Valerie Houghton
Childminder in Cherry Willingham
Usually responds within 4 hours
Female Member since Sep 2009 Last Updated Aug 2024 Last Login 23 Nov 2024
My Summary
About Me
I am an Ofsted Registered childminder and have been registered since 2002. I have worked with children in a range of areas for the past 28 years and have 3 children of my own.
I live with my family in a small village just outside Lincoln, and have lived here since 1996.
I am a registered 'Inclusive Childminder' able to care for children with additional needs.
Peer support childminder, providing help and advice to other childminders.
I work with an assistant who is registered with Ofsted. And together we care for a range of ages of children. I obtained a 'Good' in my last inspection.
***I am able to offer up to 15 & 30 free hours a week for 3-4 year olds and 15 hours for some 2 year olds via the Early Years Entitlement (EYE)***
My Experience
I have three children of my own who have attended both Primary and secondary schools in this area. I was instrumental in forming a childminders group which would meet every week at the local Sure Start Children's Centre where we offered stay and play sessions for childminders, parents and carers with their children. I have ran and supported stay and play sessions for parents and their children within my local community. I have worked in the primary school alongside teachers in the classroom and been on PTA's at both the primary and secondary school in the village fundraising for the schools.
I started working with children many years ago in nurseries and then as a children's nanny, taking up childminding when my own children were young
I follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS )and every child under five will have their own indervidual learning plan.
I have attended many training sessions including full paediatric first aid, Food hygiene, Child protection 1 & 2 to name just a few. I continue to update my knowledge and understanding through attending courses, training sessions and keeping up to date with government changes.
My Qualifications
I have completed my Early Years Foundation Degree with The Open University which comprises of Extending Professional Practice in the Early Years(E210), Equality Participitation and Inclusion (E214) Professional Practice in the Early Years (E105) and Certificate in Early Years Practice (E100).
I have an NVQ level 3 in CCLD
My Availability
I offer funded childcare places to two, three and four year olds via the governments Early Years Entitlement (EYE) and have vacancies for full and part time under fives.
I also have vacancies for 5 to 8's and over 8's.
I offer a breakfast club and after school club, feeding Cherry Willingham primary schools and pre-school
I run holiday club sessions and cover shift patterns.
I am able to provide emergency cover at short notice too
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before School | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Morning | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no |
| Afternoon | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no |
| After School | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Evening | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Overnight | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Last Updated: 01/11/2024 | |||||||
My Fees
- Childminding from £4.70 per hour
From 8am to 6 pm £4.70per hour
Before 8am and after 6 pm £9.40
Heated Meals from home Free
All snacks and drinks are free, children arriving before 8am are offered a free breakfast.
15 to 30 hours funded childcare a week for 2,3 and 4 year olds via government Early Years Entitlement.
My Local Schools
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at Cherry Willingham Primary Academy
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 20/04/2020)
Reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Valerie Houghton. 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.
Val and Alice have looked after our son from him being 18 months to going to school. Not only did they look after our son with such care and love but they also treated us as parents with kindness.
Val’s experience meant she saw illnesses before we did and she was able to offer advice, which was always right!
Our son has loved going to see Val and Alice and they have more than prepared him for starting school. We could not have asked for more!!!
Overall-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
heather
about
Valerie Houghton
on 04/08/2024
A lovely home from home environment with outstanding care!
My son came on leaps and bound whilst in Val's care. He loved going so drop off were tear and hassel free, as soon as we got in the car to go home he'd ask to go back to Vals house.
Val not only helped with the son she cared for she but also went above and beyond to help and find solutions for us as whole family. Something she didn't have to do, but didn't think twice about. This is due her general care for the children she looks after and her lovely nature.
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
Abbie Ca
about
Valerie Houghton
on 26/01/2021
Both of my children have attended Val’s/kidz in toe and have loved it. They leave me with no tears and go in and don’t look back. Which means one less worry for me as I know they are happy.
My children have learnt a lot whilst being in the setting, built relationships with all three who work there which has helped their confidence and done many activities which they wouldn’t have done at home.
I love that I get a daily diary for my 2 year old so I know what he’s been up to and any pictures or things made come home too.
Another thing I love is that it really is a hole from home setting. Taking my child/ren in their pjs eating there breakfast isn’t a problem. Val is very understanding, caring and is great at what she does. I would definitely recommend the setting for anyone looking for childcare for their little ones
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
verity
about
Valerie Houghton
on 08/07/2019
Val has been my son's childminder for just over a year and a half, I was so worried about leaving him with anyone, he hadnt been left with even family before! But Val is wonderful, caring, passionate about her setting and loves the children she looks after!
Leaving my son with Val is just how I imagine leaving him with a grandparent (sorry Val) would be. He loves going to her setting, they play outdoors, go for walks, get messy and do everything you would want your child to be doing during the day. My son comes back with all sorts of beautiful paintings and crafts.
This is an honest setting, all 3 ladies are lovely, if you have any worries about your child's development or anything, my little one went through a few night terrors and I had no idea what to do, I spoke with Val and I felt reassured and ready to take them on. The advice is only given when it's asked for, I never feel undermind or judged by Val. Even when I forget my son's lunch once in a while!
Her beautiful home is the perfect setting, it really is a home from home for my little one :)
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
Parent
about
Valerie Houghton
on 13/03/2018
Response by
Valerie Houghton
on 20/03/2018:
Thank you for such a lovely review.
It has been a pleasure to have your little boy here and watch him grow and develop over time.
We will miss you all when you leave but wish you well in all that you do. Xx
Val has been looking after my children for the past 7ish years and my children have loved going. Val is an outstanding childminder and would highly recommend her to anyone looking for childcare. Val has a great understanding of Autism and adhd along with other special needs. My children have Autism and Val has been a real support and helped and advised me with strategies. Sadly my children are now at school but are already counting down for the school holidays so they can go back to Vals. Thank you Val for looking after the boys I really appreciate it
-
Overall
by
Hailsmum
about
Valerie Houghton
on 08/10/2015
You must be a registered parent and logged in to leave a review.
If you don't have an account then Register Free now.
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.
