Babybear
Childminder in Sunderland
Female Member since Feb 2016 Last Updated Sep 2024 Last Login Nov 2024
My Summary
About Me
Hello, my name is Helen and I am an OFSTED registered childminder in Barnes, Sunderland.
I opened Baby Bears Child Care in March 2016 and was rated 'Good' with elements of 'Outstanding' at my first OFSTED inspection in April 2018.
I hold a current and clear DBS check as well as appropriate Public Liability Insurance. I am a member of PACEY (Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years) which enables me to undertake regular and relevant training.
My Setting:
I live in a large, 2 storey, Victorian terraced house with my beautiful (and very friendly) cat, Blue.
The entire ground floor of my home has been recently refurbished for sole use of the children. My ground floor consists of:
• Porch - with child-height coat hooks to encourage independence, and information folders for parents.
• Lounge - a cosy, home-from-home environment with Gruffalo-themed furniture and a television which is monitored.
• Play Room - including a cosy reading corner with a huge range of books, a role-play area complete with kitchen, small-world resources, mark-making area, sensory baskets, a wide range of toys, resources and ICT equipment as well as a cot and sleeping facilities. All furniture is child-height so that children have easy access to all resources.
• Kitchen - the children have their own, low level cupboards containing cooking equipment, cutlery and crockery to develop their independence in carrying out tasks.
• Bathroom - children have their own downstairs bathroom (so they needn't worry about managing the large staircase) with soft-close toilet seat, potties and stepping stools. Each child has their own coloured hand-towel to encourage name recognition and self-care skills.
• Outdoors - children have access to my front yard as well as my larger back yard which again has been designed specifically for childminding. Both are safe and enclosed with a large range of resources. In addition, we enjoy daily outings to various parks and open spaces.
My Experience
I have over nine years of experience working within an early years setting; beginning my career as an apprentice early years practitioner, achieving my Level 2 certificate in Children's Care Learning and Development in March 2012. I then went on to study towards my Level 3 certificate in Early Learning and Childcare which I was awarded in July 2013.
Throughout my time employed at this setting, I progressed from Nursery Assistant, to Room Leader of the setting's Baby Room where I was solely responsible for the care and development of children aged 3 months - 2 years old, before working as the Room Leader of the Pre-School Room (children aged 2-5 years old) and finally becoming acting Nursery Deputy Manager.
In September 2013, I began reading towards my Level 5 degree in Education and Care at The University of Sunderland, attending university 2 nights per week after work, and graduating with a Foundation Degree in July 2015.
Whilst employed, my roles and responsibilities at this setting also involved being; Deputy Safeguarding Officer, Health and Safety Officer, Fire Officer, Staff and Student Support as well as Planning Co-Ordinator.
I have confidence and experience working with children of all ages and abilities, as well as children with special educational needs and disabilities.
I am confident and experienced in working with external agencies such as Children's Speech and Language Therapists as well as Children's Social Services.
My Qualifications
• Foundation Degree in Education and Care (Level 5)
• Advanced Level Apprenticeship in Early Learning and Childcare (Level 3)
• Intermediate Level Apprenticeship in Children's Care, Learning and Development (Level 2)
• Level 3 certificate in Paediatric First Aid
• Level 3 certificate in Safeguarding Children
• Level 2 award in Food Safety in Catering
• Level 2 award in Health and Safety in The Workplace
• Level 2 key skills in Information and Communication Technology
I have also undergone training and hold certificates in the following areas:
• Introduction to Childminding Practice
• Channel General Awareness (Awareness of Radicalisation)
• Protecting Children from Child Sexual Exploitation
• Drug and Alcohol Abuse
• Awareness of Child Abuse and Neglect
• Domestic Violence
• Awareness of Female Genital Mutilation
• Understanding Young Children's Behaviour
• Supporting Children with Speech, Language and Communication Needs
• Observation, Assessment and Planning
• Expectations of Behaviour
• Working with Children with Disabilities
• General Data Protection Regulations
I have recently been awarded the Meningitis Aware Recognition Mark (MARM) for Childcare Providers (2019/21)
My Availability
Baby Bears Child Care is open 48 weeks of the year; closed on Bank Holidays.
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before School | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Morning | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Afternoon | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| After School | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Evening | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Overnight | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Last Updated: 13/09/2024 | |||||||
My Fees
- Childminding from £6.50 per hour
My Local Schools
This childminder has not yet informed us whether or not they provide any drop off or pick up services at local schools.
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 13/08/2019)
Reviews
Below are the latest reviews for BabyBear. 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.
Helen made the initial transition from home to child-minder relaxed and offered introduction sessions for our daughter get to know their new environment and friends.
We were informed of our child's progress and development, daily activities, food eaten, nappy changes and concerns. Helen developed our daughters receptive and expressive language through play and activities including making had crafted items and helping prepare healthy food. Outdoor activities involved trips out to parks, shops and specific children's events.
Ultimately were able to relax knowing that Pop was having fun, learning lots while being well looked after in a caring environment. Thank you Helen.
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My daughter has flourished as a baby bear in Helens excellent care and has settled in with ease and confidence. The attention to detail and care of each child as an individual is wonderfully reassuring for a parent reluctant to leave their child. My daughter is so happy going in the door, has made friends with the other children there and is always keen to go.I am so pleased my daughter is being give the best child care I could wish for.
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My little boy has only been with Helen for a few weeks, however I've never been happier with his childcare! Myself, my husband and even my son's Grandma who has also picked him up are constantly raving about how lovely Helen is, the setting is and everything she does. I would highly recommend baby bears to anyone.
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This profile has been produced from information provided to us by the user. We have not verified or confirmed the accuracy of any of the information and members should undertake their own vigorous checks and references. Please ensure you read our Safety Advice and information on how to Check Childcare Provider Documents.
