My name is Nicola Hersey and I am an Ofsted registered childminder, and fully qualified teacher, living in Maidstone.
I live with my family close to Maidstone town centre and Maidstone East train station. My husband, Scott, commutes into central London each day for his work in a Barrister’s Chambers as a Barrister’s Clerk. We have two children- my daughter is 7 years old and my son is 4 years old. I would like to use my experience and passion for working with children by providing daytime childminding services, before and after school care, and school holiday care.
I am a sociable, fun and hardworking person who is dedicated to working with children. I live in a comfy, spacious and welcoming home which is fully equipped for children. My aim is to provide a safe, stimulating and engaging environment that will motivate children to play and explore. I also have a large garden to provide outdoor play. Children will have access to a variety of toys and resources to enable them to play, learn and develop. I have plenty of space and materials for arts and crafts activities. I have access to the Internet and can support and assist with any research needed for homework activities. I have a variety of suitable reading books and information books.
My Experience/ Qualifications
I have been registered with Ofsted as a childminder for just over two years but prior to this have been teaching for 8 years at both primary and secondary schools. I have a degree in History (BA History Hons) and a PGCE. I began teaching at a secondary school in 2008 where I taught a variety of subjects, mainly History, up to GCSE and A-Level standard. I then spent three years working at primary schools, and have taught in both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. I have an excellent understanding of the National Curriculum requirements in Early Years, Key Stage 1 and 2.
I have completed training so that I can teach the EYFS Curriculum to children under 5 years old in my care, and enable them to learn and develop in preparation for primary school. I will provide learning opportunities, both adult-led and child-led, which will incorporate your child’s ideas and interests. The learning plans will consist of indoor and outdoor activities which meet the requirements and expectations of the EYFS Curriculum. The learning plans are designed to challenge, stimulate and engage children in my care, but ultimately to learn, be happy and have fun! I am committed to equal opportunities and have worked with a vast variety of children with differing educational and special needs. I would be happy to provide support with homework.
A part of the weekly learning opportunities planned for your child will include trips and outings to various sites in the local area and wider area of Kent. I am a member of Kent Library, the National Trust, English Heritage and Leeds Castle, and will plan outings to their locations across the year. Regular visits to the parks, playgroups and activity centres in the local area will be included.
I hold a full DBS certificate, as does my husband, and I have a Paediatric First Aid Certificate. I have a full driving licence.
My childminding service will operate Monday to Friday from 7am to 5:30pm. However, these hours are flexible if required to suit a family’s specific needs. I can also provide school drop offs and pick-ups to East Borough Primary School.
Please contact me if you have any questions related to the childminding service I offer and/or to arrange a visit to meet me and my family at our home.