Angela

My Requirements

Due to a sudden change in childcare arrangements as a result of grandparents' illness, we are in need of childcare every Thursday. We are looking for an OFSTED registered childminder close to my parents' house in Colindale for approximately the hours of 9-2pm or 9.30am-2.30pm. I may consider a longer day.

My mother is elderly but used to look after the twins on Thursdays but now finds herself as my dad's full time carer. In order to maintain the twins' weekly connection to their grandparents, I would like the childcare to take place close to my parents' so it would be my mum doing the drop off and pick up. Please note she doesn't drive and is not confident taking the double buggy on transport.

My ideal childcare would be a home from home, with an outdoor space, regular trips to libraries, playgroups and museums etc, some flexibility and can provide lunch and snacks, and offer a sibling discount. The twins are easy going and well-socialised. We already attend nursery Mon-Wed in SE London, and we are out and about all the time during the weekend with lots of adult and children friends.

The twins:
Twin 1 - my daughter is a smart bossy 2 year old girl who is great at working out how things work. She's observant and will hang back a little at first to ensure she trusts you. Once she trusts you though, you will have the most funny and friendly little girl who looks after her brother (when she's not fighting with him over toys!) and likes to nap next to her brother. She gets on very well with adults, plays with like-minded kids and is very independent. She likes birds, messy play and intricate smaller toys (like lego, small dolls/toys etc) and loves to climb. She could play for hours and hours.

Twin 2 - my son is a sensitive 2 year old boy who is bonkers and cheeky. He needs a bit more reassurance and cuddles but is generally more trusting and open than his sister. He loves his food as we are a household that loves to cook and eat. He has an obsession with cleaning toys (hide your real hoover/brooms!) and loves role play toys like kitchen, washing up, cooking. He's started to get into trains, the tube and buses. He has a very strong internal clock, and when he is tired he will put himself to sleep. When he needs to wind down he will go to a cozy/relaxation corner.

Both twins are developmentally in line with where they need to be for a 2 year old. We are casually potty-training both, with twin 2 looking like he will be out of nappies first.

We speak two languages at home - English and Cantonese.