NESSA'S CHILDMINDING SERVICES

read moreHello, my name is Vanessa. I have been a registered childminder since 1993, and work with husband, Mark, from our home in Birkenhead. We have cared for many children over the years and, though it can be a very demanding career, we have found it to be one that is both challenging and very rewarding. I hope this website answers any questions you may have about our daily routines and requirements as childminders. If you would like further information, please feel free to contact us.

read moreBecause childminders only look after a small number of children, they can offer more individual attention than nurseries or kids' clubs. They can easily meet children's individual needs, sleeping patterns or homework projects. Childminders can cope with a baby's sleeping and feeding patterns. They can also offer all the time, attention and patience needed when babies are learning to walk, talk, feed themselves or use a potty. Children often stay with the same childminder from being a baby to starting secondary school, so they benefit from the kind of stability other sorts of childcare don't provide.

read moreWith reference to the above, you may be aware that nationally we have seen an increase, above seasonal expected levels in notifications of scarlet fever cases to Public Health England. In Wirral we have seen an increase in notifications from 11 during the first sixteen weeks in 2013 to 35 in the same period for 2014. Whilst the increase in cases locally is not currently giving us cause of concern, I thought it would be prudent to take this opportunity to remind you of the signs, symptoms and the actions to be taken if you become aware of an outbreak at your school or nursery.

read moreWe aim to help the children in our care progress through the Early Years Foundation Stage, in line with other outside agencies, such as nurseries. All children in our care are encouraged to join in with nursery rhymes, songs and stories. There will be set times in the week when such activities will be carried out. We recognise the value of books to children, and have a variety from which they can choose for Story Time, or if they wish to sit quietly and read by themselves. The children will have access to a wide range of creative activities.

read moreWe provide the best possible service by ensuring that, through play and activity sessions, all children have fun while learning something new each day. We are only minutes away from some excellent recreational facilities, including Birkenhead Park, Tam O'Shanter Urban Farm, Williamson Art Gallery, Birkenhead Library and toddler groups. We also arrange occasional visits to Chester Zoo and Liverpool Museum. Other activities include, arts and crafts (drawing with crayons, chalk or coloured pencils, gluing, painting and play dough); role-play (dressing-up outfits available); garden (sand/water pit, ball pond, slide, play tent and tunnel); toys and games (jigsaws, construction sets, kitchen, shop etc); a wide range of books and toys are available for all ages, gender and cultural groups.

read moreChildren's needs and welfare are of utmost importance to us, and we endeavour to provide activities and learning experiences that help stimulate their emotional, physical, social and intellectual development. We support and build upon what children learn at home and school, and keep parents informed about their child's progress. Safety within our home and on outings is important too, and we ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to prevent accidents. Risk assessments are conducted each day, and are reviewed regularly to keep them up to date with any changes which may have occurred at our setting.

read moreThe government is closely monitoring the spread of the Ebola virus in West Africa, and is taking action at home and abroad. The overall risk of Ebola to the UK remains low. However we understand that people may be concerned where there are children, students or staff returning from or visiting Ebola-affected countries. Public Health England (PHE), in conjunction with the Department for Education, has produced advice for schools, colleges, childcare and residential settings to ensure people are properly informed about the Ebola virus.