06/05/2025
⭐ CHILDCARE AVAILABILITY ⭐
I have childcare spaces available particularly between now and September mainly monday- Thursday, but the occasional Friday is also available..
(Though I am taking some time off in July/August not all of it, I will notify those who need to know! )
I am an Ofsted Registered childminder based in Dursley offering ad-hoc care or short term/ school holiday or term time only care - not currently accepting funding, but as I am registered you can use the tax credit or UC payment options where needed. Also Ideal if you have children due to start school in September or due to start nursery and you'd like support with preparing them for the transition.. or if you need respite, or temporary gap filling care, or school holidays care.
I offer 9-12 or 12-3 - £19.50 or 9-3 -£39
Ad-hoc hours at £6.50 an hour are also available just ask (£6.50 ph minimum 2 hours -1 hour ad-hoc or off peak hours not mentioned £8 an hour)
With some flexibility to starts the earliest I can start is from 8am and latest until 5pm (4pm Tuesdays)
School pick ups are available only from woodfield infants or the nest if required, and holiday care is available for 4-8s too.
(Will be able to do school pick ups from woodfield juniors from September)
Equally I can drop children off to their parents on the school run at woodfield infants or juniors if they are there collecting other children- as I currently do so.
Care takes place either at my home or at Cam youth and community centre, with free participation in sessions at The Early Years Village - Woodfield tots included, occasional trips to slimbridge wwt and surrounding areas are included too.
No hidden extra costs or consumable fees- All I ask is that nappies, wipes, suncream etc and packed lunch and any milk they require are provided, - snacks and activities are included.
The catch is that Childcare isn't guaranteed unless booked and paid for a month or week in advance- though can be booked as last minute as needed if I have availability (urgent appointment or meeting or childcare let down due to sickness) I'm transparent in my prices and what I offer but once booked and paid for as with all childcare there are no refunds due to sickness or cancellations unless it's my own, as that space was held and I would not be able to fill it last minute- Equally the nature of ad-hoc childcare means circumstances may occur that may mean I have no availability if not booked in advance. Booking a month in advance ensures peace of mind and security, however the option is there.
I have 5 years experience of running the early years village aka woodfield tots, and 2 children of my own and 3 step children and prior to that many many years ago I was a PE teacher and coach in several sports (I gave it up for international deaf athletics) so do have experience with children of all ages. (I have lots of additional qualifications including a degree in sport and education, FDA allergies based and sen based and first aid, baby sign and peep but I won't go into detail)
My EYFS pedagogy is urges of play I focus on child led play (and the very very occasional adult inspired play if support is needed) covering play schemas which allows me to be inclusive, working with children of all ages and abilities and disabilities as I meet the children where they are at and support them in ways that are personal to their own needs and development. If sessions run during the time (for 0-5s) they are in my care they get the opportunity to experience different set ups and play sessions and learn to socialise with other children in a supportive, safe and non judgemental environment which benefits them massively for when they start childcare, we promote independent play with boundaries and emotional support helping them grow and develop at their own pace this allows us to support those that may need a little more support than others that may be more independent.
If you think this set up could work for you then drop me a message or come visit one of our sessions each day.
What I offer isn't conventional, however I try to fill a gap others can't in an environment that offers a different experience to your usual child minders or nurseries.. and funded care doesn't allow me to do that.. in the long run I may work out more cost effective and cheaper for some as you're only using me when you need to.
Everything is still official I have all the official contracts, and policies, risk assessments, safeguarding procedures etc in place and I use a proper system to keep you all updated as needed and I have lots of parents including parents of children I have looked after with SEN that will happily vouch for me.. 💚
Here's some of what the children in my care get to experience and get up to. (Children's pictures shared with permission).
