Nicola_Childcare
Childminder in Sydenham
Usually responds within 4 hours
Female Member since Oct 2018 Last Updated May 2025 Last Login 14 May 2025
My Summary
Filling Spaces For September Starters
About Me
****Funding accepted.****
Located near Sydenham library, I offer children of all ages fun-filled, caring and stimulating days in a safe, homely and cosy environment. Spending time outside is good for the soul, so we are often to be found galloping around parks or planting flowers in the garden. Lots of arts and crafts materials on offer and a piano in the playroom for nursery rhymes. Lunches are healthy and home-cooked. I would never give your little ones something I wouldn't be happy to eat myself, however occasional treats do happen.
It's very much a child-led setting, so even if I've planned something for the day we may change due to the children's moods or interests. I'm into playing with loose parts and natural objects, but that doesn't mean I've evicted all flashy, plasticky things! I have very high expectations for the children and aim to provide them with a truly challenging environment. Independence is encouraged and so is taking manageable risks (I’m talking climbing frames, not jumping out of windows!).
We also visit our local playgroups, singing groups, museums and chat to lots of people in the local community during our time out and about.
My home also houses my 2 primary school-aged sons, my cat and my husband. Based next to Our Lady and St Philip Neri school.
If you send me a message I can email you with more information about how a typical day might go.
Inspected by Ofsted April 2022: Good
My Experience
I have been a childminder since 2018 and loving it. I spent two and a half years working with children in language schools and primary schools in Italy. After many years in a different career, I am working with children again, because I love the fun and curiosity they bring with them. I recently completed a Masters degree in Childhood and Youth with The Open University which has deepened my knowledge and understanding of early years education and encourages me to critically reflect on what I do with the children.
My Qualifications
Masters in Childhood and Youth, The Open University
MA(Hons) Degree in French and Spanish, 2:1 I can speak some Italian too.
First Aid Certificate
Cache Level 3 Homebased Childcare through PACEY
Makaton Levels 1 and 2
My Availability
Monday - Wednesday full days, Thursday 8am-3pm. Please send me a message for current availabilities.
Term time only is a possibility. Message to discuss.
| 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 | no | no | no | no |
| Evening | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no |
| Overnight | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Last Updated: 14/05/2025 | |||||||
My Fees
- Childminding from £8.50 per hour
Funding accepted.
Message to discuss fees as it depends if funded or not.
Hours are Monday Tuesday Wednesday 8am to 530pm. Unfunded day rate £85
Thursday 8am to 3pm £68
Fridays Closed.
My Local Schools
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at Our Lady and St Philip Neri Catholic 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 26/11/2018)
- Ofsted Certificate (added 13/11/2018)
- Inspection Report (added 29/07/2022)
- First Aid Certificate: Train aid Paediatric First Aid (added 26/11/2018)
- Training Certificate: Cache level 3 home based childcare (added 26/11/2018)
Reviews
5 out of 5
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Nicola_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.
We have been incredibly lucky to have Nicola look after our son for the last 1.5 years. She has played such an important part in his development, taking him on weekly trips to the allotment, cooking, singing, and dancing, He has always had loads of fun and lots of time outside. She cooks delicious healthy meals and has got him to try things we can only dream of at home! He has had lots of opportunities to interact with other children at the regular play and music groups they visit, as well as Nicola's two lovely caring boys. I would recommend Nicola to anyone in a heartbeat. Thank you Nicola you're the best!
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by
Cledwith
on 10/10/2024
Response by
Nicola_Childcare
on 11/10/2024:
Thank you! It was a privilege to look after your son and I enjoyed working with you all. I’ve missed his chat over breakfast the past couple of weeks. Give him a cuddle from me Xx
My daughter spent 2.5 years with Nicola in her fabulous home. Her days were filled with crafts, baking, messy play, parks, games, museum visits, library visits, playschool and so much more. I honestly don't know how she fits it all in. She's an exceptional childminder and we feel lucky to have had her help shape our daughter's future, particularly as some of this time was during the pandemic when everyone's lives were turned upside down. We can't rave enough about her childcare setting. We always look forward to bumping into Nicola and her two boys who are some of the loveliest children we know.
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Laura_F
on 31/08/2023
My little boy has been looked after by Nicola for the past year and I really couldn't recommend her more highly. Bo has grown so much in confidence since he's been there and it really feels like his individuality (and sometimes slightly quirky habits) have been really celebrated and encouraged - something that was really important for me :) He is always so excited to spend time with her, his friends there and her lovely family. Nicola really gets to know the individual habits and personalities of each of the children there and takes their lead on doing activities that interest them and they get enjoyment from. Bo has come home with so many interesting stories and facts from things they've learned about while he's there - they've been on trips to museums, art galleries, even recently to see some birds of prey! They also do lots of local things like playgroups and going to the library and Bo mentions lots of the regular other kids and adults they see on their travels. He has especially loved visiting Nicola's allotment and it's inspired a real interest in plants and growing things back at home! I've never once worried about whether he is happy and cared for there, I know he is going to really miss Nicola when he heads off to school soon!
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Sarah W
on 29/08/2023
My daughter has been with Nicola for nearly 3 years. She has had the best time with Nicola, they are always out on an adventures to parks, library or allotment. At home they do lots of crafts and painting and exploratory play. My daughter is always coming home with new facts and interesting things she's learnt. She's also developed the most lovely relationship with Nicola and her family. Our daily updates are very thorough and much more detailed than I've had from nurseries with my older child. Really can't recommend enough!
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Alice
on 26/08/2023
Nicola is an amazing childminder and we couldn't recommend her more! She provides such a lovely environment and fills each day with activities and adventures. Our daughter loves every day she spends there, and always comes home full of stories. Nicola has so much energy and passion for what she does, and their days are spent doing outdoor play, crafting, local trips and baking. Ava has flourished so much under Nicola's care and really grown in confidence. Nicola and her wonderful boys have made her feel so included and comfortable, and Nicola has become a very important and much loved person in her life.
Nicola is great at communicating with us as parents, and sends photos and notes at the end of each day which have brought us lots of joy and laughter. She also cooks wonderful, healthy food and works magic with our picky eater.
We are so grateful to Nicola for nurturing our daughter's independent spirit and giving her so much fun, laughter and some really special memories. Thank you Nicola!
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by
areilly
on 08/12/2020
Nicola has been so amazing caring for our little girl, Evie, aged 16 months. She settled in so quickly, thanks to Nicola being so caring and attentive and ensuring she had so much fun each day. Nicola planned lots of fun activities each day. Evie loved playing in the garden, painting, helping to plant seeds, trips to the park and she lapped up the delicious home cooked food! Thank you for being so wonderful!
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by
Jo Cryer
on 14/06/2020
Response by
Nicola_Childcare
on 14/06/2020:
Thank you! We all had so much fun with Evie. The boys keep asking when she is coming back! Such a bright spark.
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