Katskids
Childminder in Swindon
Usually responds within 24 hours
Female Member since Jun 2010 Last Updated Aug 2024 Last Login Oct 2024
My Summary
About Me
Hiya,
My name's Catherine, or Kat, I’m an OFSTED registered childminder with over 15 years of childcare experience.
I'm married to my husband, Paul and we have three children Maddie, Ollie, and Theo. We also have cats, a dog, rabbit and a couple of geckos.
I'm a very bubbly and friendly person that is offering a professional and reliable childminding service in west Swindon, I'm based in Sparcells. I have always loved working with children and have been working in childcare since I was sixteen. Watching children grow and develop as individuals is not only fascinating but completely rewarding.
My home has a large play room and living room for inside play such as arts and crafts, puzzles, role play, just to name a few and a large enclosed back garden for outside play.
There are always loads of fun activities on offer which are not only fun for the children but encourage learning through play. I also like to get out and about with the children as much as possible and can take them to a range of places, such as parks, feeding the ducks, into the woods, visiting the trains/steam museum, local farms/zoos and if the weather isn't in our favour there's soft play centres we can go to.
The friendly and welcoming environment in my home makes it highly enjoyable for children, and parents feel relaxed knowing their children are safe and having fun.
I am fully Ofsted and able to provided funded childcare.
My Experience
I started my career in childcare working as a childminders assistant (for my mum) when I turned sixteen and have been working with children on and off since, around studying. After graduating university I set up as a childminder myself. I now have over 17 years of experience of working with children.
While I was working on my education I did a large amount of work within nurseries, as well as along side my mum, but I have always preferred the more one on one learning and connection you get as a childminder. So once I graduated from university I started up Kat Kat's Kids, and have been a childminder ever since.
In this time I have cared for a wide range of children, varying from 2months old babies to 10 years old, all with different needs and requirements.
I like to run a flexible childcare service, as every family I work with has different requirements. I make scrap books for/with (depending on the child's age) each child which parents are free to look at and comment on but if parents require additional information, like daily dairies, I'm more then happy to provide them. You just have to ask.
I like to fit in further development where I can, which can be difficult, and have just started working on a new degree in health and social, focusing on child development and safeguarding.
My Qualifications
I'm Ofsted registered.
CRB checked - both myself and my husband have CRB checks.
I've completed a paediatric first aid course. And renew it every three years.
I've also completed courses in safeguarding and delivering the EYFS.
I'm currently studying a degree in health and social care.
My Availability
full
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before School | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Morning | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Afternoon | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| After School | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Evening | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Overnight | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Last Updated: 09/12/2020 | |||||||
My Fees
- Childminding from £4.50 per hour
£5 per hour which includes meals and snacks.
My Local Schools
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at Peatmoor Community Primary School
My Ofsted Inspections
The inspection grades below have been obtained from the Ofsted website based upon the registration number the childminder has provided to us. You should verify this information yourself prior to using the childminder.
My Documents
- Ofsted Certificate (added 02/12/2019)
Reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Katskids. Please note that reviews represent the subjective opinions of other Childcare.co.uk users and not of Childcare.co.uk. Parents must carry out their own checks and references on childcare providers to ensure that they are completely happy before enaging in the use of their services.
Before Catherine, JR had never been looked after by anyone other than myself, his dad or his granny. We expected it to take a while for him to settle in but he adjusted incredibly well and quickly.mi feel that this was largely to do with Catherine's attentiveness and the flexible and personalised approach she uses in her role as a childminder.
Her home was always clean, tidy and full of suitable toys to entertain JR and assist in his development. Before JR started, we met with Catherine at a local playground close to her home and then in her home, her flexibility to met initially outside her home was a great help. We discussed her policies and procedures and her background and training. It also gave me a chance to observe her interacting with JR. Her professionalism and wide knowledge of appropriate procedure was impressive and she answered any questions I had comfortably and openly. I liked the way she communicated with JR, their interactions appeared mutually enjoyable and relaxed.
In the time that Catherine had been looking after JR his speech has developed greatly. He frequently sings songs that Catherine had taught him and I believe her chatty, friendly personality has played a huge and important role in developing his communication skills. I'm also impressed with the way Catherine uses journals to communicate further with me about JR's time with her as well as his progress allowing myself and Catherine to monitor JR's development. I find it very reassuring that Catherine uses all her resources and openly shares all JR's progress so openly with me.
I was sad to see the end of her caring for JR but it was time for to start school. Catherine has truly been a huge asset to JR and she truly has been all we could have asked for as a childminder and more.
Overall
I first met Catherine when I was looking for childcare for my then 2month old son. Her warm and friendly nature put me instantly at rest that I was leaving my son in a safe and nurturing home. I couldn't have asked for a better childminder.
Over the past 3 years Catherine has cared for my son, encouraging his development and taking him into her home as part of the family. Raising a child can have many challenges but Catherine has been there beside me to offer support as well as follow through with my views and offer solutions in helping to get through such challenges.
After a short break apart, when Catherine had her own daughter, my son returned to her care. Having missed her greatly. I now have a second child and if it hadn't been for Catherine's relocation she would have gone into Catherine's care as well.
We were all sad to see her leave Reading as she had truly become part of our family, and us hers. If you need a safe and loving home to place your child then look no further. She will provide your child with a safe and fun place to learn and play, while your safe in the knowledge that your child is being cared for like one of her own. Catherine was my greatest find and she'll be yours as well.
Good luck in your new home, Catherine, and I hope this review helps any parents looking to find an amazing childminder.
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Overall
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