldn't have gone back to work if I didnt feel my son was being given the type of care I would expect him to reveive. He receives that and more... she even has my 7 yr old when schools shut or occasionally over half term and she loves going to play. Helena will try and accommodate where she can and over the last 2 years my family have had ups and downs and helena has really helped us out. I have no issue in recommending Helena, you really wont regret it, in fact you need her in your life!
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by
Parent
on 20/05/2019
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This profile was last updated on 17th October 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.