Debra, registered childminder in Gateshead NE8

My name is Debra, I am an experienced OFSTED accredited childminder graded with a "Good" rating. I am approved by Gateshead Council to offer 15 hours per week free childcare under the years 2 and 3 funding scheme, I currently have vacancies for this funding as well as other daily childcare from birth up to school age pick ups. I live in the Windy Nook area of Gateshead in a semi detached house with gardens which are used in the summer for play. My house is a non smoking house and I have no pets, I have current fire evacuation procedures to safeguard children which I educate both children and parents to. I feel it is important to promote a family style ethos. I offer childcare in a warm, friendly and relaxed family environment which enables the children to feel safe, happy and secure. I have a strong connection with Windy Nook Primary School, which my daughter also attended, and I am well known to the teachers as a childminder. I offer drop offs and pick ups to Windy Nook and also Larkspur School can be arranged , to those who are school aged in addition to regular daily care. I have separate enhanced CRB status for school outings and I regularly undertake this on behalf of parents of children in my care.

I offer a wide range of both indoor and outdoor play which are both educational and fun, and designed in co-ordination with the principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage. I believe this offers the children in my care excellent learning and development opportunities. These include multicultural play, arts, crafts, books, games in addition to a wide selection of toys for all ages. I also organise baking days and musical play. I undertake visits to local playgroups, crèches/soft play and local parks. I use the Windy Nook Nature Park regularly when the weather allows and I thinks this gives children education in subjects such as nature, geography etc. I also organise educational visits to museums. I believe a wide selection of activities that are both fun and educational are vital for a childs personal development.