OAK LODGE Childminding 1.33

OFSTED and local authority registered - I am a young 46 and live in Eastbourne. I live here right next to Hampden park pond and park (1 minute walk) with my family and we live in a detached house which has plenty of space including a dedicated playroom, a messy art room and a large garden which we are never out of in the summer. We also have the added bonus of a verandah which means that the children still have outdoor play even if it is raining. We have lots of outdoor toys including cars, summer house and all the equipment required to let children learn through play. . I used to be a Project Manager for Philips Electronics and decided to become a childminder back in 1999 when I found travelling to London too much and also was disappointed with the childcare available locally - I offer a complete service to working mums which takes away the worry of leaving your children. Having been a mum who has used childminders I know what a mum needs - so many childcare providers have never used childcare for themselves. In addition to myself I work with 2 assistants one who is who is older (my mum) and a "nanny" figure to the chidren who is also a trained cook. The other is a fully qualified trained Norlands nanny - this way we can offer a caring environment and also ensure all your childs individual needs are met. Due to our unique set up we very rarely would not be available to offer our services. Our home becomes a second home to your children and they are 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. I provide a hot meal at lunchtimes which is made up of fresh food and includes fruit and vegetables this is also included in your rate. We also all sit down together at mealtimes which is such a valuable time in children's physical, speech and social development. We have many many toys and also have many fun activities and outings such as cooking, art, music time, letter of the week including writing practice, visits to farms and parks, storytime and many other exciting things. 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. We had our most recent Ofsted inspection in October 2014 and I am very pleased to say we received good overall but outstanding for the wellbeing of the children in our care - for us the most important area. We are also registered with East Sussex County Council who regularly conduct audits with us ensuring we are always up with new legislation and training.

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 Experience
Apart from my own 2 children who are 15 and 19 I have been childminding for 16 years. In that 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 your children and would have no hesitation in providing references to any prospective parent. Many of the children 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.

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. We are all very well educated and always keen to learn more if it is necessary to ensure a good job. We have just completed 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. During the Easter break I have completed an intensive Child development course for ages 0-36 months. I feel it is very important to keep up with continuing development and so will also attend training. Food hygiene rating of 5*.

My Availability
At this present time (April 2016) we have one vacancy due to a parent expecting a baby and no longer requiring childcare. We will have 2 vacancies from September 16. Places go very quickly so please contact for current information.

We work Mon - Fri 7.45 - 6.00pm but do finish early on Fridays (no later than 5pm). Most of my clients are teachers and so I offer a term-time only contract and we pro rate 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 call at anytime.

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Before School yes yes yes yes yes 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: 29/03/2016
My Fees
I charge £4.30 per hour - which is inclusive of all wipes, Sudocrem, milk (not powdered) food and snacks. Also included in this are outings to soft play farms etc. For special outings I will request parents to authorise additional costs. Sickness is charged at full rate for child and no fee for childminder sickness. 4 weeks holidays are charged at half fee for non term time only. Bank holidays are charged at normal rate. For term time care only holidays are charged at full rate within term. I offer a pay over 12 month scheme which eases the monthly cost. I also accept childcare vouchers from most schemes.

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.

Outstanding Chilcare
5 stars
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.

5 stars Overall
by JLC about OakLodge on 13/10/2015