Marianne
Childminder in Altofts
Usually responds within 12 hours
Female Member since Feb 2010 Last Updated Jan 2025 Last Login 20 Jan 2025
My Summary
About Me
Both my husband Michael and I are Ofsted registered childminders and we run BabyDoll Childcare in Altofts, near Normanton. As parents ourselves we fully understand the juggle that many other parents have with work and children, so we offer a range of cover either during term-time or school holidays only, or both.
We're a family run setting and we aim to forge strong, trusting relationships with you as parents, and your children. As such families stay with us for a long time. We've made many family friends through our business, and watched children grow from being babies into adulthood - many staying in our care right through to high school! We're still in touch with a number of "mindees" who have now got families of their own so we're caring for their children too!
In our childminding setting you get the benefit of level 3 qualified and experienced adults caring for your children, in a well presented, clean and tidy, spacious, caring family environment. If professionalism and customer service is important to you we can help. With both adults coming from managerial backgrounds we have many policies in place to enable our business to run smoothly and efficiently. We fully understand your need for a supportive, transparent and professional service. We pride ourselves on keeping up to date with technology so our business is completely paperless - run from an online web portal. Signing up and day to day matters can be dealt with from the comfort of your own home! There is also an app, so you can log in from your phone and check on any aspect of our business, or update on what your child has been doing during the day.
Our daily childminding activities include regular visits with the community to groups and soft play centres, the local park, etc. We have a playroom with a large amount of resources available, and the children have access to the whole ground floor of our house, plus a large secure garden with climbing frame etc.
We are an accredited provider with the local authority so we can offer free, funded childcare to 0-2, 3 and 4 year olds. This means that we are regularly monitored by the local authority and we have to stay up to date with the latest training and best practice guidelines within the industry. My husband and I have first hand experience of caring for children with disabilities and special educational needs, including Autism/Asperger Syndrome, ADHD, Dyslexia and Oppositional Defiance Disorder.
EARLY YEARS CHILDREN (Ages 0 - 5 years old)
We offer funded places for all age groups.
EARLY YEARS AGE GROUP: 0- 5 YEARS (Pre-Reception)
We provide funded care for children attending our setting, up to 30 hours.
We provide care for children attending school nursery sessions for 15 hours per week, if they are also accessing at least 15 funded hours per week with us. Please note that we cannot provide wraparound care (before/after school) for children aged 3-4 years old, who are accessing all their 30 funded hours at school nursery or another provision.
CHILDREN AGED 4/5 UPWARDS, ATTENDING FULL-TIME SCHOOL (Reception +)
BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL SESSIONS:
We cover ALL Altofts schools only.
We are a busy setting so please contact us to discuss your needs. If we don't currently have vacancies that suit your needs we can offer you an opportunity to be placed on our waiting list in the event that our vacancies change.
My Experience
I have over 18 years experience as a childminder. Before I had children of my own I held senior managerial roles in previous employment, so I can assure professionalism at all times.
My Qualifications
I am qualified to NVQ level 3 in children's Care, learning and development. This means that I am able to work at supervisory/manager level within a nursery environment.
I am an Early Years SENCO, qualified at Level 3.
I am a DFe Area Lead Childminding Mentor, supporting other childminders who ask for assistance to improve on practice.
I undertake regular Continuing Professional Development and attend quarterly meetings with the local authority to receive training and to stay updated with framework and business changes. Some courses have to be retaken every 1-3 years.
Recent training includes a 10 month Early Years Professional Development Programme. This course concentrated on the prime areas of learning to support us to improve outcomes on school readiness, early language, early mathematics and Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED).
The following that I have completed, is just a selection.
BUSINESS COURSES
Introduction to Childminding
Writing Effective Policies & Procedures
Conflict Resolution
Effective Customer Service
Basic Accounting
Engaging parents in children’s learning
30 hours Extended Entitlement
Introduction to GDPR – Level 2
Sharing Good Practice
Self Evaluation – sharing ideas for completing the section – Quality of Teaching, Learning and Assessment
Mentor training - Hempsalls/DfE
CHILD DEVELOPMENT & BEHAVIOUR
EYFS Awareness
EYFS Observation, Assessment & Planning
The Characteristics of Effective Learning
Letters & Sounds
Phonics and Early Reading
Early Speech, Language & Communication
Numbers and patterns
Maths through Stories and Rhymes
Positive Behaviour Management
Dialogic Book sharing
LONG-TERM COURSES/QUALIFCATIONS
NVQ Level 3 in Children’s Care, Learning
and Development (Incorporating Level 3
Child Protection) - 12 month course
EYFS Certificate – 6m Course
FRAMEWORK RELATED AND STATUTORY
Revised EYFS Progress Check at age Two
Changes to Ofsted Inspection Framework
2 year old Check Moderation & Transition
2 Year Old Integrated Review
Observation, Assessment & Planning
SPECIAL NEEDS
SENCO Training
Developing SEN Practise
SEND Training
Working with Autism Workshop
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder
Women & Girls on the Autistic Spectrum
Currently undertaking a level 3 SENCO qualification
SAFEGUARDING & CHILD PROTECTION
TQUK Paediatric First Aid, Level 3
Level 3 Safeguarding & Child Protection
Designated Safeguarding Officer Training
Prevent Duty: General Channel Awareness
Recognising and Preventing FGM
Intro to Child Sexual Exploitation, Level 2
The role of Children's first hubs & Early Help Hubs
Reporting Communicable Illnesses/Diseases
Safer Recruitment Training
FOOD AND DIET
Food Safety in Catering – Level 2 Award
CEIH Level 2 Award in Nutrition Awareness
Healthy Eating in the Early Years
Promoting Healthy Lifestyles and Eating in the Early Years
My Availability
Please contact us if you wish to book in advance as places are in extremely high demand.
We currently have NO EARLY YEARS PLACES available until September 2025.
Our places for then are Monday morning and Friday all day.
BEFORE SCHOOL SESSIONS (Reception upwards):
We currently have vacancies on Mondays to Fridays before school.
AFTER SCHOOL SESSIONS (Reception upwards):
We currently have no vacancies for the foreseeable future.
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS:
Strictly reserved for parents who use our services during term-time.
PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE NOT A BABYSITTING OR NANNYING SERVICE.
WE CANNOT ACCOMMODATE SHIFT WORK, AND OVERNIGHT OR WEEKEND CARE.
Please contact us if you'd like to be put on a waiting list in case a vacancy becomes available before then for any of the age ranges.
Our opening hours are 7.00 am to 5.30 pm.
Please contact us for more information.
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before School | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Morning | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Afternoon | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| After School | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Evening | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Overnight | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Last Updated: 20/01/2025 | |||||||
My Fees
- Childminding from £4.50 per hour
Our setting charges by the hour. Our fee is very competitive and in line with other business in the area, and also includes meals/snacks. Further information about fees can be provided upon application.
My Local Schools
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at Martin Frobisher Infant School
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at Normanton Altofts Junior School
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at Lee Brigg Infant and Nursery School
My Ofsted Inspections
The inspection grades below have been obtained from the Ofsted website based upon the registration number the childcare provider has provided to us. You should verify this information yourself prior to using the childcare provider.
My Documents
- Ofsted Certificate (added 15/01/2023)
Reviews
5 out of 5
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Marianne. 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.
Marianne was my childminder when I was younger and when I had my own child I had no doubt in my mind who I wanted to look after him. As someone that has been in the care of Marianne and now as a parent who's child is cared for by Maz and Mike I can honestly say they are amazing. My little boy has been going for 2 years now and started at 9 months old and has grown into such a confident and clever boy and loves going every day.
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Helen
on 25/02/2021
I’ve used babydoll on and off for 15 years with my 3 children, I’ve got to say Maz and Mike are the best around, my kids like to throw a few spanner’s in the works occasionally but never fazes Maz or Mike, they just crack on!! Would 100% recommend these to anybody, you won’t be disappointed 👌👌
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Kathryn
on 25/02/2021
Our daughter has been attending here since she was under 1 years old, she is now nearly 6. We have had a pleasurable experience throughout this time and both Mike and Maz have been great with our daughter Sofia. They are both very experienced and provide a fantastic setting and service. 5 stars.
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Attif
on 27/09/2019
Highly recommend we had looked a few times about sending our daughter to a childminder but never did.
when she was 2 1/2 we realised she was spending a lot of time with adults and no other children so we started looking and we found Maz and Mike in may they answered any questions we had and let us visit them to see the setting and on that visit we knew it was the right setting as our daughter sat straight at the table colouring with the other children we wish we had done it sooner as our daughter loves going to them she has come on lots and normally cries when it's time to come home she loves it that much. They are very friendly helpful they helped support us with her toilet training and gave us a bit of advise which helped us a lot. she now eats better than she did before when all she would touch before was chips theres different menu every day
Maz and Mike make you feel like part of the family we would recommend them to anyone. Our daughter has gotten much more confidence since she has been going here.
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Mgoodwin
on 26/09/2019
Both my children have been looked after by Marianne and husband Mike. Back in 2009, I was looking for a childminder and spotted Marianne and Mike in my daughters school playground. Instantly I was drawn to them and made an enquiry. I really like the idea of a husband and wife team and have not been disappointed. I was very nervous about leaving my baby boy and worried about how my daughter would settle in. They not only took care of my children they cared about how I was too, recognizing my separation anxiety. Our children are great friends with their children as we are with them. You could not ask for anyone better to keep for your children and keep them safe while you are at work, and you can be sure that they will love and care for your children as though one of their own.
Forever grateful for everything you have done and continue to do as we approach 11 years of business but most importantly friendship.
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Vicky
on 24/09/2019
Maz and Mike have been our childminders for seven years. They are always professional and my children are happy and secure with them. Aswell as providing a very reliable service Maz and Mike are brilliant role models for the kids. They do lots of activities and there are many stand out memories from bike riding to arriving on sledges in the snow. Many kids have been going long term so have become close friends with my own children. Highly recommended.
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Simon
on 23/09/2019
I have had all four of my children in the care of Marianne and her husband, Mike spread over 14 years now from being babies to toddlers and young children to teenagers. The care, love and dedication is second to none, especially with having a child with Aspergers. My kids have experienced more socialisation before school age than I could have ever provided with the various clubs and groups they take the kids to. They have had the chance to do things and explore learning through play which has helped nurture and develop my little ones greatly alongside what I could do at home.
Marianne and Mike have been accommodating of my various job/hours changes over the many years and the communication is always spot on, with the BabyDays website they use as a fabulous way to keep track of communications and important information, as well as being able to see photos and updates on my little ones development with ease. Nothing brightens your day or eases your worry more than a photo or two of your little ones having fun and enjoying themselves!!
My children feel more part of a family in the care of Mike and Marianne and I have put my trust as a mother in them to look after the most precious parts of my life, and for over 14 years now I have known my children were in safe hands and the best of care when I am at work. (And my little girl will never leave without a ‘kiss an’ a wug!’ every single day!)
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Tracy
on 23/09/2019
5 stars
I’ve used Maz and mike on and off for the past 12 years with my older son and then my daughter and baby. All my children have felt safe whilst being with mike and Maz, I’ve never had any issues over the years! I think that my children being in an home environment with other children has helped bring my children on Leaps and bounds! Mike and Maz are friendly amazing people would defo recommend 5***
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Kathryn
on 23/09/2019
My 9 year old son and 7 year old daughter absolutely love Marianne (Maz) and her husband Mike and going to their home after school on Monday. They are both absolutely brilliant with the kids and not only collect them from school but also give them a lovely snack and interact with them and educate them. Also if they have had a tough day at school like my son has today they show a genuine interest in making sure they are ok and discussing the day with them without being pushy or overbearing. I trust my children 1000% with them and their communication is brilliant. Keep up the amazing work.
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SteveW
on 23/09/2019
Our son has been with Marianne and Michael's Babydoll childcare for the past two months prior to this he has not been into any childcare.
Marianne and Michael provide a home from home service which has helped our son to settle in quickly and happily. They have also provided us with regular updates.
What stood out to us was that Micheal interacts with the children on his way to school in an educational quiz he also continues these interactions in the setting through playing games with the children. They also both have high expectations of behaviour and manners. The setting and facilities are also immaculate.
This setting is definitely a fine example of a high standard and quality childcare facility and one which we will continue to use and recommend to others in the future.
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Kirsty
on 23/09/2019
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