The Cosy Cottage
Childminder in Turners Hill (also available for babysitting)
Female Member since Sep 2010 Last Updated Jan 2025 Last Login 10 May 2025
My Summary
Ofsted Outstanding Small Childcare Setting
About Me
Hi I'm Catherine and my setting is called The Cosy Cottage, I am a highly qualified and experienced Ofsted registered childminder. I live with my husband and three older children, we also live with Bunny our pet pug!
We live in a cottage situated within the grounds of Worth Abbey and Worth school in Turners Hill near Crawley. Living just out of the village in a central location I am ideally located to serve families from Turners Hill, Poundhill, Maidenbower, Balcombe, West Hoathly, East Grinstead, Ardingly and Crawley down.
My setting is called The Cosy Cottage as it is a warm, nurturing home from home environment where children can play and learn within a smaller and more intimate group allowing for a more personal touch.
The Cosy Cottage is a new, purpose built cabin which has been designed solely for children’s interests from child sized furniture and toys and resources openly available for them to choose. I have a toilet, built in kitchen, sensory room and sleep room within the cabin meaning the children are never left unsupervised and are able to help with cooking and preparing meals.
I work with assistants so we have a small group of children each day and view our setting as the perfect mix of childminder and small nursery which allows children to start as babies and stay until they go off to school as the social opportunities of being with other children are similar to that of preschool but with the personal and nurturing approach a childminder can offer along with creating a wonderful bond!
Large garden available daily with our hugely popular mud kitchen, sandpit, water tray and plenty of space to run around or ride the trikes!
We are also lucky enough to have lots of nature within our garden and have set up a bird watching area, butterfly house and a bug hotel.
Nearby we have lots of open spaces, the farm, stables and woodland which we explore, visiting the chickens, sheep and horses. I am an accredited member of the forest childcarer association which means we spend time daily outside exploring the natural environment in all weathers where learning opportunities are plentiful.
If you are looking for a warm and friendly childcarer who is passionate about caring for children and helping them to reach their full potential through exciting play experiences and activities then look no further.
My Experience
I have over 20 years experience working with children. I have held various roles in various settings including being a nanny, childminder, Pre-School, crèche and children’s ward. I hold a BA (Hons) in Early Childhood which I feel has improved my knowledge and understanding of children and therefore my practice when caring for them and helping them to learn and develop.
I have experience with children with ASD, ADHD and special educational needs as well as medical conditions, tube feeding and allergies.
I accept childcare vouchers and the government tax free childcare payment scheme
My Qualifications
BA (HONS) IN EARLY CHILDHOOD
FOUNDATION DEGREE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD
CACHE DIPLOMA IN CHILCARE AND EDUCATION LEVEL 3
CHILDMINDING CERTIFICATE CYPOP 5
PAEDIATRIC FIRST AID CERTIFICATE
SAFEGUARDING TRAINING
FOOD HYGIENE & SAFETY LEVEL 2
VARIOUS RELEVENT TRAINING COURSES
11 GCSES
2 AS LEVELS
My Availability
EVENING & WEEKEND BABYSITTING AVAILABILITY ONLY
No spaces expected to arise until September 2026
My hours of opening are 7.30am-6pm
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before School | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Morning | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Afternoon | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| After School | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Evening | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Overnight | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes |
| Last Updated: 30/01/2025 | |||||||
My Fees
- Childminding from £7.50 per hour
- Babysitting from £12.00 per hour
Please get in touch to discuss
Tax free childcare accepted
Childcare vouchers accepted
My Local Schools
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at Turners Hill CofE 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
- DBS Check (added 19/08/2019)
- Ofsted Certificate (added 19/08/2019)
- Exam Certificate (added 19/08/2019)
- Training Certificate (added 19/08/2019)
- First Aid Certificate (added 19/08/2019)
Reviews
5 out of 5
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for THE COSY COTTAGE. 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.
Catherine has recently babysat for our 2 children (8&9). I felt completely confident leaving the children in her care and grateful to have found someone so capable, highly qualified and lovely! Would not hesitate to recommend her and hope to book her again soon!
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by
fionag
on 08/09/2018
Catherine has got to be one of the best childminders I have ever come across! My son adores her adores her home her children her animals and everything about cosy cottage! Catherine is always on the go whether it is organising days and trips out which are fantastic and the kids love it, whether it’s organizing stuff at home to do she always has them entertained and learning while having fun! Her set up at home is lovely the summer house/school is cutest ever! I have used catherine since my little boy was 1 and I will continue to use catherine even when my son starts school for the holiday s etc he loves her to pieces he doesn’t want to come home when I collect 🙈
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by
Parent
on 03/09/2018
Catherine was so lovely and welcoming, my little boy absolutely loved going to see her and the other children each week, there was always something interesting and fun planned and my son was always treated as part of the family! I would highly recommend her to anybody looking for a reliable and trustworthy childminder.
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by
TJones
on 12/05/2018
The review title are just a few words I can use to describe the outstanding care Catherine gives to my Son who went to her just before he turned a year old. Being a first time Mum I was extremely anxious about the seperation but as soon as we met The Cosy Cottage my mind was put as ease & he instantly warmed to Catherine.
The environment itself offers everything & beyond what a Mum could wish for, he absolutely loves going there 4 days a week.
Everything from the many varied play zones, daily outings to the food served are all so well organised & healthy.
He'll continue for another year before moving onto pre-school. When he does I know it'll be an emotional time to have to take him away from what I feel is his 2nd home.
On a practical note, there have been many occassions we needed him to stay beyond the usual times which Catherine always understood & accomodated.
Catherine has a natural care & warmth towards babies, children & has a real bond with our Son, I literally couldnt have wished for anyone better to care for my baby.
Just perfect 😁 xXx
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by
Natalie
on 11/05/2018
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This profile 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.
