Helen is 34 and Ofsted registered Child Minder, recent Ofsted inspection: Good.
Helen has undergone childminding training and has excellent knowledge of the early year’s foundation stage, making learning through play fun. Helen has experience of working in both Schools and Nurseries when completing her GNVQ Health and Social Care course. Some time ago before Helen became a childminder, was a childminding assistant. Helen comes from a large family including her parents, two sisters and one brother. From her teens Helen was always called upon for baby sitting from friends and family.
Helen tries to make the experience at her home very enjoyable for the children in her care and has received excellent written comments/reviews from the children's parents. Helen really enjoys her job as she finds it very rewarding seeing the children in her care, grow, learn and progress.
Helen and her partner, who is her assistant, have been together for eight years. Both have valid paediatric first aid and food hygiene certificates. They live in a smoke free environment, in Hastings Street, Hendon within 15 minutes walking distance to Sunderland city centre and very close to the beach. She has two cats, Jasmine and Milly (brother and sister).
Helen currently has spaces available and looks after children from birth to teenagers.
Helen's home is warm, comfortable and welcoming. She gives children in her care a happy, safe, caring, educational and a playful place to be.
As well as play activities. Helen focuses on children getting enough exercise during play. Helen and the children in her care go to parks, go on sensory beach walks, farms, museums. Also take part in nature walks looking out for animals such as squirrels, different kinds of birds on the way and nature quizzes for the older children.
During the week Helen takes babies/toddlers to toddler groups so children socialise and develop friendships with the children who attend weekly as Helen feels this is a big part of children’s learning. There are always organised outings with the toddler group for example to farms, museums organised and funded activities.
Helen has a large out door area where children can get involved in out door sensory fun activities including sand/water play, easel and messy play. The children plant and grow things in her sensory garden which has herbs and plants that produce fruits for example fig and strawberry. Helen has a large gazebo so children can play in the shade. In the summer, once children are old enough they can play in the paddling pool. Regular risk assessments are carried out of all out door activities. In the summer organised treasure hunts in the outdoor play area.
During the week Helen organises age appropriate activities to help babies, toddlers and children learn and progress through play. A learning journal with photos is provided for parents. Examples crafts, painting playing and making play dough, cooking, messy play, story and nursery rhyme time activities that children are interested in.
There is a variation of toys supplied to suite every age of children from birth to teens. Examples sensory toys, dress up, dolls, cars, musical instruments and books.
Although Helen has confirmed hours and school runs, she is very flexible and will try to accommodate parent’s needs. Please contact her by phone, mobile text or e-mail.
Recent parent references -
Miss Bewick My children have been in the care of Helen since April 2011. Helen is accommodating to my needs and I cannot stress how professional she is at her job. The children love going to Helen's and a range of activities and outings are always on offer.
Not only is Helen welcoming but she is a genuine and caring person. I am so pleased we decided to use Helen as our child minder, not only is my mind at rest whilst my children are in her care but I am confident we have made the right decision.
Miss Young Helen and Jeff have made a big difference to my son’s life. They both helped me with potty training, Ashton’s speech, behaviour and other departments in Ashton’s life. There time keeping is brilliant and they are both very reliable. From day one I have felt safe with leaving my son with Helen and Jeff they are friendly and make sure I feel relaxed with everything they do with my son. Ashton has been a Hugh responsibility to them from March 2011 until August 2012 and they have never let me down or made me feel disappointed through out Ashton's time with them. It was heart breaking losing my job as I could no longer afford Ashton’s child care. They grew a lovely bond together and Ashton loves the other kids.
I have a personal opinion of Helen and Jeff which, is they are lovely, kind and caring people. I couldn’t ask for better care for my now 3 year old son.
Certificates
Certificate of registration from Ofsted
Introduction to child minding practices
Learning the Early years Foundation Stage
Safeguarding Children
Level 2 food Hygiene
BTEC GNVQ Health and Social Care
Up -to-date CRB checks for herself and her partner
All up to date policies - risk assessments contracts
EYFS