General Information

• What is a Childminder?
   

A childminder is a registered childcare professional who looks after children in their own home. They provide a safe, caring, and stimulating environment where children can learn, play, and develop, often in smaller groups than nurseries. Childminders are trained, insured, and regulated by the appropriate authority (CIW - Home | Care Inspectorate Wales),  and many offer flexible hours to support working families. 

• What age range do you care for?

We care for 0-16 years of age. 

• What are your opening hours?

We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, offering flexible childcare to support families with different routines and work patterns. We do our best to accommodate each family’s needs, while also balancing the care arrangements we already have in place for other children.

• Where are you located?

We are based in Caerleon, a charming village with a warm community feel. Our home is set in a quiet cul-de-sac, providing a safe and peaceful environment for children. Just around the corner, there’s a lovely park where we enjoy regular outdoor play and fresh air.

• How many children do you look after at one time?

We care for a maximum of five children at any one time, depending on their ages and the hours they attend. This allows us to give each child plenty of attention, care, and support in a safe and nurturing environment.

• Are you registered and insured?

Yes. I am fully registered with Care Inspectorate Wales and hold the required insurance. A copy of my insurance certificate is available on request, and you can also find my Care Inspectorate Wales certificate and registration number (Reg No: W15/00000378) under the Policies tab.

Safety & Qualifications

• What training and qualifications do you have? 

I am fully qualified in childcare and have over 25 years of experience working with children in a variety of settings. In addition, I am a fully vetted foster carer with Torfaen Council, which means I undergo regular checks and training to ensure the highest standards of care and safeguarding.

• How do you keep children safe in your home?

Safety is my top priority. My home is childproofed and regularly risk-assessed to make sure it is a secure environment for children of all ages. I follow strict safeguarding procedures, keep all equipment well maintained, and ensure toys are safe and age-appropriate. I am also trained in paediatric first aid and follow the policies and guidelines set by Care Inspectorate Wales to keep every child safe and well.

• Do you have an up-to-date DBS check?

Yes, I hold an up-to-date Enhanced DBS check, ensuring I am fully vetted to work safely with children.

• Are you inspected by Care Inspectorate Wales?

Yes, I am regularly inspected by Care Inspectorate Wales to ensure that my childminding services meet all regulatory standards for safety, care, and quality. You can view my inspection reports upon request.

Routines & Activities

• What does a typical day look like?

A typical day is structured yet flexible to suit the needs of the children in my care. Children enjoy a mix of play, learning, and rest, both indoors and outdoors. Activities may include creative play, reading, outdoor walks to the park, and age-appropriate educational games. Mealtimes and snacks are included, and we follow each child’s individual routine to ensure they feel happy, comfortable, and supported throughout the day.

• Do you provide outdoor play and trips?

Yes! Outdoor play is an important part of our day. Children have regular access to gardens, local parks, and safe outdoor areas to explore and be active. We also plan occasional trips and outings to enrich their learning and experiences, always ensuring safety and supervision are a top priority.

• How do you support learning and development?

I support each child’s learning and development through a variety of age-appropriate activities that encourage curiosity, creativity, and independence. This includes play-based learning, reading, arts and crafts, outdoor exploration, and social interaction. I also observe and track each child’s progress, tailoring activities to their individual interests and developmental stage to help them reach their full potential.

• Do you follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) / curriculum framework?

Yes, I follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework to support children’s learning, development, and well-being. While we provide structured, age-appropriate activities, we also encourage children to explore their own imaginations and always follow their cues and interests to make learning fun, engaging, and child-led.

• Do you celebrate birthdays or special occasions?

Yes! We celebrate birthdays and special occasions, as well as cultural and seasonal celebrations, to make each child feel valued and included. These celebrations are a fun way to learn about different traditions and enjoy memorable experiences together.

Meals & Health

• Do you provide meals and snacks?

Yes, I provide snacks and meals for older children. For babies who are bottle-fed, parents are asked to provide milk and bottles. All food and snacks are healthy, age-appropriate, and prepared safely. For children attending full-time, I kindly ask that parents send a packed lunch with foods their child enjoys.

• What is your feeding & comfort policy?

If a mother is currently breastfeeding, we ask that babies are comfortable taking full bottles of expressed breastmilk or formula before starting care. This helps ensure your baby remains settled and comfortable during their time with us.

Babies who are solely breastfed may become distressed if they are not used to feeding from a bottle. To support a smooth transition and avoid unnecessary stress, please ensure your baby is familiar with bottle feeding prior to their first day in care.

• Can you cater for allergies or special diets?

If a child has allergies or specific dietary needs, I ask parents to provide the food and snacks to ensure their child’s safety. I also take care to store and handle foods safely to prevent cross-contamination and keep all children protected.

• What happens if my child becomes unwell during the day?

If a child becomes unwell while in my care, I will contact parents immediately and ask them to collect their child as soon as possible. I will continue to monitor and comfort the child until they are picked up, ensuring they are safe and cared for at all times.

• Do you give medication if needed?

Yes, depending on the medication. For safety reasons, a consent form must be completed by parents before any medication is administered. I always follow the instructions carefully and keep accurate records to ensure your child receives the correct dose at the right time.

Sleep & Settling In/Communications

• Do you offer settling-in sessions?

Yes, I offer settling-in sessions that can be tailored to each child’s individual needs. These sessions help children feel comfortable and secure in their new environment, while giving parents the opportunity to discuss routines, preferences, and any special requirements.

• What is your sleep and settling in policy?

I ask that before your child begins care, they are comfortable and secure sleeping in a cot. In line with SIDS (Safe Infant Sleep) guidelines, all babies in our care are required to sleep in a cot for safety reasons.

If you co-sleep at home, please take some time to help your baby get used to sleeping in a cot before starting care. This will help your baby feel more settled and reduce stress at sleep times.

• How do you keep parents updated about their child’s day?

I keep parents informed through your child’s logbook, where all daily activities, meals, naps, and milestones are recorded. In addition, I provide text messages, photos, and video updates throughout the day so you can see how your child is spending their time and feel connected even when you’re apart.

• Can I visit before enrolling my child?

Of course! You are welcome to visit as many times as you need to feel comfortable with the setting and routines. Settling-in visits help both children and parents get familiar with the environment and allow us to discuss any questions or requirements before starting.

Fees & Policies

• How much do you charge?

Our rates vary depending on the hours, length of care, and whether care is provided on weekends or overnight. A detailed fee structure is available here. Please get in touch if you’d like a personalized quote for your family.

• Do you accept childcare vouchers or government funding?

Yes, I accept childcare vouchers and government funding to help families access flexible and affordable childcare. Please get in touch to discuss which options are available for your child.

• What is your holiday and sickness policy?

Details of our holiday and sickness policy can be found under the Policies tab. Please refer to it for information on notice periods, absence procedures, and any related arrangements. Closure dates are published via the link on the Home page entitled "Closure Dates". 

• How do I pay and when is payment due?

We accept cash and bank transfers. Payments are made monthly, in advance, and we aim to be flexible to suit your family’s needs. Please get in touch to arrange a payment schedule that works best for you.

• How do I apply for 30 hours free childcare?

I am a registered provider for the Childcare Offer for Wales. My setting ID is C6582385. The steps you need to take are as follows;

1. You need to sign-in to your Gov.uk One (Formerly Government Gateway) Account (or create one).
2. Check and confirm your parent eligibility for Free Childcare Hours and create your setting (Unique identifier).
3. Request your Childcare Offer Hours. You will have discussed this with me beforehand or other registered providers.
4. Using the Digital Platform (website) the agreed offer hours are entered by the parents and confirmed by the providers.
5. Agreements are shared between the provider (me), parent and Local Authority (LA). This process is quite complex.
6. Your Local Authority contact should be the main source of help and assistance with the processes.
7. Further help is provided online Childcare Offer for Wales | Help With Childcare Costs Wales | GOV.WALES

• Flying Start - Details to be confirmed

Practicalities

• What should my child bring each day?

Please provide your child with spare clothing, a packed lunch (if attending full-time), any comforters or favourite toys, and a drink bottle. This helps ensure your child is comfortable, happy, and well-prepared for their day.

• Do you provide nappies, wipes, or formula?

No, parents are asked to provide nappies, wipes, and formula for their child. However, we do keep a small supply for emergencies to ensure your child is always comfortable and cared for.

• What happens in case of emergencies?

For detailed information on our emergency procedures, please refer to the Policies tab. This includes guidance on fire safety, first aid, and any other situations to ensure your child’s safety at all times. 

• What if I am late picking up my child?

We have a lateness policy, but we understand that occasionally delays happen. Your child will always be cared for and fed if you are late. However, if lateness becomes a recurring issue, we will need to discuss adjusting your child’s hours to cover the extra time.