Honeybee
Childminder in Stockton On Tees
Usually responds within 2 days
Female Member since May 2012 Last Updated Oct 2024 Last Login 29 Oct 2024
My Summary
About Me
Hello,
My name is Helen, i am an Ofsted Registered Childminder living in Stockton on tees. I live with my husband Ben and our two beautiful children Jessica age 16 and Ryan age 13.
We live in a mid terrace house with a dedicated playroom, a playroom that really does become home from home, a cosy and inviting environment providing a wide range of resources that offer endless learning opportunities. Every day is different but every day offers learning through different approaches. From curiosity play through to loose parts play. The playroom provides a wide variety of resources allowing the children to be independent in their learning, letting their creativity and imagination shine.
The play and learning also extends into the garden with a wide range of resources for fun in all weathers; endless opportunities to explore, investigate and create with sand, water play, mark making, a mud kitchen with a curiosity twist, a mini beast hotel and much more!
We are also within walking distance of the local park; Ropner Park, where we regularly go on walks, feed the ducks, lunch in the cafe, picnics, explore all the treasure nature has to offer through all the seasons and the best of all; Going on a Bear Hunt!
I am a driver with my own car and a clean driving licence, so trips out further a field are planned, we love to be out and about in nature. Outdoor play is so beneficial for the children enhancing all areas of learning and development.
I am a hygge accredited setting and truly believe in focussing in the moment, providing a calm and cosy home from home experience.
I believe in a strong focus on the children developing a sense of belonging and ensure this is embedded in practice consistently.
I have completed the wanderlust in nature study and focus a lot of time in nature with the children, the outdoors really does offer endless learning opportunities and the children thrive in their learning in nature through all seasons. Nature play truly is our way.
I am registered by Ofsted, and follow the Early Years Foundation Stage guidelines and standards. I aim to provide a safe, secure and homely environment where the children can learn and develop through hands on play that is fun, exciting and challenging.
We enjoy cooking and baking, ensuring the children learn and are engaged in healthy eating whilst having hands on fun to create their mini master chef pieces!
Outdoor Play is key in our house and the children will always have the option to play outside in all weathers, splashing in puddles, singing in the rain, getting creative with snow, plus many many more! The children all have puddlesuits which definitely help when we explore the biggest puddles we can find!
Overall I offer fun, exciting experiences consistently, putting the children's individual needs first at all times in a homely environment, with the added extras of creating individual personal journals, recording and capturing all their magical moments through learning, growing and developing, ensuring their learning is observed and enhanced through planned activities, resources and an exciting learning environment.
My Experience
I have my own personal experience with being a mother to my two beautiful children. As a parent I feel that I can offer excellent care to other children and ensure parents are confident and assured that their children are in the best possible care, having endless fun in a happy, safe and homely environment.
I have 20+ years experience in child care from a variety of roles, looking after all ages of children, from running a toddler room, running an after school club and being a deputy manager in a private day nursery with experience working with families.
I have strong knowledge and experience with the Early Years Foundation Stage, planning, creating and engaging in a wide range of learning experiences for children, ensuring everyday is different, offering fun and highly exciting experiences!
I have graduated with a BA (Hons) Degree in Children and Early Childhood and have acquired skills, knowledge and experiences through working alongside studying to ensure that I can offer a high standard of care for every child that attends my setting.
I cherish every moment with my children and always endeavour to make sure they have the best opportunities to thrive in a safe environment and all children in my care will be treated in this exact same way.
My Qualifications
Rewilding Wanderlust (2024 ongoing)
Early Years Child Development Training (2023 ongoing)
Understanding Child Development and the EYFS (2024)
Safeguarding Children (2024)
Prevent Awareness (2023)
Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene for Early Years (2023)
Hygge Baby (2023).
Understanding Common Childhood Illnesses (2022).
Wanderlust Child Nature Study (2022).
Supporting the Development of Self-Regulation (2022).
Hygge in the Early Years accredited setting (2022).
Paediatric First Aid (2021)
Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health (2020)
Infection Prevention and Control (2020)
Prevent Covid-19 (2020)
Food Safety and Hygiene (2020)
Food and Drink in the EYFS (2020)
Safeguarding Children (2020)
Supporting Children with Speech, Language and Communication Needs (2019)
Trafficking, Exploitation and Modern Slavery (2019)
Paediatric first aid (2018)
Prevent Duty (2018)
Safeguarding (2018)
123 magic ( behaviour management 2014)
Safeguarding (2014)
Baskets of fun (2013)
Empathy dolls training course (2013)
HABC Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering (2012)
Behaviour Management (2012)
2012 Early Years Statutory Framework Briefing Session (2012)
First Response Training Paediatric First Aid (2012)
BA (Hons) degree in Children and Early Childhood (2011)
Certificate of participation in Designated Safeguarding Children Officer’s Role (2011)
Early Years Sector Endorsed Foundation Degree (2009/2010)
NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Infection Control (2008)
NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Nutrition and Health (2006)
BTEC National Diploma in early years (2003) .
My Availability
8.00am to 5.15pm Monday to Thursday
(Flexibility on hours is available on discussion)
Full Days
Half Days
Holiday Club
Closed Bank Holidays , Christmas day, Boxing day and New Years day.
If any other requests are needed please just ask and I will ensure to meet your needs as best I can.
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before School | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Morning | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Afternoon | no | no | no | 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: 04/10/2024 | |||||||
My Fees
- Childminding from £7.50 per hour
Fees available on request.
I offer competitive prices and regularly provide special offers.
Please contact me for further details.
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
- Inspection Report: Ofsted Inspection Report September 2024 (added 30/09/2024)
- Ofsted Certificate (added 13/05/2021)
Reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Honeybee. 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.
There are no words to say how amazing Helen is, she truly was made for this job. It is home from home and our daughter Freya loves to go and asks even on a weekend if she is going ha ha. Freya is moving into reception in September and although she will be staying on as a holiday honeybee jt was very emotional. Helen puts in endless effort, she always goes the extra mile and you can see how much she loves the honeybee children. You will not find a better childminder out there who will look after your child as good as Helen, she is then only one we recommend to friends and family
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My youngest has been with Helen for just under a year now. I was particularly cautious in choosing a setting for her as her older sister had struggled to settle in her first nursery setting. From our first visit to Helen's welcoming home, I knew Dotty was going to be more than happy here! Helen was so calming and understanding. I'm sure she could see my eyes well up as she engaged Dotty straight away in all of the wonderful resources in the Honey Bees Hive.
Since then Dotty has thrived with Helen and absolutely adores her family.
Helen goes above and beyond to make sure that all the children feel that honey Bees is their home from home. The playroom is endlessly adapted and shifted to appeal to their current interests. When Dotty has a new favourite animal or story I can almost guarantee I will spot it in Helen's playroom or activities the following week.
Dotty gets so excited to go and see "Helen and her friends". She loves going on adventures in the park, especially when she gets to wear her wellies and honeybees puddle suit!
I love that Helen sends home a small journal entry about Dottys day and her learning and sends us snap shots of her exciting day. It's so nice for us to see but also helps us chat to Dotty about her day which she loves to do!
Helen is so dedicated to providing the best possible care and learning experiences for the children, we couldn't be happier that we found her. We could not recommend her more!
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My little boy Zach has been going to Helen for just over a year, and honestly I cannot express how amazing she is!
Zach absolutely loves Helen and her family, he is always so excited to see them and runs instantly to go play when he is dropped off.
Helen’s house is literally a home from home, such a gorgeous atmosphere and zach absolutely loves the play room and all the toys and books!
No two days are the same and Helen always has the kids out which I love!
Helen herself is amazing, so kind and caring and always makes time for all the honeybee she really does put her heart and soul into what she does and it shows!
Couldn’t recommend honeybees anymore if I tried
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I have been with Helen for 11 years now and my kids absolutly love her and her family its a home from home environment even my 14 year old who doesnt go to helens as a honey bee anymore wishes she did my 8 year old get excited on the days she at Helens even after 7 years. Helens family are also just as amazing as Helen my daughter feels like part of the family .x.
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We met Helen through the government childminder and nanny page. We were looking for a new place for our son after concerns elsewhere. So already having a negative experience we were sceptical. The main thing we were searching for –
Cleanliness
Tidiness
Organisation
Education/outdoor activities
Care and attention to a realistic group of children roughly aground the same age.
We were initially aiming for a nursery and then we saw Helens Honeybees. So we popped her a message with the off chance she may have availability. She responded quickly and professionally, advising only two full days were available – so we continued the introduction process as we could utilise those two days and nursery. Helen has a private fb group that she uses to advertise the daily antics of the bees, and well, everything looked far too good to be true. So we went for a visit. Upon arrival there’s a wild and free hedge which strangely enough creates privacy and the feel of entering an enchanted gateway – we looked for the signature wreath as directed and scattered bee figurines. There’s an installed ring doorbell for safety and alerts – huge tick! We ring and wait a few moments (we’re visiting on a Friday so no children just a 1:1 session) and a very well presented, clean and pleasant lady answers the door, all smiles and radiating warmth. But the smell of the home was even more impressive given our past experience. It smelt clean but also fragranced (not like she’d just sprinted round with a can of febreze either; we’re talking deep scented). Regular cleaning. Fresh. Smell. – fantastic! We step inside and to the left of me a coat peg for the children – with name tags! To the right – a little name check station to register the children as present.... The night before I was complaining previously why didn’t they have these things so we didn’t get lost items and waiting forever for our child’s belongings. Helen had it sorted. Its also a shoes off home, which is something I’ve grown up with and reaffirms this with our baby. So already Helens is superseding and we’ve only just got through the front door. We then go through into the children’s area, where the walls are decorated with images of seeds and flowers shaping numbers from 1 to 10, a hoop with each child’s smiley face pinned displaying their inclusiveness in the home, children’s tables and chairs, a multipurpose table displaying a multitude of foraged goods, animals, and other educational materials. A combination of educational toys both wooden and plastic. Pencils – in matching colours in labelled pots! Dolls. Wooden utility play unit! Baskets and bowls sorted with toys because she pays attention to what the children enjoy and play with! She listened intently to concerns and learnt first hand about our baby boy. She showed us the children’s portfolios that she starts from day one detailing their journeys through start to finish. She has record books to put in the children’s bags for you to see what she feeds them/teaches them/observes in their characters/nappy changes the works! After one meet with Helen I just knew in my heart my baby would be happy here, not over stimulated or washed out with children to become feral – but heard, taught, cared for and nurtured in the moments I couldn’t be there with him. You can absolutely tell that every breath of this woman’s being is dedicated to children and not just her own, any child in her care is welcomed with warmth, smiles and love. The efforts this woman goes to, to include children in current worldly events – like painting a life size version of King Charles for his coronation so the children understand is outstanding. Teaching them kindness and how to be gentle with her animals. Going for daily walks and adventures. Each parental experience feels like she’s only caring for your child, her level of comprehending what each parent needs (especially when having negative experiences too previous) and delivering such an exceptional level of service is dumbfounding. How one woman can manage all this and continue to be such an enchanting, kind and genuine human is unbelievable. If you want your children to grow, learn and positively develop, if you understand that a child minder isn’t just designed to be a cheap stop to dump your child so you can have free time or work time (which you do you if so, each parenting style to their own) then Helen is by far underpaid and over accomplished for the service she delivers. She is absolutely astounding and worth every single penny. My son loves her, my parents love her and we love her. My son happily runs off without saying bye or crying. He’s just so comfortable and content. I also didn’t mention the garden or their little quiet space, I’d definitely investigate to see what you’re missing! ❤️ Also please remember - we were complete strangers when we met Helen. This is based soley on the month our baby has been with her.
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