Petra
Childminder in Beckenham
Usually responds within 2 days
Female Member since Sep 2015 Last Updated Oct 2024 Last Login 21 Oct 2024
My Summary
About Me
My name is Petra I have been a registered childminder for the last 17 years . I have three children aged 23yr, 18yr and 13yr old . All in full time education .We live in a four bedroom spacious house with beautiful attached garden with my husband . I am a member of the forest childcare association, follow the Curious Approach and believe children flourish best spending as much time as possible in a natural environment with a gentle approach to learning. We also use Montessori based , Curiosity Approach activities and ideas to add interesting activities for the children. We are child lead , free flow setting too promoting curiosity and independent discovery and enjoy lots of outdoor play, forest natural spaces, messy play, a large range of interesting natural items to provoke curiosity and gentle learning for the children in my care. We love all things open ended free play offerings in the great outdoors, child lead activities , creative mark making and most of all having giggly fun. I am a non smoker .
My Experience
Before opening my childminding business I was a Registered Nurse for 15 years the first 10 years as a Surgical Nurse then the last five years I worked in the community as Community Support nurse working with health visitors supporting families and an immunisation nurse. Combined with my knowledge as a mother of three children , a child development nurse , a supporter of my local community I believe I can offer an excellent standard of childcare for a child in my care.
My Qualifications
Forestry inspired childcare association member
Ofsted Registered childminder
Paediatric first aid trained
Level 3 diploma in home based childcare
Level 2 food safety in catering
Forest childcare self - certification
Safeguarding
Delivering EYFS
Diploma of higher Education Adult Nursing
ParentAdviser training course
Curiosity Approach advocate
My Availability
Available from January 2025
Open hours are from 0800 - 1730
Monday - Wednesday
Focus on under 3 year olds
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before School | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no |
| Morning | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no |
| Afternoon | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no |
| After School | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no |
| Evening | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no |
| Overnight | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Last Updated: 10/10/2024 | |||||||
My Fees
- Childminding from £10.00 per hour
To be discussed at interview
I am also registered to accept childcare vouchers.
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 23/05/2023)
Reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Petra. Please note that reviews represent the subjective opinions of other Childcare.co.uk users 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.
After trying out a few childminders with mixed results, finding Petra was a game changer! For almost two years, she provided exceptional care for our daughter Willow, offering much more than just a safe place to stay—she gave her a second home.
Petra's approach to child care goes WAY beyond the basics. Her home is a vibrant space filled with engaging activities that spark creativity and curiosity—everything from arts and crafts to exploring nature. Petra’s dedication to providing organic meals also aligned perfectly with our own priorities, ensuring Willow received nutritious, well-balanced meals every day.
What really made Petra stand out was how she integrated life skills into daily routines, teaching Willow things like the importance of kindness, cleaning up after herself, and expressing gratitude. It's these little lessons that have helped shape Willow into a considerate and confident preschooler.
Petra was always transparent and communicative, sharing daily updates that included photos and anecdotes that made us feel we weren’t missing out on those precious moments. Her flexible nature was also a huge relief for us as working parents; she was always understanding and accommodating whenever we needed to adjust our schedules.
We recently moved to Portugal which unfortunately meant we had to leave, but not without the confidence that she has been given the best possible start in her early years. Each morning was effortless with Willow excitedly running to greet Petra and her little pals, something that truly reassured us of her happiness and comfort in Petra's care.
Petra, thank you for every moment, every lesson, and every care you've shared with Willow. We’re not just saying goodbye to a childminder but to a family member who’s had a the biggest impact on our lives. We’ll miss you, and we carry forward the wonderful start you’ve given Willow.
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by
Robyn
about
Petra
on 03/05/2024
Response by
Petra
on 03/05/2024:
Thank you so much , being part of your family never felt like work and Willow has left such a lasting impression on our hearts . See you very soon in the sun xx
Petra has been caring for our son for the last two years (from 6 months old). We contacted her in the midst of lockdown after an unexpected early return to work and she has honestly been the greatest blessing! We are only leaving as our son is now ready for pre-school and will be so sad to say goodbye.
From the very beginning she put us at ease, clearly having so much warmth and attention for the children she looks after. She has a lovely, clean, home and garden, which the kids spend a lot of time enjoying. She plans different activities (painting, ice exploration, water play, crafts etc) and takes them out to the park or to forest school in the woods often. But she is also always responsive to their needs, having quiet days in when under the weather etc. Our son honestly runs into her home every day without looking back, he has made great friends as the children in her care tend to stay for long periods of time.
She's been a great source of gentle advice to us over the years, whenever we have needed, and she has definitely taught him so much (tidying the table after meals, blowing nose, colours etc) . Each day we get photos and a diary of everything (food, toileting, sleep etc) and she is always available if there is anything to discuss. In 2 years she's never had a day off ill and has been very flexible to changing days/hours as we needed.
We will all really miss her! Thank you Peppar!
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Where to begin? Petra has been warm, trustworthy and reliable from the moment I contacted her a few weeks before my return to work 2 years ago.
Petra has cared for my daughter for 2 years (from 12 months to 3 years old!) and my son joined her at Petra's setting 4 months ago. Our children are moving on only because we have moved away from the area - we are all really sad to be leaving Petra!
My children both settled quickly with Petra and it is obvious that they feel completely at home in her home. I trust Petra completely and going back to work (both times!) has been made so much easier knowing that the kids are safe and happy with her. Petra's communication is excellent - regular updates including photos of the kids' days and the daily communication book are great (nap times, what they've eaten, when they pooped!). The kids are always busy with play, activities and outings - they are in the garden most days too which they love. I value the fact that Petra is flexible with the kids and if they are tired, or maybe teething and just need a quiet, snuggly sofa day - then that is what they get! Petra has definitely helped our children to learn new things and skills - but in a really relaxed way - everything from skills like wiping your nose or putting your drink back to naming colours and interesting facts about the solar system or rock pools!
Children tend to stay with Petra for a long time, so my daughter really has some little friends when she spends the day with Peppa (as the kids call her!). Petra's own kids are just so lovely and always great with her mindees - it has really felt like Petra's is a home away from home and my kids are part of the family while they are there.
Petra has a warm, reassuring and calm presence - as well as taking great care of my children, she has always been there to provide advice or just a listening ear as I navigate the challenges (potty training! sleepless nights!) of being a parent to two small people.
We have been really fortunate to have Petra in our lives for the past 2 years and we will all truly miss her. Thank you Petra!
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Petra has minded our little girl from 5 months old till right now (Nov 2017). We’re looking for a nursery / preschool part time but want to keep our daughter with Petra at least a couple of days a week as she loves it so much.
She settled in easily and was made very welcome by Petra and her children, when they are home after school.
Petra takes our daughter out on daily excursions and sends regular updates on what they are doing.
As first time parents, Petra has given us gentle, never intrusive advise over the last two years, to help our daughter grow and develop.
We couldn’t recommend her highly enough. Catch her while you can.
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