Dawn

About Me

My name is Dawn Gouch and I am an Ofsted registered childminder, graded outstanding.

I live in Crawcrook with my husband who is a retired Police Officer and my daughter who is Children’s Speech and Language Therapist. We live in a three-bedroom terraced house. The entire ground floor is dedicated to my childminding business and this provides space for a large playroom, equipped with toys for all ages, and a downstairs bathroom.

I have been a childminder in the Ryton/Crawcrook area for the past twenty five years . During this time, I have worked with many local families and I have had the pleasure of caring for children from birth through to their teenage years.

I always ensure that there are a range of activities and toys accessible to the children and aim to meet their individual needs and interests. This means that every day is different and exciting in our childminding setting. Some of the children’s favourite things to do would be: baking, feeding the ducks, painting, story-telling and trips to the allotment. There is a real sense of unity amongst all the children and they all work together, sharing their creativity and ideas. The children are involved in decision-making for all of our plans and become independent learners very easily. Firm friendships are made and everyone cares for one another.

A healthy and active lifestyle is promoted and there is always opportunity for outdoor play, regardless of the weather. We enjoy growing our own fruit and vegetables in our allotment and use these to cook healthy meals and snacks.

Parents are actively involved in all that we get up to and enjoy receiving messages and photos throughout the day. There is also a large notice board displayed in the playroom, which the children enjoy personalising. Their displays have ranged from holiday activities or crafts, to seasonal celebrations.
I keep up to date with current childcare issues and ideas and I have been part of a Quality Assurance Scheme to promote good standards of childcare in the Gateshead borough. I have a Level 3 Childcare Qualification and I have attended courses on The High Scope Implementation, Parents Early Years and Learning (PEAL) and Including Children Everywhere (ICE) - these are just a few examples. I continue to develop my practice, and I am motivated to expand my knowledge in order to provide the best care possible.

If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me.