Laurie, OFSTED childminder in Thetford

Hi my names Laurie and I'm a mom of three beautiful children, two girls and one boy. I've been happily married for 17 years and can only hope for 17 more. I originally come from Canada and my husband is from Nigeria. I've lived the in the UK for the past 14 years and really enjoy the small town life. Adding on to our family, we own a cat and a dog, both who love children and are very playful and friendly.

I'm a very family orientated mom and feel very strongly that children need a strong and nurturing environment to become a well rounded individual. I'll always try my best to include both yourself and your child in making you feel like you're a part of our family.

I've been child minding since 2004. I honestly believe that taking care of children is not a job, it's a privilege. You don't get rich on watching children, I do this job because I honestly love what I do. In my setting I:

- promote, plan and implement activities for children of various ages and stages of development, both indoors and outdoors.

- continually take part in briefing sessions or courses that would help me to improve my setting and ability to provide what's needed for the children.

- great organizational skills which are needed, for example planning outings (paperwork, health and safety, activities)

- skilled in managing groups of children while teaching.

- knowledge of child behaviour and development.

- skilled in positive interaction with parents and children

- provide First Aid if needed

- strong verbal and personal communication skills (listen and communicate effectively to both the children and families on a daily basis)

- provide healthy snacks and occasionally I will cook hot meals if needed.

- knowledge of administration work (record keeping, learning journeys, WOW moments, daily journals, health and safety, contracts, policies and procedure, governmental changes to childcare...etc.)

- organize my house in ways that was practical, spacious but safe.

- perform many supportive tasks.

- observations.

I try my best to utilize my strong dedication to each child's development and to their educational needs. It's important that as a child minder you develop skills at being creative, problem solving, making decisions and most importantly being loving and patient.

My qualifications are:

First Aid Pediatric (renewed 2015)

NVQ 3 - Cache level 3 Diploma (2014)

Sure Start - Step into story sacks (2014)

Safeguarding in Early Years and Childcare

EYFS Progress Check at Age Two

Revised EYFS Framework 2012 briefing

Child Protection

Introducing Child minding Practice (ICP)

Towards Excellence in the Early Years (RAG)

I really look forward to hearing from you, so please feel free to email or call me, with any questions. My house is always open for visits.