Ark Childcare
Childminder in Blackwater
Usually responds within 1 hour
Female Member since Apr 2009 Last Updated Jan 2025 Last Login Mar 2025
My Summary
About Me
Hello,my name is Amanda, I have been a registered childminder for 18 years and I thoroughly enjoy my job, watching the children grow, learn and flourish in my home.
Unfortunately I have no spaces until September 2026!
I live in a cul de sac in Blackwater with one of my adult sons, and our lovely pets...Lexi and Ollie our dogs (both are cavapoos and amazing with children )
I can offer the 15 and 30 hour funding alongside preschools. Allowing the children continuity, the social side and structure of preschool but also the homely and nurturing side of a childminder.
I had my ofsted inspection in January 2023 and was graded a 'good' .
I have an enclosed back garden with decking and astro turf to allow all year round outside play with plenty of toys, including cars, ride on bikes, sandpit, water table, play hose climbing frame/slide, plus many more. We regularly do messy play such as painting, play doh, cooking etc. I have a dedicated playroom, with many educational and stimlulaing toys to suit a wide variety of children of all ages.
On a regular basis we attend varrying toddler groups, play gyms, parks, walks to local woods etc. All activites and experiences are recorded in a daily diary if required.
I offer a home from home environment and to enable the children to feel relaxed, confident and nurtured in our home and to be a part of our
My Experience
I have been registered as a childminder for 18 years, but have looked after children as a nanny since my first son was born (26 years ago) which has given me lots of experience of looking after children from all different backgrounds.
My Qualifications
As a registered childminder I am fully trained in paediatric first aid and level 3 safeguarding.
I have also completed a CACHE level 3 Diploma in Home based childcare.
I also hold a NVQ 2 in Care.
As well as these i have attended courses at my children's schools which has given me knowledge of how they teach Phonics, reading and maths, the early years and into school.
My Availability
I work Monday to Friday 7.30 - 5.30 but can be flexible if needed.
| 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 |
| Last Updated: 29/01/2025 | |||||||
My Fees
- Childminding from £5.50 per hour
I currently charge £5.50 per hour, for under 5's, additional hours outside of my working hours will be charged at an alternative rate, these can be discussed if needed.
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
- Ofsted Certificate (added 15/04/2023)
Reviews
5 out of 5
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for ArK Childcare. 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.
My daughter attended for a year and has only left due to starting full time school.
I had never used a childminder before and my daughter struggled being away from home due to her formative years being in lockdown, however Amanda was amazing. Within minutes of visiting Amanda my daughter was off playing and got upset when we had to leave.
Amanda does so many days out (without extra costs to parents) allowing the children to safely adventure and use their imagination. She also does a lot at home, I got some lovely paintings, drawings and yummy treats made by the children.
Ollie & Lexie (Amanda’s doggies) are amazing, always so gentle with the children. My daughter absolutely loved them and now wants one of her own.
In just a year I have seen such a change to my daughter, the once shy and quiet little girl when out and about is now so confident and chatty. Amanda has played a massive part in helping my daughter grow.
I couldn’t have asked for a better childminder. So understanding and flexible, amazing communication and encourages children to their fullest.
I would 100% recommend Amanda. Her home is a home away from home ❤️
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Jessie
on 04/09/2022
My daughter has been with Amanda for 3 years. She was very good at settling her as she had not been looked after by a child minder before. My daughter is 9 and loves going there after school, especially helping Amanda with the younger ones, the dogs/cats and playing in garden.
Amanda is always friendly, never sick and flexible if I need her picked up or looked after for a bit longer than her contracted time.
I would have no hesitation in recommending Amanda.
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by
Parent
on 08/07/2016
Amanda has been looking after my daughter for 9 months, I visited various childcare establishments to find the perfect childcare for my daughter it never felt quite right but within 5 minutes of meeting Amanda i knew she was 'the one' Amanda was recommended to me by a friend. She has a warm and caring personality which I knew my daughter would feel safe with. My daughter looks forward to her days at Amanda's house, which is a real relief for a first time mum returning to work.
Since being with Amanda, Scarlett has been to Trilakes soft play, Play groups, Play gym, Swimming and daily trips out into the fresh air. On request I receive photographs/ reassuring messages sent to me during the day (all of which include my daughter with a smile on her face) this is just a small touch but makes the biggest difference.
Myself and my husband are incredibly grateful to have found Amanda and would highly recommend her to anybody looking for a safe and loving environment for their little one.
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by
JDavis31
on 07/07/2016
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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.
