Vera
Childminder in Dunmow (also available for babysitting)
Usually responds within 2 hours
Female Member since Mar 2023 Last Updated Apr 2025 Last Login 08 May 2025
My Summary
Qualified Teacher - Early Years Home Educator/Childminder - A Career That Sparks So Much Joy!
About Me
0- 3 years setting - All year-round care with 20 days holiday closure.
My childminding opening hours are
1.Monday - CLOSED
2.Tuesday 8am-6pm.
3.Wednesday 8am-6pm
4.Thursday 8am-6pm
5.Friday 8am-5pm
6.Saturday - CLOSED
7.Sunday - CLOSED
at £8.50 per hour.
Hello, my name is Vera, and I’m 51 years old, living in Flitch Green, a peaceful area between Dunmow and Felsted. I share my home with my husband and two teenagers, who are in Year 10 and Year 12
As a qualified teacher and Ofsted-registered Early Years Educator (childminder), I provide care in a dedicated space called “the Annexe", which is totally separate from the main dwelling. This carefully designed environment offers a warm, stimulating, and supportive atmosphere, encouraging your baby or toddler to become creative, resilient, independent, and curious learners.
My aim is to nurture all seven Areas of Learning as outlined in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, ensuring the safety, welfare, and development of your child while tracking their progress closely.
Creativity Matters, and is therefor at the heart of my approach. Through song, rhyme, movement, play, exploration, and creative expression, your child will experience a well-rounded learning journey both indoors and outdoors. I plan each week with the three “I’s” in mind:
• Intent: Why do I teach what I teach?
• Implementation: How do I teach it effectively?
• Impact: How do I assess your child’s learning and progress?
This approach allows me to provide a nurturing and educational environment tailored to your child’s unique developmental needs.
My Experience
With nearly three decades of experience in the Early Years Foundation Stage (babies, toddlers, pre-school, reception children, KS1 and KS2), I maintain an unwavering passion for Early Years development. My teaching qualification is specifically rooted in Early Years development, having obtained a teaching degree with a specialisation in Early Childhood Development.
Over the years, I have accumulated invaluable experience working in diverse educational settings, some of which posed significant challenges. During this time, I have cultivated a profound knowledge and understanding of the EYFS curriculum and the Early Learning Goals (ELGs), always striving for excellence across all domains of learning. I have earned recognition for my ability to revitalise struggling establishments, effecting positive change and rapid improvement in underperforming Early Years settings.
I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to care for your baby and toddler, fostering quality interaction within a nurturing environment. I firmly believe in affording every child every opportunity, every single day, embracing a holistic perspective that values the complete development of each individual and broadens their cultural awareness.
Calm, patient, and nurturing are traits that define my approach to caring for the children entrusted to me. I firmly believe that by attending to their personal, social, and emotional needs, children can effectively engage in learning and make optimal progress. I am fully committed to inclusivity, regardless of race, faith, ability, or starting point in life.
My aspiration for you and your family is to facilitate a seamless transition between home, childminding, nursery, and school, ensuring your little one's experience is positive and empowering. By instilling confidence in your child, they will be better equipped to face the challenges that await them in the future
My Qualifications
FURTHER EDUCATION
*BA (Ed) Hons QTS - 4 Year Pre-Primary and Primary Teaching degree
(Bachelor's Degree in Education) 1996
*EYFS Teaching Diploma 2019
Compulsory Childminding courses
*Paediatric First Aid 2023 - 2026 (within the EYFS statutory framework - St Johns Ambulance)
*Designated Safeguarding Lead - Level 3 -2023-2025
Continuous Professional Development
PROFESSIONAL STUDIES (2022/23/24)
*Behaviour Basics - Professional Studies – CPD 1
*EYFS: Theories of Child Development - Professional studies – CPD 2
*EYFS - Positive Relationships - Professional studies - CPD 3
*EYFS Inclusion - Professional Studies – CPD 3
*EYFS Assessment - Professional Studies – CPD 3
*EYFS: Enabling Environments - Professional Studies – CPD 3
*From Mark-making to Handwriting - Professional studies – CPD 7
*Positive Behaviour Management - Professional studies – CPD 1
*Phonics: Introduction to SSP - Professional studies – CPD 1
*Phonics: RWI training Sept 2022- Professional Studies
*Reflective Practice - Professional studies – CPD 1
*Structures and Routines - Professional Studies – CPD 1
*Curriculum and Ofsted Inspection – Professional Studies – CPD 2
*Teaching and Ofsted Inspection – Professional Studies - CPD 2
*Teaching the Curriculum - Professional studied - CPD 2
*Ofsted and recording children's learning - Professional studies CPD 2
*Baby Training - Professional studies - CPD 2
*Small Group time - Professional studies - CPD 2
*Seven P's of Outstanding - Professional Studies - CPD 2
*Growth mindset - Professional studies - CPD 2
*Parents and the Pandemic - Professional studies - CPD 2
*Answering Ofsted Questions - Professional studies CPD 2
*Ofsted Communication and Language focus - Professional studies - CPD 2
*Introduction to self-regulation - Professional studies - CPD 2
*Curriculum for self-regulation - Professional studies - CPD 2
*Childcare register and safeguarding - Professional studies CPD 2
*Curriculum Foundations - Professional studies CPD2
*Teaching the Prime areas - CPD2
*Keeping Parents informed -CPD2
SAFEGUARDING (2022/23/24)
*Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) – Safeguarding – CPD 2
*Advanced Child Protection – Safeguarding – CPD 9
*ADHD Awareness – Safeguarding – CPD 1
*Basic First Aid Level 2 – Safeguarding
*Child on Child Sexual Violence and Harassment – Safeguarding – CPD 2
*Child Protection in Education– Safeguarding – CPD 5
*Child Protection (Refresher 2022) – Safeguarding – CPD 4
*Child Protection Awareness – Safeguarding
*Child Neglect – Safeguarding – CPD 3
*Equality and Diversity – Safeguarding – CPD 1
*First Aid Essentials – Safeguarding – CPD 3
*Manual Handling: Safe Lifting of Adults and Children Level 2 – Safeguarding
*Positive Handing – Safeguarding
*Risk Assessment in Educational Settings – Safeguarding – CPD 1
*Slips, Trips and Falls - Level 1 - Safeguarding
*SEND Code of Practice – Safeguarding – CPD 4
*The Prevent Duty – Safeguarding – CPD 1
*Designated Safeguarding Lead - Level 3 -2023-2025
DUTY OF CARE (2022/23/24)
*A Guide to UK Data Protection: Education - Duty of Care – CPD 2
*Administration of Medication in Schools - Duty of Care – CPD 2
*COSHH - Control of substance Hazardous to Health) Level 1 - Duty of Care
*Data Protection and GDPR Level 2 - Duty of Care
*DSE (Display Screen Equipment) Level 1- Duty of Care
*Effective Health and Safety for Children with SEND - Duty of Care – CPD 1
*Food Hygiene and Safety - Duty of Care – CPD 4
*Food Hygiene Level 2 - Duty of Care
*Fire Safety in Education - Duty of Care – CPD 4
*Fire Safety for Fire Wardens Level 2 - Duty of Care
*Health and Safety in Education: Staff Awareness - Duty of Care -CPD 4
*Health and Safety Introduction Level 1 - Duty of Care
My Availability
0-30/36 month setting only
All year-round care
with 20 days holiday closure.
My childminding opening hours are
-Tuesday 8am-6pm.
-Wednesday 8am-6pm
-Thursday 8am-6pm
-Friday 8am-5pm
at £8.50 per hour.
To maintain consistency in my little ones’ routines, I DO NOT offer the following services:
X After-school care
X Collections
X Drop-offs
X Wrap-around care
This ensures focused, uninterrupted attention in a calm and stable environment.
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before School | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Morning | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Afternoon | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| After School | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Evening | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Overnight | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Last Updated: 14/04/2025 | |||||||
My Fees
- Childminding from £8.50 per hour
- Babysitting from £12.50 per hour
Childminding: My rate is £8.50 per hour
@ 0-30/36 month setting only
@ Open 45 weeks
@ Open all half terms
My childminding opening hours are
-Tuesday 8am-6pm.
-Wednesday 8am-6pm
-Thursday 8am-6pm
-Friday 8am-5pm
I do not offer half day care and require a minimum of 8 hours per day and offer a maximum 10 hours per day care.
Evening Babysitting from
@£12.50 per hour (1 Child)
@£15 per hour (2-3 children)
Weekend babysitting rate
@£15 per hour.
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 Documents
- Ofsted Certificate (added 12/07/2023)
- DBS Check (added 20/04/2023)
- UK Passport (added 28/03/2023)
- Proof of Covid-19 Vaccination (added 28/03/2023)
- Exam Certificate: Designated Safeguarding Lead - Level 3 (added 28/03/2023)
- Training Certificate: EYFS Teaching Diploma (added 28/03/2023)
- Training Certificate: BA (Ed) Hons QTS - 4 Year Pre-Primary and Primary Teaching degree (Bachelor's Degree in Education) 1996 (added 28/03/2023)
- First Aid Certificate: St John Ambulance - paediatric first aid within the Early Years foundation stage statutory framework. (added 28/03/2023)
Reviews
5 out of 5
Parents say
The childminder receives consistently high praise for providing a loving, stimulating environment. Parents appreciate the regular updates, photos, and detailed reports on their children's activities and development. The setting is described as immaculate and creative, offering a wide range of activities. The childminder is praised for her professionalism, flexibility, and genuine care for the children in her charge.
Summary generated by AI from the text of recent member reviews
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Vera. 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.
Vera is absolutely outstanding as a childminder, this is clearly not just a job for her but a deep passion. My daughter could not be any happier than she is at Vera’s house, the children are outside as much as possible and always growing in confidence. The transition for my little one was so smooth and she settled in so quickly with all the love and reassurance she gets, Vera is a safe person that my daughter genuinely loves.
Within a day the children can be doing sensory or messy play, outdoors play, creative activities to support pre-writing skills, supported with social interactions and emotions… I could go on and on!
My daughter always receives the best care and one of the nicest things is all of the children are treated with genuine love, if they need a cuddle they certainly get it!
I simply could not imagine my child in any other setting while I am at work. The regular contact and photos throughout the day of beaming happy faces is all the reassurance a parent needs. If you’re looking for a childminder, you’ve find the one you’ll never be without afterwards.
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by
Lucy
on 26/03/2025
Response by
Vera
on 26/03/2025:
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words. Your trust and support mean everything, and I feel so privileged to be a part of your child’s journey. Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt review—it really touched me!
We are absolutely delighted with our experience with Vera. She is extremely professional, kind, and caring, offering the best experience for babies and toddlers. Her setting is immaculate and is always set up in new, creative ways for the children to learn, explore, and have fun.
Vera provides regular updates, including photos, which allow us to see our child's activities throughout the day. We receive a daily update on our child's day, as well as a comprehensive weekly report on their learning and development.
We feel confident and happy knowing that our little one is in the very best hands with Vera. Her dedication and attention to detail have made us feel at ease and assured that our child is receiving the highest standard of care.
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by
Tiffany
on 18/06/2024
Response by
Vera
on 18/06/2024:
Thank you so much for your beautiful message. Highly appreciated. 🌟
Vera looked after my little girl after we had recently moved to the area and we were waiting to start a nursery prep. My daughter spent a couple of days a week with Vera for a couple of months and seemed to very much enjoy it. Vera did what she could to help us at short notice as well. Vera has a brilliant set-up with a lot of activities and toys. Vera herself is friendly and my daughter warmed to her quickly. Vera also gave very thorough updates of the daily activities with images which I loved seeing, and I also really enjoyed receiving the art/craft activities, Vera approaches this with enthusiasm and humour! My daughter is nearly 3 now and settled at nursery prep but we'll definitely call Vera for future babysitting help if required. Overall a great service and lovely person.
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by
Pip
on 26/04/2024
Response by
Vera
on 26/04/2024:
Thank you kindly for you review ✅
Vera helped me with childcare for my 2 children when I had to attend a funeral. We all live out of county and so finding someone as professional and caring as Vera took a huge weight off my mind. She had great communication before the day as well and on the day too. She thoughtfully sent photos while the children were in her care to show me what they were up to and to reassure me they had settled. My children had a great time with her in her amazing setting! Would highly recommend.
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by
Laura
on 18/11/2023
Response by
Vera
on 18/11/2023:
Thank you kindly for your review. You are most welcome.
Vera has been working with my family for the last two years. From nannying, emergency call outs and ad hoc babysitting, Vera has become a part of the family! Our boys were only 10 weeks old and 2 when she started with us. She was a great support to myself and our family. She is excellent with the children; patient, nurturing and always coming up with great educational ideas to keep them entertained and engaged, while helping to develop their fine motor skills and cognitive development. Her setting is lovely and I wpuld highly recommend her services!
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by
Tasha
on 23/08/2023
Response by
Vera
on 29/08/2023:
Thank you so much for your review 👌
The moment we met Vera we knew she’d be brilliant, she’s got a very warm and welcoming personality and our daughter immediately took to her. We used her for lots of ad hoc baby sitting and nannying days and she was always very flexible and accommodating. She was brilliant at communicating with us, sending lots of photos and updates and our daughter clearly had a great time with her. Her home is set up to be a child’s heaven for her childminding. Would highly recommend Vera!
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OliviaG
on 18/08/2023
Response by
Vera
on 18/08/2023:
Thank you so much for your review 💛
From the moment Vera entered our home we could immediately see that she is very experienced. Looking at her profile I had high hopes - and she did not disappoint. Our two-year-old son was comfortable being left with her. She updated me throughout the afternoon and evening. She was asked to babysit him from mid-afternoon till 11 pm, which included playtime, feeding him, bathing him as well as getting him settled for bedtime. She read and sang to him whilst I was getting ready for the evening and it was so lovely and heartwarming. I will most certainly welcome her back to our home in the future.
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Diana
on 09/05/2023
Response by
Vera
on 17/08/2023:
Thank you for your lovely review Diana.
Vera came in to babysit my twin 4yr old boys while I worked. Her demeanour was professional but warm, clearly very experienced; and she struck an instant rapport with my boys. We were all very comfortable having her in our home and I would certainly both rebook and recommend her.
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by
Jessie83
on 04/05/2023
Response by
Vera
on 08/05/2023:
Thank you so much for your review. I really appreciate it. Take care.
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