Hello! My name is Caroline, I am an OFSTED Registered Childminder and have been working with children of all ages for 32 years; as a Registered Nurse for the Special Care Baby Unit for 11 years & as a Childminder for 21 years. I have recently moved back down to Kent after working and living in Hertfordshire for the past 28 years. I am well established within the local areas and have an excellent knowledge of Kent and local areas.
We have been teaching from home throughout COVID, which has helped us develop a routine and fine-tune educational skills. This is now continued with the little ones who are in the nursery. I find it very rewarding and love the mix of ages and skills of children in our care. We try to keep a home feel, which is important especially these days, whilst teaching at the same time. I have experience in breast & bottle-fed babies and all dietary needs. 2 of my own children have severe nut allergies and being a registered nurse helped me know how to care for them as they grew up, which I now take into my role with other children. In the school holidays, we love going on walks in nature, trips to the beach, and days out in London/Canterbury, as well as enjoying time playing together and doing homework. I am also trained & offer Reiki to those who would benefit from it or be interested in it.
I have 32 years of experience working with children, prior to becoming a childminder I worked for the NHS in the special baby care unit (SCBU). I trained at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOS) before specialising in baby care. I left nursing to work as a childminder 21 years ago and have been working as a childminder ever since! I have experience caring for children with medical issues including; severe allergies, dietary disorders, and gastrointestinal disorders. As such I am happy to give medications where needed to children. Additionally, I have a lot of experience working with children with ADHD, ASD, and some other developmental and learning disorders. My partner, Malcolm, works with me full-time as a childminding assistant. We offer home from home care, help with homework, reading and all forms of learning alongside play. It is important to create an environment that fosters learning in a positive and fun way, this helps children to build a good relationship with learning in all its forms. I continually attend refresher courses for First Aid and other relevant educational courses, such as safeguarding.
As a household, I have a partner, four grown children of my own aged between 22 and 31, a grandson who just turned one, and 4 cats and a snake! We are a very happy and bubbly household and a close-knit unit! I love children and have dedicated my entire life and career to their care and happiness.
We can’t wait to meet you!