I set up Milestones as I am passionate and dedicated to providing a unique, stimulating and comforting environment to enable your child to play, explore and achieve their milestones.
** Childcare Experience & Qualifications **
I am a CIW registered childminder and along with the experience of raising my own two children, I have 20 years’ experience working with children in the early years sector
. Over the years, I have had various roles including nursery assistant (all ages), baby room supervisor (6 months - 18 months), deputy manager of a nursery in Powys and in my final role I was the manger for 7 and a half years at an Ofsted Outstanding nursery based in Cheshire. Whilst in that role, in 2018 the nursery was voted “Nursery of the Year – Overall Winner” by the NDNA (National Day Nursery Association) for the whole of the UK. I hold a level three paediatric first aid certificate, level 2 food hygiene and have completed safeguarding training. I also have the following academic achievements:
BTEC National Diploma in Early Years 2002
NVQ Level 4 Childcare 2011
B.A (Hons) Early Childhood Studies 2006
Introduction to home-based childcare 2021
Preparing for childminder practice 2021
With all my experience I feel very comfortable and confident in caring for children of all ages.
** My Vision **
As a registered childminder I strive to provide excellent quality care so that children can play, explore and achieve their milestones. Play and exploration will be at the centre of each child’s learning and development, with a wide range of activities and experiences appropriate to their age and stage of development. I will provide a learning environment that will promote children’s awe and wonder through the Curiosity Approach and the use of loose parts, natural and everyday resources. Planning of activities will be based on children’s current interests and in the moment. Learning will take place both indoors and outdoors and I will observe and assess against the Foundation Phase curriculum and plan for next steps whilst ensuring children are supported to meet their milestones.
** My Setting **
My name is Dawn and I live in a four-bedroom detached family home with my husband Huw, who is an Assistant Head of the all-through school in our local community, our two children Owain and Alys, who both attend school full time and our two rabbits, Bale and Pumpkin. Within my home children will have access to the living room for playing, story time and rest/sleep, and the kitchen and dining area for meal times, cooking activities, messy and exploratory play. So that the children are able to explore the outdoors, we have a secure back garden which is available for children to play in which boasts a magical summer house which can be used for quiet time, reading and hide and seek and a mud kitchen for them to engage in some mucky play. We also have a large front garden and space for ride on toys, balance bikes and a trampoline. Close by and within walking distance in the heart of the village there is a council maintained play area containing climbing equipment, slide, and swings. I also make use of the beautiful countryside which we are surrounded by, including local forestry walks.
** Services **
Hours: I offer childcare between 7.30am-6pm Monday to Friday. The children are dropped off at my home in Llanfechain and can be collected from there or alternatively if required, I am also able to drop off and pick up to and from Schools within the local area. Activities: Each day is designed to provide a variety of activities to encourage children in all aspects of play. The children are encouraged to engage in group activities such as music, small apparatus and story time, to initiate their own activities and to move freely between the activities of their choice. There are variety of activities on offer for example painting, cutting and sticking, playing with dough, dressing up, puzzles, sand, water and sensory play. Activities will be offered both indoors and outdoors to keep the little ones entertained and engaged and will also be fully tailored to take into account their age and developmental needs. Meals: I fully promote healthy eating and offer meals in the form of breakfast, lunch, healthy snacks such as fruit and a high-tea if required and all meals are specifically tailored to account for any dietary requirement. Languages: My first language is English and I will use basic Welsh language on a daily basis through nursery rhymes, story books and visuals. I also encourage the use of basic sign language skills.
** Please note that I offer a tailored service to meet the individual needs of each of my parents and therefore if any of the above do not meet your specific needs then please contact me to discuss what your requirements are as I am happy to facilitate if I am able **
