Judith Alford
Childminder in Leatherhead
Usually responds within 2 days
Female Member since Jun 2012 Last Updated Nov 2023 Last Login 05 Jul 2024
My Summary
About Me
I am a qualified nurse and have been childminding for the past 12 years. I have 3 daughters aged 20 21 and 28.I decided to start childminding when my girls got older as I adore children and really enjoy giving them a happy , stimulating environment to grow in. I find it works better when I don't have small children of my own as I can concentrate on giving all the children I care for equal care suited to their individual needs. I pride myself on providing a very happy home where the children mix with
different ages and feel like part of the family. I have a purpose built playroom and undercover outdoor area which is well equipped with toys.We go to play groups and go on lots of outings including the farm, parks, the seaside and national trust places.If you would like to pop round to visit me and my home just give me a call.I enjoy doing a school run to west Ashtead , st Peters and Downsend and provide good facilities for school children.
Here are some reviews:-
10th January 2020
We would like to share with you our experiences of the childcare provided by Judith. For context, Belle has been with Judith for over three years now at 3 days a week. Due to a change in our location, Belle now goes to a local nursery, but we have kept Belle with Judith for the holiday periods.
We spent many weeks interviewing and assessing childminders before coming to, what ended up being, a relatively easy decision to choose Judith. This is because of how much she stood out versus the other providers we spoke to. It was clear from day one that Judith had the experience, knowledge and care to be the perfect carer for Belle.
Belle took a long time to settle with Judith as she had always had anxiety around new people/away from us. Judith put together a specific plan of action for how this could be supported both by her and us. It took only a few weeks after for Belle to get fully settled.
One of the areas we appreciate most about the care that Judith provides is the education and experiences for our daughter. We are always delighted to hear about the fun and innovative activities that she has taken part in. These include trips out as well as lots of fun playing in the fantastic facilities Judith has at her house. There is always something new to both play with or experience in a safe environment. We have seen our daughter’s confidence grow and grow.
Belle’s vocabulary is amazing as well as her manners. This is something other parents always comment on when meeting Belle. The majority of credit for this is down to Judith. Belle has developed her language and emotional skills amazingly under Judith’s care.
We have never had any issues with the care provided. We however are always able to rely on Judith’s advice and ideas where we have had challenges outside of the care setting for either Belle’s development or emotions.
Clearly Covid lockdowns were a difficult situation for everyone. We were tremendously impressed with how Judith adapted the care during this. She created some lovely story time videos which were shared to all the children and it meant that Belle was able to keep the relationship, even at a distance. She also provided inspiration and ideas for activities to do with the children related to the stories. She did not have to do any of this but it was hugely appreciated by the parents and just shows how much Judith cares about the children.
On the return to care after the lockdowns, Belle found it quite difficult again to resettle due to the disruption in her new routine. Judith had a fantastic plan in place immediately including a personalised, laminated daily routine for Belle to have so she knew what to expect each day. This really helped her get back into the routine and within days she was very excited for going back.
Throughout lockdown and now ongoing, communication was fantastic in terms of what the latest government guidance was and what we should expect in any upcoming weeks. It’s predominantly being done via WhatsApp and BabyDays. This means that everybody can be up to date quickly with the latest policy changes.
BabyDays is also utilised very well by Judith and her team and means that we are always able to check in on our daughter’s development and progress.
I would also like to mention the fantastic team Judith has around her. Belle talks positively of all the care givers in the setting and loves her relationship with each. The breadth of team also means Belle gets additional experiences. She always talks about loving the music with Lindsey which is an area we’re delighted Belle is passionate about.
We are absolutely gutted not to be able to have Judith as the carer for our new son because we do not think any other carer is going to reach the high standard that Judith has provided. Belle absolutely loves anytime she has with her and asks us frequently when she can next go. It is lovely to see the strong relationship they have and it’s one we hope will continue
Joe Comiskey
4th January 2022
Judith has provided many years of care for our 3 children, and we have always been delighted with the setting she provides, and the exceptional care the boys receive.
Judith has created a fun, creative environment & the children are always excited to go to ‘jujus’. She always has an amazing selection of well researched and planned out activities and resources on offer for the children to capture their attention, and expand their imagination. Our youngest Joel has quickly picked up the French songs and stories recently introduced, and is always excited to show us his art creations from the day. He also loves the book corner, song time, and dancing, all of which get repeated back to us / re-performed at home, its lovely to see his understanding and knowledge being expanded.
We have excellent communication with Judith, as she always makes time for chats at pick up, as well as a daily WhatsApp updates and menu of food on display. We have been so impressed with how the team have coped with all the challenges covid has bought. Judith has always been clear with her policies, and what we are required to do to keep the setting safe for everyone to continue to enjoy. Joel also attends a separate Pre-school for part of the week, and Judith has been kind enough to share communication of Joel’s progress, and 2 year review with them.
We cannot recommend her enough, and have been so happy that all of our boys have been so lucky to attend her setting.
Alison Shortland
4th January 2022
Judith is fantastic and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her. There is always a variety of different age appropriate, imaginative activities, which are set up on a daily basis. I get regular photos & updates of what Thomas has been up to and there’s always the option to discuss anything in particular at the end of the day. This is in addition to more formal progress reviews. We love the fantastic outdoor play area and indoor playroom, there is no shortage of stimulating and engaging activities and toys. There are regular outings and activities outside of the setting which he really enjoys too, such as box hill, the playground or garden centre which Judith links to learning activities. Thomas has been with Judith since he was a year old and we made the decision this year to keep him there for his pre-school year as we feel it sets him up well for starting school. Judith and her team know Thomas very well and recognise his particular skills and weaknesses and they have worked hard to progress his reading and vocabulary by setting him specific tasks. Most of all I send Thomas to Judith as he his well looked after in a warm, friendly & nurturing environment. It’s been lovely to see him develop and grow in confidence over the years, particularly with the array of challenges faced during the pandemic.
Jess & Rory O’Hagan
December 2020
Judith has been a significant part of Bens development over the past three years. I find the topics such as Construction, Family etc help make learning more interesting for Ben and he seems to really engage with the activities.
When it comes to the essentials such as learning colours, toilet training etc the environment Judith has created means she has been able to get Ben to cooperate in a way he never has at home and gave us a real head start.
The daily Baby’s Days diary’s are great to keep up to date with what Ben is up to on a daily basis and longer term development.
We’re so lucky to have Judith and most importantly Ben loves going there.
Rachel
I would like to comment on the excellent care that my daughter Rosie Watts receives at Judith’s. Rosie attends after school Monday to Thursday.
Judith goes above and beyond to look after Rosie and does so in a lovely caring way.
Rosie also benefits from socialising with children of all ages and this has helped her emotional growth, meaning she is more able to socialise with lots of different children and is a very happy and sociable girl.
In conclusion I feel very lucky to have Judith as Rosie’s childminder and Rosie is very happy to attend every day.
Kind Regards,
Stephanie Watts
Judith
I just wanted to say how pleased I am with the progress he has made since he joined you and how quickly he settled. Firstly and most importantly he is safe and happy and loves his time with you. Secondly, we’re delighted with how his learning has been integrated into his normal day and play. You have helped developed his counting and days of the week in particular. I really like hearing about the activities he does on babydays. He seems to do something different every day Covering such a broad and fun range of topics.
Many thanks Jess & Rory
Judith has looked after our two children before and after school for 3 years now - despite the school now setting up an on-site wrap around club, we have still chosen to keep them with Judith as it is a home away from home for them and we love that they she treats them as if they were her own and they get a proper home cooked meal every day. We would happily recommend her to anyone looking for a childminder, she is fabulous.
Sam Allen
Our daughter Belle, has been with Judith now for just under a year. We are delighted with our choice of Judith as childminder. We felt at ease with Judith from when we first met. She is extremely welcoming and clearly very experienced. We were initially very nervous as it took Belle a while to settle and Judith really helped reassure us during this (very normal) period and crucially, also went over and above with Belle to make sure she felt comfortable too. Within 2 weeks, Belle went from being crying in our arms to walking in without a single tear.
What we love most about the care Judith provides is that it blends perfectly the intimacy of having a childminder, but due to Becca being there as well, actually gives the experience of a small nursery. This means Belle gets the individual care she needs as well as the amazing experience being around other children. We have seen a huge growth in Belle's confidence, ability and vocabulary. She continues to surprise us with phrases that she has learnt from being at Judith's.
Judith ensures there is a huge variety of activities. We love seeing the pictures of the creative ideas she has such as playing with small boats down a foil 'river' in the garden. Belle also benefits from lots of visits to parks and play centres.
Most of all Belle loves going to Judith's. In fact, so much so that she often now arrives and walks straight in without even saying goodbye. She feels right at home!"
Thanks
Joe Comiskey
Judith is a lovely, caring lady who has been looking after my son very well in the past 2 years. She is very trustworthy and reliable.
My son learnt so much whilst he was with Judith, she always took him to different places and loved playing at her immaculate child friendly home. I could leave my son with Judith knowing he was looked after very well and safe with no worries. Judith has an amazing house and family and anyone would be very lucky to have his child looked after by her. Highly recommended!
Many Thanks
Daniela Yordanova-Shopova
Dear Judith,
Maia started with you at 13 months old and has been with you now for 9 months.
Maia looks forwards tremendously to the days she gets to be with you. You have provided a homely loving environment where she thrives both physically and communicatively, able to develop cohesively with children of all ages.
Your focus on development through arts, crafts and sensory play has enabled Maia at 22 months to:
Identify over 100 objects,
To say over a 100 words clearly.
To follow simple instructions,
Count to 10 with help.
Forms sentences with three words and more such as “Mummy get it”, “Maia do it”, “I’m hungry Daddy”, “Go outside Daddy”, “Maia dropped it”, “Maia sit at table”.
Name over 22 body parts
and so on.
Yesterday alone she started to recite the nursery rhyme “rock a bye baby” unaided.
We recently went through the 22 month questionnaire with Maia who succeeded and performed outstandingly with all the tasks.
Her development far exceeds that of other children her age and that is massively attributed to you and your wonderful team.
We are astounded at Maia’s development with you, so much so that we are keen for Maia to remain under your care for as long as possible.
Thank you for everything you have done to date.
Kindest regards,
Joanne and Luke Cairns
Judith is by far the best childminder we have used. Both my boys (age 2 & 7) love spending time with her and she is really great with both ages.
Such great energy with the children and they do such amazing things. Louie’s favourite being a bear hunt and going on “holiday” on the train. Learning how to pack a bag and be safe when out & about.
I love the babydays app as great to see what the children have been up to and excellent way to communicate. However if I've had a problem i need to discuss, Judith has always been approachable and accommodating with our needs.
?We have recently potty trained Louie and Judith was excellent at getting involved and helping us in this process to make it as easy for Louie as possible.
Louise
My Experience
20 yrs as a qualified nurse including 3 yrs school nursing,
Child protection officer at school
12yrs childminding
My Qualifications
Registered general nurse
Registered child minder
First aider
My Availability
I have spaces for a 0-5 yr old starting in June and September 2020 I have immediate spaces for before and after school care from West Ashtead School, St Peters and Downsend ( leatherhead lodge)
Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Before School | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
Morning | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
Afternoon | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
After School | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
Evening | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
Overnight | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
Last Updated: 05/11/2023 |
My Fees
- Childminding from £8.00 per hour
£8 including all meals, drinks and snacks.and all outings.
I provide 3 nutricious meals/ day
Before and after school to be discussed depending on hours and needs, sibling discount available
My Local Schools
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at Downsend School
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at Downsend Pre-Prep Leatherhead
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at St Peter's Catholic Primary School
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at Barnett Wood Infant School
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at West Ashtead Primary School
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at The Greville Primary 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.
My Documents
- Ofsted Certificate (added 20/04/2020)
Reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Judith alford. 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.
Judith has been looking after my 3 year old since he was 10 months old and my 18 month old since he was 9 months. She has been very flexible in adapting to my changing work situations and childcare requirements, as well as doing preschool pick ups with my oldest.
My kids love going to Judith's and always seem to have so much fun. Judith clearly cares for the children that she looks after. She always has lovely activities planned to promote their learning and development and regularly takes them to soft play, parks etc. Her experience as a nurse also gives reassurance for anything medical.
Judith has a lovely purpose-built set-up with a large outside area that has a covered part for access throughout the year as well as a grassy area for the children to play.
We have been very happy with the care and professionalism Judith has provided.
by Shaz83 about Judith alford on 15/02/2023
My daughter has been going to Judith since she was 2. The first time I went to see the setting I loved everything about it, so homely but also so much for the children to do and and the variety. My son then started with Judith at 9 months and we have never looked back. My children absolutely love going and each day I pick them up are so excited to tell me what they have been up to. Judith and her team Sally and Lyndsey are so creative and no days are the same. So much thought goes into everything they do.
My daughter now is at school and in the holidays I have put her in different holiday activities but always wants to go back to Judith in the holidays
They accommodate to all needs and always so happy to see the children which is lovely to see and the Christmas parties they put on for adults and children are always a highlight not to mention the creative gifts Judith does for each child personalising each present for each child
I can’t really put into words how amazing Judith, Sally and Lynsey are and how happy I am that we have them in our children’s development
We are very lucky to have such a fantastic childminder setting and would highly recommend
by kirstymc about Judith alford on 15/02/2023
Juju and her excellent team provide the perfect setting in which our son has been able to thrive. From crafts, to role play, to problem solving and exploring, the team have supported him and challenged him as he develops. Being born during Covid and spending his first year in lock-down, he arrived at Juju's as a shy 1 year-old. Her setting has helped him develop his confidence and with children of all ages has allowed him to play with both older and younger children. The team have also been very helpful with potty training and teaching them things like road safety. We love Juju's and would be lost without her, Lindsey and Sally!
by Marion about Judith alford on 15/02/2023
It is difficult to fully justify in words how fantastic the care that Judith provides is. We have two children who she looks after. We have a toddler who is there three days a week and a five-year-old who is desperate to go back to be with Judith every school holiday (as she is now five and at school).
We have been with Judith for over four years and could not be happier with the setting she provides. Clearly in any care setting you would hope that your child is looked after, but this is on another level with Judith and her team. They treat our children like they are their own and provide excellent support that is tailored to each child.
When our daughter first started going there, she really struggled with separation anxiety, and it took her a while to settle. Judith was not only a great support to our daughter, and put fantastic plans in place to aid the settling in process, but she also helped us as parents to manage to change too.
Thanks to the care that was provided our daughter had no issues transitioning to nursery and school. In fact, she now thrives in these environments and much of this is down to the experiences that she had whilst with Judith.
Even during the lockdown period, Judith kept the contact with our daughter through videos that she would regularly send out and inspiration for activities we could do at home. This is just one example of the above and beyond passion that she has for childcare.
We love to receive the photos each evening of the activities that our children have been up to and seeing the fun that they have had. We know that they are well looked after including delicious meals and fun days out.
Our son is there now and is equally well settled and thoroughly enjoys going each day.
One of the great things about the care setting here is the number of children. It is small enough to be able to provide the personal level of care that we would want four our children, but big enough to also ensure our children develop their social skills with others.
We moved house just before lockdown and are now around 10 miles away, but it is worth the drive to bring the children to such an exceptional setting!
by JC2045 about Judith alford on 09/02/2023
Our daughter has been going to Judith since she was 9 months old and we couldn’t be happier or more content knowing our daughter is so well looked after. I enjoy the daily updates, photos and detail of food eaten that Judith provides. Our daughter returns home every evening very happy and excited to tell us about her day and the wide range of creative activities she has participated in at Judith’s Wonderful home.
Her vocabulary and confidence have increased and developed massively thanks to Judith, Sally & Lindsay.
We very much appreciate the 5-star childcare service Judith and her team provides. Judith’s nursing background is also very reassuring and on many occasions, Judith has notified me that my daughter has an ear infection before I pick it up.
Couldn’t recommend enough!
by Kiera about Judith alford on 09/02/2023
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