Karen Dickie
Childminder in Westhoughton
Female Member since Dec 2015 Last Updated Apr 2025 Last Login 07 May 2025
My Summary
Ofsted 'Outstanding' Childminder Located In Westhougton Bl5
About Me
Hi there my name is Karen and I provide quality childcare in a happy healthy home environment. I was rated as 'Outstanding' by OFSTED again in 2019 (for the third time) and have 30 years experience as a childminder. I operate from my home in Westhoughton, however I take children to and from St. James School and Nursery in Daisy Hill. We regulary attend local parks, toddler groups, craft sessions and Toddler Tales at the Library. We also travel distances to experience different parks, nature reserves, the sea side, animal parks, etc.
The entire ground floor of my home is used for childminding as well as my garden. I have recently made major improvements to the garden and the children are thoroughly enjoying the improved outdoor play space. I also take the children on regular outings to local parks, woods, nature reserves, farms, children's groups, etc. during term time, and further afield in school holidays. The cost of these outings are included in the usual fees.
I offer full and part time childcare, from 3 months of age right through to high school.
I aim to provide a professional childcare service in a warm nurturing environment. Children are cared for within my home and the children and their families are treated with understanding and respect. The children's needs are paramount and I endeavour to promote the social, emotional and physical development of all the children in my care. I encourage parents to contribute the incredible knowledge that they have of their child and we will regularly discuss your child's development and any challenges that they may face.
I am always proud of the caring attitude shown by the children that I mind.
I feel that the low child to adult ratio and the mixed ages of children helps to encourage a feeling of being a 'little family' the children regularly express their affection for each other and indicates a strong level of attachment with both myself and the other children in my care.
My Experience
I have over 30 years experience in childminding and was graded as outstanding by Ofsted at my latest inspection this is my third Outstanding grading. I have experience of children with both learning and social/emotional difficulties. I regularly undertake additional training. I worked all through the Covid epidemic providing childcare for children of critical workers.
I thoroughly enjoy my time with the children and thrive on the challenges of providing enjoyable and inovative activities for the children. I operate under the name 'Karen's Quality Childcare' in Westhoughton BL5
My Qualifications
I was graded as outstanding by OFSTED in 2019 for the third time.
I am highly qualified in childcare and early years education.
I have all the statutory qualifications,e.g. First Aid, Safeguarding, etc. as well as regularly undertaking additional voluntary training.
My OFSTED report is available online if you wish to read it.
I have the NVQ Level 3 in Early Years Care and Education.
Also a City & Guilds 7307 teaching qualification.
I am a S.E.N.c.o. (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) and attend regular update briefings
Of course I have up to date First Aid training.
ELKLAN Level 3 in Speech and Language Support For Under 5's
British Sign Language
Autistic Spectrum Disorder in the Early Years
Keeping Children Safe Level 3
Level 2 Award in Food Allergy Awareness
Further I am have very recently taken part in focus groups looking into supporting young children's writing and numeracy skills and was involved in formulating activities to promote children's development in these areas, which was an interesting and valuable experience.
My Availability
I don't currently have any spaces however I will have availability for a younger child or baby from September this year. NOTE I don't always check my emails so if you want to get in touch it is better to contact via my mobile number.
If you would like to get in touch with me to discuss the childcare that I provide I will be happy to discuss my childcare service, our daily schedule, the learning opportunities your child will have and activities that your child will be able to participate in.
I offer childcare from 7.30am (at the earliest) to 5.30pm (at the latest) hourly/daily rate dependent upon days/hours required.
Please get in touch and we can discuss your childcare requirements
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before School | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Morning | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Afternoon | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| After School | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Evening | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Overnight | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Last Updated: 28/04/2025 | |||||||
My Fees
- Childminding from £5.50 per hour
NOTE: I am able to provide the 2, 3 and 4 Year Old 15 Hours Funding, so if your child is entitled to this we can of course take this into account when calculating fees.
I will be happy to discuss my pricing policy when you visit my home.
My Local Schools
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at St James CofE Primary School, Daisy Hill
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 24/08/2021)
- DBS Check (added 24/08/2021)
- UK Passport (added 24/08/2021)
- Inspection Report: Ofsted Report (added 24/08/2021)
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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.
