Laura

About Me

I am a term time only setting and follow Calderdale Council’s school holidays. I am open Monday to Thursday through school term time.

BA (hons) in Early Years Education with Qualified Teacher Status
. 11 years teaching experience in Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1
. Ofsted Registered
. Funded places available
. Special Needs Experience
. First aid trained
. DBS checked
. Full driving licence and own car
. Regular local trips at no extra cost
. Government funded places available
. Business hours 7.30am - 5.30pm (these can be flexible based on parents needs)

I live in Lightcliffe with my partner Jonathon (who is also a primary school teacher- assistant principal ), daughter Rosie and our family dog. After graduating from Huddersfield University with a 2:1 in Early Years Education with Qualified Teacher Status I spent 10 years teaching in a small primary school. Whilst spending most of the time teaching in EYFS I have also taught in year 1 and year 2. It was after having my own daughter that I decided to re-train as a childminder. I wanted to combine my love of being a mum with my passion for working with young children , offering the educational experience of a nursery with the advantage of a home from home environment.
Whilst at my setting,I want your child to feel part of my family, being happy and comfortable and enabling them to develop with confidence. I want you as a parent to know that your child is safe, happy and having the best possible educational start in life.
Inspired by Hygge, The Curiosity Approach and Forest School Ethos I use wooden, open ended resources that are ethically sourced and encourage children to discover a natural love for nature and the planet through their learning. Being a (mostly) plastic free setting, the children use washable cloth wipes, bamboo cutlery and are involved in the recycling and reusing/repurposing of household products.

What can I offer you and your child?
Stimulating and exciting daily sessions guided by an in depth knowledge of the EYFS Outcomes and Characteristics of Effective Learning. Daily sessions include a mixture of child led free play and adult led activities with a wide variety of specialised resources. Examples of activities include messy and sensory play, story time using props and story sacks, construction and den building, baking and cooking, art and craft activities, imaginary play, music, dance and singing and early number and phonics skills through the provision as well as adult led activities.
The setting has been newly refurbished to ensure a safe, clean and fully functioning childcare area whilst still having a homely feel. With a large garden area I can offer a mud kitchen, play house, gardening area, sand pit and water channeling along with space for bikes, trikes and scooters.
I am a Forest Childcare Provider and I believe that spending time outdoors is very important. The children go outdoors here every day, and have regular trips out to local woodlands, parks etc. Being outside and learning through nature and the real world are important parts of a child's development, and I aim to get out and about as much as I can, relating the trips to the children's interests.
I also take the children on regular trips to places such as farms, zoos, playgroups, local libraries etc to ensure they have a wide and holistic learning experience during their time with me.