Nicola
Childminder in Maidstone
Usually responds within 2 days
Female Member since Feb 2012 Last Updated Jan 2024 Last Login 07 Dec 2024
My Summary
About Me
Hi i am an Ofsted registered childminder and graded Good, I am married with 2 Children A daughter aged 24 years leaving and working in Newcastle and a son 21 years living at home working afterUni.
I am level 3 qualified and have all relevant checks plus paediatric first aided. In October 2023 i had my Ofsted inspection and was graded Good I was very proud.
I work with my assistant who is currently studying her level 2 with me and my mum who helps out throughout the week cooking meals and helping generally with the care of the little 1s. All are registered with Ofsted, have dbs and paediatric 1st aid.
We have 2 Golden Retrievers who absolutely love watching the children they stay in the kitchen diner whilst i am minding. However in the summer do occasionally come out with us.
I live in Maidstone in an area with lots of woodland walks around us including play areas and we also have a large secluded garden. We work outside in a totally safe child friendly cabin with lots of opportunities to learn through play
I previously worked in a day nursery both in the baby unit and toddler area and pre school for many years and am a mummy of 2 children so I have gained many years experience in childcare to help me entertain, stimulate and care for your little one
I really enjoy my job and seeing the children achieve.
I find a good way of learning is through fun so this is a high priority in my setting.
I offer lots of activities in my home inc playdough, painting using lots of materials sensory and textures, shaving foam, sand and water.
We also have a wide range of toys for all ages.
All the activities i plan follow and link in with the EYFS.
My Experience
Firstly and most importantly i am a mum who has brought my children up to be polite caring and happy children.
I have been a childminder for over 20
years working with children from age 6 months to 14.
I enjoy taking the children out to new environments around us to help them gain experience in different surroundings as well as following the eyfs.
I love my job and enjoy seeing a child smile for what they can achieve and watching them believe in themselves.
My Qualifications
Happy Fun and mad !!!!
GCSEs English Language, English Literature, Maths, Combined Science, RE, Home Economics, French.
Higher Education
• NVQ 3 Childcare and Development.
.
• First Aid Certificate held.
• KCC Letters and Sounds training..
• The Unique Story training undertaken.
• KCC Early Years Foundation Stage course attended and trained.
• Level 2 Food Safety.
• Child Protection Course attended.
. Safeguarding training undertaken
I have completed my Jolly Phonics training.
My Availability
I work Mon-Weds 7..45-5.15
Thurs 7.45-4.45
TERM TIME ONLY ( not school holidays)
Please contact me for details
| 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 | yes | no | no | no | no |
| Overnight | no | no | yes | no | no | no | no |
| Last Updated: 09/01/2024 | |||||||
My Fees
- Childminding from £6.75 per hour
I am now an eligible provider and offer 3for2 spaces for 2 year olds and 3/4 year old funding including 30 hrs funding.
I DO NOT DO ANY PRESCHOOL OR SCHOOL RUNS, SORRY
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
- UK Driving Licence (added 15/09/2023)
Reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Nicola. 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.
My youngest son has just started school and as much as he was so ready and happy to go we were all so sad for him to leave Nicola. For just over 2 years Nicola has looked after my second son and during the school holidays has also helped out with my eldest son. I can’t praise Nicola and the care that she provides enough . Her home is warm and friendly and both my children have always felt comfortable spending the time there.
Nicola offers a fun filled, structured environment for young children and my son has thrived in her care.
I always received feedback about his day and Nicola’s honest approach worked well.
Nicola and her family have become good friends over the last 2 years and I would 100% recommend her to anyone I know.
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by
Parent
about
Nicola
on 11/09/2018
Response by
Nicola
on 11/09/2018:
Awwwww thank you so much, i have really enjoyed looking after both your children and will miss little mans fun character .
Im so glad that he has settled so well in school and hopefully we will see you all soon x
My son went to Nicola when he was almost a year old and stayed until he was 3.5 - I cannot recommend Nicola enough. Wonderful setting and Nicola is so caring and thoughtful. Nothing was a problem, Nicola would always bend over backwards to help me. :-) xx
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My daughter's have been with Nicola since August 2014 and I can't praise her enough. She treats my children as her own and my children have really excelled since being with her. My youngest was having serious pant-wetting episodes at her last provider as she was so unhappy, and it stopped almost instantly with Nicola!
Nicola has become a big part of our family and I will be heartbroken when we no longer need to use her services, and I'm sure my daughters will be too!!
Nicola is always out and about with the kids, lots of exercise and learning. I could not wish for a better childminder. She provides the highest level of child care, provides healthy meals/snacks and as a parent I am kept up to date with all my child's developments via Baby Days App.
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My little girl has only been with Nicola for a couple of weeks but she has already been to the farm and the seaside. Nicola has a lovely house and lots of space for kiddies to run round.
Nicola looks after all the children as if they were her own and the whole family love having my little girl there.
Nicola was more than accommodating as I work shifts and is flexible around shift changes.
I always feel confident that my little girl is being left in safe hands when I go to work but most importantly has lots of fun at the same time!!
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Nicola has been caring for my son for just over a year and it is been a fantastic experience for him and us. Our son has been treated like a member of the family and has developed close bonds with them all, making me feel secure that he is well cared for while I am working.
Nicola's previous experience means she has an excellent understanding of child development and she has provided many stimulating learning experiences that have really helped his development. These experiences have included many different types of craft, phonic activities, reading, and various trips to playgroups and farms. Since he has been with Nicola his language has really come along and so have his social skills.
As a family we will be sad to say goodbye to Nicola and her family; we are only leaving because we are moving overseas.
So if you want a caring, professional and reliable Childminder you need look no further, it will be the best decision you ever make!
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Overall
by
Parent
about
Nicola
on 16/07/2014
Response by
Nicola
on 01/08/2014:
Thank you so much for your comments Helen, it has been a pleasure looking after your little star and im going to miss him like crazy.
Keep in touch xx
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