Julie

About Me

I am an energetic, enthusiastic, humorous and fun loving, calm individual, who puts children first.

A registered Child Minder since 2000, I also ran a popular After School Club for seven years up to September 2014 - when circumstances determined that I would become a full time carer for almost two years.

In 2016 I returned to Child Minding, in addition to which I am also registered with Ofsted to work from your home which allows me to provide a very flexible service as a Nanny/Childminder/Home Help/Gardener even - if you so choose!

I was graded 'Good' by Ofsted, at the last inspection - when I previously had children on role.

Living in a 3 bed detached property with good size drive way in North Baddesley, I have no children, no partner and no pets - but a garden that offers some intriguing wild life and presents with a 15' above ground splash pool!

Despite having no children of my own, children have been my life. Following a career as a professional dancer, I taught dance and gymnastics to all ages - including work in several schools and colleges. In more recent years whilst working in a school environment with the After School Club, I was also employed as TA for year R and year 6, as well as undertaking the role of lunchtime senior supervisor.

With a good general knowledge of wild life I like to introduce children to nature, as well as sports and the arts, and am keen to take anything that can be done indoors, outdoors! I am big on role play whilst in contrast, appreciate the relaxation and calm, afforded children through arts and crafts, watercolour painting and colouring with nice pens.

Further games, toys and activities for both boys and girls across the age ranges present an extensive list, second to none!

I work closely with the seasons and the overlapping school 'term topics' with everything from art to excursions. Opportunities include beach and forest romps identifying and collecting 'things that grow' for example - enhanced by a good pair of wellies for paddling in the streams!

We make good use of several local play parks and woodland, whilst holiday outings might include such locations as local farms, the Science Centre, Sea Life Centre and Monkey World in Dorset.

My priorities include fun and humour, balanced with social skills and disciplines, whilst my buzz word is 'respect' - for all things great and small.

I believe in handing children responsibility through demonstration, explanation and inspiration - with much praise and acknowledgement - encouraging and nurturing independence - enhancing children's daily lives and affording them a sense of value and respect.

My aptitude for identifying the smallest of spontaneous learning opportunities and engaging children's interest in learning, both develops and supports their self confidence.

Spontaneity and experimentation are encouraged, by providing a platform for creativity through the enhancement of play.

I strive for excellence in all I do and work tirelessly to enhance children's experiences.

Small children benefit from my focus on time lines, always respectful in preparing them for 'what is next', avoiding nasty shocks that occur when adults interrupt the concentration of 'play', so avoiding tears and keeping all things fun.

Developing strong relationships with parents is a matter of priority and in striving for happy kids and contented parents, I like to share both ethos and responses, to unacceptable behaviours and the encouragement of desirable behaviours.

In previous years I have been a keen participant in martial arts, water skiing, sailing and extensive travel. I continue to enjoy the outdoors and have developed a keen interest in gardening and garden design. I find cooking relaxing and enjoy films and documentaries but would really love, to be in the right location, with time enough, to take photos of sea and sky when there was nothing more pressing to do. (One can dream!)