Bienvenue chez Les Petites Étoiles!
Welcome to Les Petites Étoiles (or, The Little Stars Childminding)! My name is Carly and I am a Childminder. Within my setting, I provide a French/ English dual-language, nature-based environment for all children within my care, incorporating elements of the Curiosity Approach and the French education system, L’Éducation Maternelle.
Within my Childminding setting I use my fluency in the French language, adapting a dual-language approach in which I use both French and English to engage with the children, gradually increasing the use of the French language as the children become more confident. Children sing French nursery rhymes and songs to support their learning of the language and French literature and texts are readily available in the cosy book corner. I believe it is such an asset to have the ability to speak another language and I have a passion for sharing it with future generations!
At Les Petites Étoiles Childminding, we adapt a nature-based approach to learning. We are immensely inspired by the Curiosity Approach. We use natural and found objects to support children’s learning and to ignite awe and wonder in the children. Children are provided with different learning opportunities and provocations to learn daily through inviting and enriching activities and play spaces. We use delicate and natural objects, teaching children of the delicacies of these objects and the cause and effect of handling them. This allows children to gain independence and to develop the skills they require to become well-rounded adults.
I live with my wonderful partner and beautiful 6-month-old daughter in a beautiful hamlet called Golden Green on the outskirts of Tonbridge, a 10-minute drive from Tonbridge station. We are surrounded by vast countryside from a local park, beautiful wildflower fields to inspiring forests where we may go on a Gruffalo Hunt! Outside activities are essential to children to allow them to become independent thinkers and learners and to instil calm in a potentially overwhelming technological, modern world. Children will go on weekly picnics (weather allowing), and venture on a range of different walks within the beautiful local area. I am passionate to allow children to fully immerse themselves in nature to ensure positive wellbeing in every aspect.
We also use our courtyard/ cottage style garden for the mud kitchen and to nurture and harvest plants such as herbs and vegetables. Water play and some craft activities are completed in the garden and children can explore and learn of the different plants and herbs through the exploration of planters and the sensory garden path.
At Les Petites Étoiles, I have a friendly, timid cat named Matilda. She is great with my baby daughter and she provides a source of care for the children, allowing them to understand the responsibilities of looking after an animal.
My setting is cosy and inviting to ensure that your children are comfortable in a home-from-home environment, allowing them to feel at ease and happy. As my ratios are small, children are guaranteed a very personal learning and development experience as they receive the upmost attention. I consider Les Petites Étoiles to be a community in which everyone is a part of and are able to thrive and develop essential life skills to become well-rounded adults.
I draw on elements of Montessori in terms of behaviour and independence. Children are encouraged to be independent – children can choose the activity they wish to do, pour their own beverages, choose their breakfast and collect their cutlery and tableware. All of these small independent steps build to a growth of independence for the children. In terms of behaviour, children are encouraged to always be kind and in incidences of difficulty in behaviour it is encouraged that the child take ‘temps calme’, calm time, and to afterwards reflect upon their behaviour.
Ratios are kept low to ensure that children are receiving the upmost attention to ensure strong learning and development in line with the EYFS. I provide day-care to 3 young children during the day and use Tapestry, providing parents and carers with daily updates and strong observations.
Les Petites Étoiles is opening in January 2022, however I am able to accommodate childcare prior to January if required. My opening hours are 8am-6pm and I am able to negotiate hours if required.
I look forward to caring for your little ones and please do get in touch to discuss your childcare requirements.
My Qualifications:
I am a qualified Childminder with a range of qualifications and completed courses that solidify my knowledge of children’s learning and development.
I am fluent in French and I was able to complete an A Level early due to my fluency in the language. My daughter is being raised as bilingual and I am very excited at the prospect of sharing this beautiful language with your little ones. It is truly amazing to observe the acquisition of another language as children are able to pick it up so quickly!
I am truly passionate about childcare and I am elated to be able to offer unique childcare to children for many years to come!
My Experience:
Les Petites Étoiles is a dual-language setting – I am fluent in French as I was educated in France as a child. I am very excited to be able to open a French speaking childminding setting in Kent where I will be able to share my knowledge of the language with your little ones.
I am a highly experienced educational practitioner with a wealth of knowledge of the EYFS. I have over five years of educational and childcare experience and I have worked in a multitude of setting, both school and nursery settings. I have worked as a teaching assistant predominantly in EYFS and also one to one with SEND children. I was educated in France as a child therefore I have strong French language skills, orally, verbal and written, which I am eager to share.
Feel free to get in touch to discuss your requirements. I look forward to hearing from you and I am excited to welcome your little stars to Les Petites Étoiles!
À bientôt!
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 8:00am | 6:00pm |
| Tuesday | 8:00am | 6:00pm |
| Wednesday | 8:00am | 6:00pm |
| Thursday | 8:00am | 6:00pm |
| Friday | 8:00am | 6:00pm |
| Amount | Cost Type |
|---|---|
| £6.00 | Per hour |
| Start Age | End Age | Places |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 5 | 2 |
| 5 | 8 | 2 |
| Start Age | End Age | Places |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 | 2 |