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Avatar for chocolate
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Chocolate

Childminder in Wickford

5 stars
3

Usually responds within 3 days

Female Member since May 2012 Last Updated May 2025 Last Login 11 May 2025

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  1. Childminders
  2. Childminders in Essex
  3. Childminders in Wickford
  4. Chocolate

My Summary

Ofsted Registered
DBS Check

About Me

Hi my name is Lorraine Dinnes, I am an Ofsted registered childminder in Wickford. I am also registered to accept the 15 hours and 30 hours government funding . I live with my partner in a spacious bungalow and offer a friendly home from home environment as well as a flexible service which runs from 7.00am til 6pm Monday-Thursday . I provide a wide range of stimulating experiences on a daily basis which include outings, walks, toddler groups, soft play, library, farm, Hyde Hall, zoo and other childminders settings as well as a variety of activities at home( indoors and outdoors).
I provide pick ups and drop offs at Hilltop infant and Junior school as well as most pre-schools in Wickford.
I have a spacious bungalow which is very safe, clean and child friendly. Children are cared for and encouraged to have lots of fun as well as learning.
I have been graded good on my recent Ofsted inspection. Any Hours considered at very reasonable rates.
Please email or telephone for any enquiries

My Experience

I have a level 3 ,grade A diploma in home-based childcare, along with many other certificates from courses attended. My best experience stems from being a mum and coming from a large loving family. Although my son is now grown up ( 33 yrs old ) I also have grandchildren so have plenty of practise :)
I have been childminding now for 17 years and have a great relationship with parents and children both past and present.

My Qualifications

I have been a registered childminder now for 17 years and i I have always achieved good and outstanding standards on my Ofsted visits.
I have completed a level 3 diploma in home-based childcare which i achieved a grade A, First Aid, Food Hygiene, special needs, safeguarding children plus many other cluster meeting courses.

My Availability

I will have some availability from September 2024

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Before School yes yes no yes no no no
Morning yes yes no yes no no no
Afternoon yes yes no no no no no
After School yes yes no no no no no
Evening no no no no no no no
Overnight no no no no no no no
Last Updated: 07/05/2025

My Fees

  • Childminding from £5.50 per hour

My fees vary depending on hours and times etc, please feel free to contact me to discuss this

My Local Schools

  • I provide drop offs and pick ups at Hilltop Infant School
  • I provide drop offs and pick ups at Hilltop Junior 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.

Ofsted Good Provider Logo
Good
28 October 2019
A recent inspection has found that children are thriving in a creative and engaging environment. The childcare setting offers interesting activities that keep children eagerly exploring and learning. Outdoor experiences enhance understanding of the world, while mathematics and language development are well-supported. The inspection noted that children could benefit from more time to think and discover independently. Overall, the setting provides a welcoming atmosphere where children develop confidently.
Summary generated by AI from the text of the inspection report.
14 October 2015 - Good
Show previous inspections
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My Documents

This member has provided us with electronic copies of the following documents. These copies are held on file unless specified as deleted. The documents have been certified by the member as being true and accurate. We recommend you ask to see original copies of the documents before you hire them in order verify the true accuracy for yourself. Find out more about checks & references.
  • image/svg+xml Ofsted Certificate (added 20/04/2020)
  • DBS Check (added 20/04/2020)
  • image/svg+xml UK Driving Licence (added 20/04/2020)
Request Document Access We will notify the provider and you will receive an email if they accept your request

Reviews

5 stars 5 out of 5
3 ratings
5 star
100%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%

Latest reviews

Below are the latest reviews for chocolate. 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.

Amazing

5 stars

Lorraine was son’s childminder for over three years, I was let down for childcare so had to find someone quickly, after a few visits to different childminders I was losing the will to live, However after being in Lorraine house for 5 mins I knew I wanted my son to go to Lorraine’s. Her house is spotless, the amount of toys in the toy room is amazing. Her garden is very child friendly.

Lorraine takes the children to various different places, the zoo, soft play, marsh farm, Hyde hall to name a few. My son had his first cinema trip with Lorraine and loved it.

My son really did flourish. When I gave up work, my son still went to Lorraine’s 1 day as he loved going so much.

I just hope Lorraine has space for my daughter when I return to work.

I would not hesitate is recommending Lorraine and trust her 100% with my children

  • 5 stars Overall
  • 5 stars Setting
  • 5 stars Food
  • 5 stars Communication

by Avatar for Cassie J Cassie J on 16/08/2018


Response by Avatar for chocolate chocolate on 20/08/2018:

Thank you so much for the love,y review.
Loved your son to bits and we will keep in touch .
Miss you all xxx

The most incredible woman

5 stars

Lorraine cared for my daughter for over 4 years. She has also looked after my son who has numerous health issues. When looking for a local minder it took me a very long time to trust someone enough to care for my first child. Not only is her house spotless and organised beyond belief, she actually spends so much time, effort and money making sure they have the nicest toys and days out. She has been there since my little girl was 9 months old and she see's Lorraine as a second mum. On my daughters last day I can honestly say i have never seen her so distraught. She has been a complete and utter blessing to us and has made our little girl shine way beyond her years. I have absolutly no hesitation in recommending her service's xxxx

  • 5 stars Overall
  • 5 stars Setting
  • 5 stars Cleanliness
  • 5 stars Food
  • 5 stars Communication

by Avatar for Parent Parent on 12/08/2018


Response by Avatar for chocolate chocolate on 13/08/2018:

Amanda thank you so much ❤️. I loved every second of looking after your children. You are all amazing and we will always keep in contact xxxx

Fantastic!

5 stars

Lorraine has looked after my 2 children (now 2 1/2 and 4 1/2) since they were 8 months old. Despite having a lot of separation anxiety, my eldest settled with absolutely no problem (youngest was also a breeze to settle). They both adore Lorraine - when I used to pick my dughter up from nursery(Lorraine was full on one day so had to split care) she would cry, whereas with Lorraine I am usually told 'I'm just doing this so I'm not coming home yet'!!

Lorrine always provides a really wide range of activities - they have been to farms, Maldon, library, messy play, strawberry picking, even swimming when my daughter happened t be the only child there! Her meals are delicious and healthy and she has the most organised and well-stocked toy room I have ever seen!

I cannot recommed Lorraine highly enough - We have sadly had to move childminder as my daughter's school is nowhere near Lorraine's house and we are doing so with heavy hearts. It really is a family feel at Lorraine's - the children are like brothers and sisters to each other and even the parents become friends.

  • 5 stars Overall

by Avatar for Parent Parent on 19/07/2012


Response by Avatar for chocolate chocolate on 25/07/2014:

Thank you so much. You have 2 amazing children and we will keep in touch xx

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This profile has been produced from information provided to us by the user. We have not verified or confirmed the accuracy of any of the information and members should undertake their own vigorous checks and references. Please ensure you read our Safety Advice and information on how to Check Childcare Provider Documents.

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