Ivy And Freds

About Me

Ivy and Fred’s Childminders is based in Takeley, Bishop's Stortford and owned and managed by Dawn Hardy and one additional member of staff. Dawn has been blessed with a happy marriage and five amazing children aged between 11-21, so she’s certainly kept herself busy over the years! Ivy and Fred’s Childminders is named after Dawn’s beloved grandparents.
Ivy and Fred’s Childminders is operated in a large five bedroom house with a large garden as well as a small stick area where the children can dig and seek for all different things that nature has to offer. Our ethos focuses around child-led learning and we use elements of The Curiosity Approach in our setting which promotes curiosity, awe and wonder in Early Childhood. We are proud to have created an environment where children can tinker, explore, discover and have control over their own learning. We encourage children to make their own choices regarding play, which leads to enhanced confidence, critical thinking and problem solving skills.
We feel it is important for children to spend time exploring the great outdoors, this is not only good for their mental and physical well-being but provides them with new opportunities that an indoor childcare setting can’t fulfil but also provides an enriched home from home environment. The large enclosed garden we have gives children a place to play and discover nature at their own pace. Our children also attend regular ‘Forest School’ sessions (no matter the weather!) and we make frequent trips to parks and do other fun outdoor activities.
Parents will always be kept informed of their child’s development and every child has their own Early Years Foundation Stage profile that documents their individual milestones and learning goals. We also complete photo albums for every child, which tells the story of their time with us through pictures. Both of these are shared with parents at the end of every term or immediately upon request. Each child has an activity diary that informs parents on a daily basis of that days events.
Children are provided with plenty of 1:1 attention, whilst getting to mix with others of a similar age and partake in group activities, in preparation for beginning school. For the nursery aged children, we provide Home Learning Packs. This encourages children that are nearing school age, to get into a routine of doing a little work at home (as they would do in Reception) and provides them with a learning experience they can share with their parents.
Ivy and Fred’s Childminders are open 12 hours a day Monday-Friday. We’re able to offer government funded places for 2, 3 and 4 year olds, as well as tax-free childcare. We are also able to offer out of hours emergency/overnight childcare if needed (subject to terms and conditions).
At Ivy and Fred’s Childminders every child matters therefore if we are not trained for your child’s needs we’re more then happy to get on board and undertake any necessary training for the best well-being of your child.

*Ofsted registered
*DBS checked
*First Aid trained
*Childcare trained
*School drop off/pick up (Roseacres Primary School)
*Government funded 2,3 and 4 year olds
*Tax-free childcare
*Out of hours emergencies
*Daily diaries
*Monthly observation
*Home from home setting
*Full driving licence
*Overnight care
*Flexible hours
*Own car
*Forest school