Registered Childminders in Sedgefield-Elaine Vickers

Day or after-school care for children from 3 months to 11+ years in a welcoming, family environment. Ofsted inspected. School runs to Sedgefield Hardwick, Hardwick Nursery and local playgroups.

About Me

I’m Elaine and I live with my husband Ian and son Charlie. We have lived In Sedgefield since 2001. I have been a quality assured Ofsted Registered Childminder and early years provider since 2010. At My last inspection I was awarded a ‘GOOD’, with outstanding areas for my safeguarding, caring, attention and well being for my children.

My highest priority is for the safety and happiness of each individual child whilst also offering them lots of opportunities to interact and play with other children of various ages. My main aim is to encourage and enable the children to develop and learn so that I can be sure that I am giving them the best possible start in life.

I love the outdoors so the children get lots of opportunities to experience their natural environment where they can explore the world around them. I offer free childcare for eligible two-year-olds and all 3 to 4-year-olds.

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Detailed Information

Qualifications

Both my husband and I are DBS checked level 1 and 2 Safeguarding Certificates QA Level 3 in Paediatric First Aid.
Public liability insurance with PACEY
Registered with ICO (Information Commissioners Office)
Dedicated member of the Durham Childminding Network.
My car has up to date MOT, road tax and is fully insured for business use. The car seats, appropriate to the child’s age and height are securely fitted.
My home has up to date insurance.

Vacancies

I have experience with babies right up until secondary school. I will also try to offer flexibility within the hours I work, depending on my child ratios.

School Runs

I can drop off/ pick up from nursery’s/infants/juniors, both from Hardwick Primary School & also Sedgefield Primary School. I work term time and through school holidays. I can also collect/drop off at local playgroups.

Activities

We have a dedicated playroom, but the whole of downstairs is used for the children. I have a wide range of resources, toys and activities for the children to learn and explore.

The children have a choice of picture cards which they can choose from for the following day, i.e. painting, craft, Play-Doh, treasure box, bug hunting, park trips, making dens, dressing up box, library, feeding the ducks, baking,Instruments, singalong actions, storytime, floor puzzles, construction, little people and many more. As some resources need to be attained in advance I like to alternate the toys dearly to keep the children interested and stimulated.

I have a large garden with high secure fence and locked gates at all times. The children have a wide range of outdoor toys, ie swing, slide, rocker, cars, tractor, balls/goal, cricket, golf, pushchairs/dolls, garden games, tent, tubes, Sand/water area, basketball, gardening, skittles and more. The garden is accessible for the children, at all times. I promote a safe, warm, loving, happy and healthy environment, both in and outside of my home.

Testimonials

Superb Childminder

We feel so lucky to have found such a wonderful, high quality, dependable and reliable childminder in Elaine, who our son adores! We would recommend her without reservation to anyone looking for a childminder who treats the children in her care like her own.

Mr and Mrs S

Sedgefield

I and E

Sedgefield

Elaine has looked after my two children for 2 years now. I am really pleased with how well they are cared for. She provides a safe, happy place for my children to go before school. On a morning they greet each other with genuine affection and it is reassuring to know that my children are in such safe hands, where any issues are dealt with quickly, sensitively and effectively. I would happily recommend Elaine's care to anyone.

Mrs k

Sedgefield

I would have no problem recommending Elaine to anyone, she is flexible, friendly, caring and professional, ensuring the children she looks after feel as if they are part of a family. We have known Elaine for a number of years and she has been looking after our child for the last two. We have always found her to be positive, trustworthy, approachable and welcoming. As working parents it is a real relief to know that your child is safe, happy and being so well cared for.

Mrs E Craig

Sedgefield

Elaine is Sedgefields answer to Mary Poppins, when i returned to work after 10 years and had to find childcare for my 3 year old son with, was a massive decision, made easier as soon as i met Elaine. Elaine is kind, fun and the most loving, caring lady. My little boy loves her and idolises Charlie her son. I can not recommend Elaine highly enough, every working parent needs an Elaine, she is truly amazing.

S Burchall

Sedgefield

My six year old son loves and thoroughly enjoys the home to home comforts and friendly caring atmosphere that Elaine offers. I am delighted that my son is happy, safe and well cared for and has well established boundaries of what he can and can't do whilst in Elaine's care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Childminders accept Childcare vouchers? Yes we do. Fees are paid in advance from a weekly, monthly or termly basis, cash, cheque or directly into bank accounts also accepted.

What sort of snacks and meals can you provide? After school snacks may include sandwiches, selection of fruit, yoghurt's, crumpets, bagels, pizza, toast, raw vegetables, wraps and many more. For children staying after 5pm, we can offer the option of a small meal, beans on toast, scrambled egg, pizza and a price of cake, yoghurt's, fruit etc.