Oaklodge
Childminder in Eastbourne
Female Member since Feb 2010 Last Updated Jul 2024 Last Login 22 Sep 2024
My Summary
About Me
OFSTED GOOD PROVIDER and local authority registered - We live right next to Hampden park pond and park and hospital and we live in a house on Kings Drive which has a large safe driveway for dropping off and is convenient for commuting. It has plenty of space including dedicated playroom, and messy art room, large lounge and a garden with playhouse which we are never out of in the summer. We have lots of toys and resources for in and out play including paints, play doh, arts and crafts, cars, summer house and everything required to let children learn through play. We work towards a plan (each term we work on a project) which we use for structure so the children know what we are doing - having said that we often change our plans if weather or mood takes us. Children really do enjoy being here and feel loved, safe and secure which of course they are. Parents can go to work safe in the knowledge that their children are happy.
In addition to myself I work with qualified and caring assistants. One assistant who attends all the time is older and a "nanny" figure to the children who is also a trained cook ensuring the children are fed well balanced meals every day using only top quality ingredients. One of of our other staff members is a trained Norland nanny who has more than 25 years experience. We offer a caring environment and also ensure all your childs individual needs are met. Due to our very unique set up we very rarely would not be available to offer our services. Our home becomes a second home to your children where they are always treated with respect and love. I believe in core values such as good manners and respect for each other and property - I am firm but fair and always kind. Our moto is Be Nice Be Kind Be Good. We provide a hot meal everyday at lunchtimes which is made up of fresh food and includes fruit and vegetables this is also included in our rate - we are 5* rated by the local authority. We cater for any dietary requirements and have experience of dairy free, vegetarian, gluten free, soya free egg allergy. We also all sit down together at mealtimes which is such a valuable time in children's physical, speech and social development. It also teaches the children the importance of good table manners and eating nicely in a group which is so important through our lifetime.
We have many toys which are rotated around ensuring new experiences and also have lots of fun. We do activities and outings such as cooking, art, music time, letters including writing practice, visits to farms and parks, soft play, storytime and many other exciting things. One of the most exciting times for the children is our musical activity time with action songs just before lunch each day. We plan ahead for each term with projects which incorporate all the elements of delivering the EYFS in a structured way but which allows the children to focus and also take their time in learning whilst also having lots of fun. It is safe to say that any child who comes to our "little nursery at home" (as described by a parent) is happy and well cared for.
Our hygiene regime is second to none and the children have embraced our "fun" attitude to this. I also credit our relationships with parents to this fantastic achievement we have all put strict regimes in place and are regularly discussing things as a "group" to ensure everyone's safety.
My Experience
I have been childminding for 20 years + but still have a fresh approach to my work as I firmly believe that you must keep up to date with current issues and changes in social approaches to ensure children are happy at all times and learn in a fun way. In my childcare time I have had many children through the door mainly children of professionals such as health visitors, Social workers, Head teachers and teachers, doctors etc. I am very professional in my approach to work and would have no hesitation in providing references to any prospective parent. Many of the children (who are now leaving school)and the parents are still very good friends - I believe that if you are leaving your most precious possession with someone you must have a connection so that you feel happy and content. I also keep up to date with current legislation, ideas and training. I also have a qualification in mental health in children and young people. We have good relationships with any relevant agencies in regard to any children who require additional support.
My Qualifications
We all have many childcare qualifications as We keep up with many courses that are offered. All providers have to have the paediactric first aid course which of course we do have and has just been refreshed- each of us has this qualification as required by Ofsted. We are all very well educated and always keen to learn more if it is necessary to ensure a good job. We carry out the progress review training which works alongside health visitors ensuring all of your child's developmental needs are where they should be at 27-30 months. I have completed an intensive Child development course for ages 0-36 months, safeguarding children, providing healthy food for children - via the food trust. All members of staff have carried out safeguarding and prevent training. I feel it is very important to keep up with continuing development and so will also attend training as necessary. I also have a qualification in mental health in children and young people.
My Availability
Due to unexpected changes in circumstances we have 2 unexpected places available from September .
We work Monday - Friday. We do not charge a deposit for spaces and as well as year round I can also offer a term-time only contract and DO NOT charge a holding deposit during holidays like most providers and nurseries. All I ask is that if on a term time only contract a longer notice period. On a term time only we pro rata fees so that monthly childcare costs are less but paid over the 12 months.
I am always available for a chat so please do not hesitate to message at anytime. Thanks for looking
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before School | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Morning | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Afternoon | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | 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: 19/07/2024 | |||||||
My Fees
- Childminding from £5.60 per hour
My rate is £5.60 per hour (we do take funded children ages 9mnths - 5) fully inclusive of everything including hot freshly cooked healthy lunch with the best ingredients never cheap unhealthy alternatives . Snacks, baby wipes, sudocrem, suncream, outings, activities, special day gifts. We believe that this is a fair rate based on the quality of care, provision and food provided to the children. .
We believe it is very important that children eat good nutritional meals at lunchtime which enables them to learn good table manners, try and experience all types of foods and develop social skills which is why my our rate INCLUDES a hot good quality meal at lunchtime. Special diets such as dairy free, soya, pescatarian and vegetarian are also covered in this rate within reason.(we may ask you to provide some bits) Sickness is charged at full rate for child and no fee for childminder sickness. For term time contracts any holidays taken in term are charged at Full Rate. Bank holidays are charged at normal rate although we are not open on these days. I offer a pay over 12 month scheme which eases the monthly cost. I also accept childcare vouchers from most schemes. I DO NOT CHARGE A RETAINER FOR HOLIDAY PERIODS ON TERM TIME ONLY CONTRACTS AND DO NOT REQUEST A DEPOSIT TO SECURE A PLACE - I do ask for a longer notice period on term time contracts. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about this.
FUNDED PLACES
We can provide the 15/30 hours of free funded places for which are priced slightly differently to non funded places. This can be discussed further at meeting.
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
- First Aid Certificate: First Aid At Work (added 02/11/2020)
- First Aid Certificate: First Aid (added 02/11/2020)
- Inspection Report: Ofsted Report (added 13/11/2019)
- Training Certificate: Prevent Training (added 13/11/2019)
- Training Certificate: Safeguarding (added 13/11/2019)
- Training Certificate: Children and Young Peoples Mental Health (added 13/11/2019)
- First Aid Certificate (added 12/09/2017)
- Ofsted Certificate (added 12/09/2017)
Reviews
Below are the latest reviews for OakLodge. 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.
I have been using 'Oaklodge' for almost six years now and 5 stars are not enough!
S is amazing at what she does. Both my girls adore her and are always happy to go to Oaklodge.
So why is she so brilliant?
- S offers the complete package. Food, love, sleep, manners etc...
- Both my girls eat everything. They eat good quality food and learn about healthy eating.
- Dedicated, well equipped childcare rooms are used but still feel really part of a loving home.
- Amazing range of activities. Not just playing with toys but cooking, art and craft, singing, dancing, park visits.
- Great outdoor space.
- She is firm but fair. Manners are really important and the lovely compliments I get about my girls behaviour is really due to S's work.
- The little extras she does or gives are wonderful (including a homemade lasagne for us when our kitchen was being redone!)
- Does a couple of my school runs now my big one is big
- All S's training is up to date and she takes it seriously.
Above all S is really approachable. We have great communication about the girls and I always feel I can say whatever I want to her.
The bottom line is - if my girls can't be with me because I have to work, then I want them with S because I know they are loved, happy and safe.
Overall
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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.
