I'm Tasha, and I run Orchard Childcare from my home in Sawston. I pride myself in providing a vibrant and creative early years experience for children from 12mths-6yrs. I'm an Ofsted registered Childminder, fully enhanced CRB disclosure certificated with food hygiene, paediatric first aid, and child protection training. I offer a weekday childminding service from my home, where I live with my husband, our teenage daughter and our friendly old cat! My philosophy...
Here at Orchard Childcare I aim to provide a wholesome and nurturing, homely environment where your little one can explore and experiment with the range of toys and resources available. I believe in the value of non-directive play so provide plenty of opportunity for the children to make new discoveries and extend their play freely with my encouragement, as well as offering more structured activities. As the children explore the world around them during their formative years they learn and develop by playing, creating, discovering and sharing their experiences with others. I adhere to the statutory government requirements of the early years foundation stage (EYFS). This means I offer children in my care experiences similar to that of other childcare providers such as nurseries and pre-school groups, with all the care, attention and encouragement that comes with the meaningful relationships formed in this more intimate setting. I believe that a happy balance between work, rest and play is the secret to a contented child. With a background in Play Therapy, my holistic approach to caring for children means that of utmost importance in my setting is fostering a sense of well-being in the children. With an emphasis on the unique creativity of each child and the collaborative, we can take adventures led by the children and their desire to explore their imagination. Keeping the emphasis on wholesomeness means that a typical day could find us in the vegetable patch to check the progress of our home grown treats and maybe choose some to take home for tea (which is always of the good home cooked/seasonally home-grown variety). I believe in purposeful learning so there might be some help needed with the preparation of fruit or veg for snack-time and perhaps some home baking to enjoy alongside. We might be at the park enjoying the swings or getting stuck into a game of football or visiting a fun/crafty local play group. Back at base you might find a batch of biscuits ready to decorate, a car race on the carpet, some sensory play with sand/water/clay etc or a teddy bears picnic in full swing. My belief in the best kind of learning being the child-led kind means that (almost) anything can happen! Our daily routine is flexible to accommodate the varying nature of each child's needs, however at any one time there will be a routine in place which will include time spent outside, art/craft creative/sensory activities, plenty of free play time, snack/lunch/tea-time, rest/quiet time, story time, music/singing and dancing! Opening hours at Orchard Childcare are: Monday – Friday between the hours of 8am and 6pm. I am closed on bank holidays and from 23rd December – 3rd January inclusive each year. My hourly rate is £5.00 for childcare. I hope this gives you some insight into Orchard Childcare! Here is a taste of what the parents of some of my amazing mindees have to say about Orchard Childcare! "The attachment () has with you and the bond you share is wonderful"
"the thought that goes into providing a varied and exciting range of activities for the children is second to none"
"We really do feel lucky to have found you and to be able to give () the absolute best care she could have. Thank you." "Your activities inspire me to be more creative at home and outside in the garden- I think it's brilliant." "I really couldn't ask for anything more for () and knowing that she's having all of these wonderful and fun experiences makes everything feel a little easier so thank you." "I am confident I will never find someone who understands () better than you"
"I couldn't ask anything from you other than to keep doing what you're doing : )"
"() is the happiest little boy after a day with Tasha, this along with the massive smile on his face when we arrive at Tasha's in the morning!"
"you have been thoughtful and professional with us and his settling in programme"
If there's anything that springs to mind that you'd like to discuss with me I'm available via email or by phone and more than happy to answer any enquiries. Thanks,
Tasha.
