My name is Claire Robbins and I am the founder and manager of Robbins' Nest Childminding. I am based at Southwood Road in Ramsgate where I live with my son and our cat Cayenne. I have been an OFSTED registered childminder since July 2017. Before this I worked for 6 years as a Childminder’s Assistant in another local outstanding childminding setting in a job I have always loved. Alongside working with children, I also attended Canterbury Christchuch University and achieved a Distinction Level Foundation Degree in Early Years. I regularly complete professional development courses to ensure I am up to date with current early years practices and legislation. I hold a Paediatric First Aid certificate and have completed safeguarding training courses, evidence of which is available upon request.
I am extremely passionate about child care and believe that children deserve the best possible early years experiences. I am fully equipped to deliver this care in a homely and nurturing environment, catering for the individual needs of children and their families. We are based in our summer house in the garden which is set up for the sole use of the children, allowing them to freely explore their environment. While caring for your child we spend our time in a variety of ways. When at home I offer a selection of different prepared activities with a focus on arts and crafts combined also with a large element of free play. I believe that outdoor experiences present incredibly rich learning opportunities for children. Our summer house opens straight up to our garden in which I provide a variety of activities. I also ensure that the local environment is utilised by taking the children out when we can. When not at home we visit various local amenities such as Ellington park. I strive every day to offer all children in my care a welcoming ‘home from home’ environment where they feel comfortable and included. Throughout our various activities I constantly refer to the Early Years Foundation Stage guidelines in order to facilitate activities spanning every aspect of the curriculum which will eventually prepare the children to start school and beyond.
I have created a space within my home for children which encourages them to freely explore, learn and enjoy their time at Robbins' Nest. I am open between the hours of 8am and 5pm Monday to Friday but can be flexible within reason and with prior arrangement. When it comes to your child starting at Robbins' Nest, I can offer settling in sessions which give you and your child the opportunity to become familiar with myself and my home before their start date.
At Robbin's Nest I use a comprehensive online system called Baby’s Days. This online system enables you to view your child's daily diaries, progress records and photos. It is also a resource where you can find all my policies, permissions, contracts and invoices. There are several policies and permissions to read and I do recommend you taking the time to study these thoroughly as these are reflective of the service I offer. Should you have any queries or questions after you have read these documents, please do not hesitate to contact me. Partnership with parents is important at Robbins' Nest and Baby’s Days is an excellent way for us to work in partnership in order to support your child's development. It allows you to share with me any particular activities that your child has carried out at home, thus enabling me to extend and support their learning more effectively. At the time of signing up I offer you the opportunity to look at the system and will happily spend some time with you to show you how to use it. I do understand that not all parents have access to a smart phone, tablet, computer or the Internet, in which case I can arrange for all correspondence to be printed on a daily/weekly basis for you.
Thank you for taking the time to read my provision statement and I look forward to welcoming you into my home here at Robbins' Nest.