We run our childminding business from our home which is located on a quiet street in the residential area of Duffryn, Newport which is perfectly situated by the J28 of the M4, the A48 and also to the old road way into Cardiff (via Cardiff Docks). Ideally located to those who have to travel to work outside of Newport.
We share our large 3 bedroom home with our own children who are aged between 18 and 7 years old, we home-school our younger two children. We have a tortoise named Marmite who lives both indoors and out (depending on the time of year) and two dogs named Gryff and Harry who are both poodle mixed breeds. There are some lovely parks close by where the children can explore, play and get some exercise. We're passionate about messy play, creative play including homemade play-dough, slime etc. and baking!
As part of this transformation with doing the Hygge accreditation, we are reducing the amount of plastic toys in our environments, instead introducing not only wooden resources, but real, china items and other materials for the children.
Across the early years sector currently, many settings are wanting to move away from plastic, introducing ‘real’ items and materials and loose parts, as inspired by ‘The Curiosity Approach’ and other pedagogies, however many are concerned about the children breaking these new, precious, real items.
In our opinion, that completely takes away the element of awe and wonder, curiosity and investigation that, by having these items and resources freely accessible within your provision ignites. And if practitioners are concerned by this element of risk and thus limit the children’s access to these resources, or only offer them for their older cohort, then essentially they are missing the point and their setting is not fully onboard with incorporating these elements of various pedagogies into their practice and provision, thus making them meaningless for the children.
Children need to be able to freely explore, handle, manipulate, investigate and experience items and resources in order to fully understand their uses, their fragility, the potential risks they can hold and ultimately, how precious these items can be. Exploring items in such a way enables the children to not only understand the object and it’s uses as well as it’s fragility, but it also enables the children to learn that precious items like china and other fragile materials need to be respected, which is an invaluable learning experience in itself.
As well as having a Diploma in Childminding we also hold Level 3 & 4 CACHE Diploma in Child Care, Learning and Development, Paediatrics First Aid, Food Hygiene, Safeguarding. We also have full business insurances including liability insurance with Pacey.
As registered childminders we aim to provide a childminding service that allows boys and girls to learn and develop in a safe, secure, home-based environment. We are registered with the CIW to care for up to 10 children which includes our own children under the age of 12 years. We can also offer out of school care for children. Our service is open to all children and families regardless of their backgrounds, religion, culture or race and we may be able to care for children with additional needs, and whether their needs are physical, emotional or social needs.
We can drop off and pick up from Tredegar Park Primary, nursery, Sunflower Tots playgroup and Flying Start (morning sessions only). Our service is available from 7:30am – 5:30pm Monday to Friday and we will negotiate an individual contract for each child. Parents/guardians receive copies of our policies and procedures in their welcome packs which are reviewed on a regular basis and as professional childminder's we are member of PACEY. We are confident that any issues or problems which may arise will be discussed and dealt with between ourselves and parents/guardians in an open and friendly manner. However, if after referring to our complaints procedure/policy we are unable to resolve any issues or complaints that you may have, these may be referred to: Care Inspectorate Wales South East Region, Government Buildings, Rhydycar, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 1UZ, Tel 0300 7900126
What we offer:
Birth - 12 years
*Nursery/playgroup runs
Before and after school care
School holiday provision
* Please note that the full fee is payable whilst your child attends playgroup or nursery. This is to ensure your child’s place during nursery/playgroup inset days, holidays and nursery/playgroup closures.
*Payments are excepted ONLY in advance on a weekly/monthly basis. Non payment will result in no care until fees paid and parents/guardians will incur late payment charges of £15 per day until fees are settled*
Out of school care £10 before school - Includes breakfast (served until 8:30 only)
£15 after-school - Includes light evening snack
Holiday care £5.00 per hour
Child/Parent sick - Full fee
Childminder sick - No fee
Child/parent holidays – Full fee
Childminder holidays – No fee
Public holidays (Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday) - No Fee
Information for shift workers:
Should you be a shift worker we are more than happy to work with you as we understand how difficult it can be to find childcare. To accommodate for your needs, we sit down and discuss parent’s individual needs, so we can tailor contracts accordingly, but all parents MUST pay for a minimum of three days’ care per week for a minimum of 6 hours per day REGARDLESS and topped up to cover the fee. We do expect at least 2 weeks’ notice of shifts where possible.
Included in fees
- All snacks, meals and drinks. (Parents are welcome to provide packed lunches)
- Transfer to and from schools, nursery etc.
- Toddler/Playgroups.
- Purchase of toys, craft materials/activity resources, business paperwork etc.
- Insurances and membership to relevant organisations (PACEY) etc.
- Relevant training, i.e. first aid.
Terms and Conditions
Payment
All fees are payable in advance, either, weekly or monthly. We accept cash, direct debit, bank transfer and we are also able to accommodate those parents whose employer offer child care vouchers, tax free childcare and 30 hours funding. Bank transfers are to be paid in advance before payment is due to ensure payments clear. Fees are calculated daily and are rounded up to the nearest hour. Fees required for outings will be advised as and when consent forms are issued, and are payable before the day of the outing. If parents wish to collect their child early, the full amount for that day is still payable. Monthly payers must pay on or before the 1st of each month.
Notice Period
Other than the four weeks settling in period, we require 4 weeks’ notice to change or terminate a contract. We will, in turn give parents 4 weeks’ notice to change or terminate a contract. Fixed term contracts are payable until the end of the term regardless of whether the child stops attending the setting. If payments are continually late/returned by the bank, or if children are collected from school/playgroups etc. by parents or someone else without our prior knowledge, or if we are (or our children are) verbally or physically abused by a parent or child, then we reserve the right to terminate the contract with immediate effect and without notice.
Deposit/retainer are separate options decided between us (being family and childminder) we will choose between us the best arrangement dependent on finances
Deposit
Parents who wish to book our services are required to pay a £75 deposit (non refundable if place not taken up) in advance of their child's start date; this is to ensure that their place is guaranteed. This deposit will be returned at the end of contract once 4 week notice period is complete. If a deposit is not made then parents/guardians need to be aware that their child's place cannot be held indefinitely and may be given to someone else in the meantime.
Retainer Fee
A retainer fee of £50 for pre-schoolers or £25 for breakfast/after-schoolers is payable when a child's place is being reserved for future use. This fee is not a credit against future childminding services and is non-refundable if the placement is not taken up. If/when you decide to leave us as long as we are given 4 weeks’ notice the retainer fee is returned.
Term Time Only
Here at LouLabell’s Cwtch we do cater for term time only contracts, you would need to pay a retainer fee which is half your usual weekly fee. Non payment will result in termination of contract and loss of any deposit.
Maternity
When having a new baby (Congratulations)! And you want to keep your older child’s place but intend on keeping them with you due to taking maternity leave, to guarantee their place you have to pay a weekly retainer (half child’s usual fee) to keep their place, if you choose not to pay a retainer – we can’t guarantee your child a place when you return to work. We do advise that where possible your child continues to attend at least one session per week so as to keep them in routine so when they return to our care, it’s not such a shock to their system and it also allows you some quality time with your new little one. This is of course all discussed once you’re able.
Additional Information
Please ensure that your child is dressed appropriately for fun, but potentially messy activities! We obviously provide bibs/aprons, however, children being children will inevitably end up mucky and clothes may get stained in the process. Lots of the activities we do may involve being outside, so we would again say that there is a possibility that children may get wet or dirty and therefore all children will need to have a spare set of clothes to be left at the setting. Babies and potty training toddlers will need more changes of clothing.
We would also ask that children are dressed weather appropriate, hats/scarves/gloves/wellies for cold/wet weather and sun block/sun hat for warmer weather. Please ensure that your child has a coat/jacket regardless of fine weather, as we all know how quickly the weather can change!
If there are bad weather warnings, for example heavy snow and the local schools are closed, and then we would not expect you to pay for your child's place. Equally, if the schools are open but you choose not to send your child, then the normal fee is still applicable. This applies to full-time/part-time and after school care places.
Should your child have any allergies/intolerance's/conditions please ensure that we are made aware of these so we may be able to support any specific requirements.
During the four week 'settling-in' period, either party may terminate the agreement without giving a reason or any notice. This provides the opportunity for either party to satisfy themselves that the child is settling in to the new environment and fitting in well with the other children.
If you are going to provide your child with a packed lunch please can you ensure that they are not sent in with fizzy drinks or sweets, as we promote healthy eating in our home.
For babies, we ask that parents/guardians supply all formula/expressed milk and bottles. We provide wipes and nappy sacks; however we do ask that parents/guardians provide nappies/training pants for their child. If a dummy is used, please also provide a spare.
This information is subject to change and LouLabell's Cwtch reserve the right to make changes if required and those changes will be discussed with contracted families.
This statement will be kept under review and revised regularly. Where practical, the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales will be notified of any revision at least 28 days before it takes effect.
We share our large 3 bedroom home with our own children who are aged between 18 and 7 years old, we home-school our younger two children. We have a tortoise named Marmite who lives both indoors and out (depending on the time of year) and two dogs named Gryff and Harry who are both poodle mixed breeds. There are some lovely parks close by where the children can explore, play and get some exercise. We're passionate about messy play, creative play including homemade play-dough, slime etc. and baking!
As part of this transformation with doing the Hygge accreditation, we are reducing the amount of plastic toys in our environments, instead introducing not only wooden resources, but real, china items and other materials for the children.
Across the early years sector currently, many settings are wanting to move away from plastic, introducing ‘real’ items and materials and loose parts, as inspired by ‘The Curiosity Approach’ and other pedagogies, however many are concerned about the children breaking these new, precious, real items.
In our opinion, that completely takes away the element of awe and wonder, curiosity and investigation that, by having these items and resources freely accessible within your provision ignites. And if practitioners are concerned by this element of risk and thus limit the children’s access to these resources, or only offer them for their older cohort, then essentially they are missing the point and their setting is not fully onboard with incorporating these elements of various pedagogies into their practice and provision, thus making them meaningless for the children.
Children need to be able to freely explore, handle, manipulate, investigate and experience items and resources in order to fully understand their uses, their fragility, the potential risks they can hold and ultimately, how precious these items can be. Exploring items in such a way enables the children to not only understand the object and it’s uses as well as it’s fragility, but it also enables the children to learn that precious items like china and other fragile materials need to be respected, which is an invaluable learning experience in itself.
As well as having a Diploma in Childminding we also hold Level 3 & 4 CACHE Diploma in Child Care, Learning and Development, Paediatrics First Aid, Food Hygiene, Safeguarding. We also have full business insurances including liability insurance with Pacey.
As registered childminders we aim to provide a childminding service that allows boys and girls to learn and develop in a safe, secure, home-based environment. We are registered with the CIW to care for up to 10 children which includes our own children under the age of 12 years. We can also offer out of school care for children. Our service is open to all children and families regardless of their backgrounds, religion, culture or race and we may be able to care for children with additional needs, and whether their needs are physical, emotional or social needs.
We can drop off and pick up from Tredegar Park Primary, nursery, Sunflower Tots playgroup and Flying Start (morning sessions only). Our service is available from 7:30am – 5:30pm Monday to Friday and we will negotiate an individual contract for each child. Parents/guardians receive copies of our policies and procedures in their welcome packs which are reviewed on a regular basis and as professional childminder's we are member of PACEY. We are confident that any issues or problems which may arise will be discussed and dealt with between ourselves and parents/guardians in an open and friendly manner. However, if after referring to our complaints procedure/policy we are unable to resolve any issues or complaints that you may have, these may be referred to: Care Inspectorate Wales South East Region, Government Buildings, Rhydycar, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 1UZ, Tel 0300 7900126
What we offer:
Birth - 12 years
*Nursery/playgroup runs
Before and after school care
School holiday provision
* Please note that the full fee is payable whilst your child attends playgroup or nursery. This is to ensure your child’s place during nursery/playgroup inset days, holidays and nursery/playgroup closures.
- Availability:
- Monday - Friday
- 7:30am - 5:30pm
*Payments are excepted ONLY in advance on a weekly/monthly basis. Non payment will result in no care until fees paid and parents/guardians will incur late payment charges of £15 per day until fees are settled*
- Basic hourly rate £4.50 (minimum of 12 hours per week) Inclusive of everything except nappies.
Out of school care £10 before school - Includes breakfast (served until 8:30 only)
£15 after-school - Includes light evening snack
Holiday care £5.00 per hour
Child/Parent sick - Full fee
Childminder sick - No fee
Child/parent holidays – Full fee
Childminder holidays – No fee
Public holidays (Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday) - No Fee
Information for shift workers:
Should you be a shift worker we are more than happy to work with you as we understand how difficult it can be to find childcare. To accommodate for your needs, we sit down and discuss parent’s individual needs, so we can tailor contracts accordingly, but all parents MUST pay for a minimum of three days’ care per week for a minimum of 6 hours per day REGARDLESS and topped up to cover the fee. We do expect at least 2 weeks’ notice of shifts where possible.
Included in fees
- All snacks, meals and drinks. (Parents are welcome to provide packed lunches)
- Transfer to and from schools, nursery etc.
- Toddler/Playgroups.
- Purchase of toys, craft materials/activity resources, business paperwork etc.
- Insurances and membership to relevant organisations (PACEY) etc.
- Relevant training, i.e. first aid.
Terms and Conditions
Payment
All fees are payable in advance, either, weekly or monthly. We accept cash, direct debit, bank transfer and we are also able to accommodate those parents whose employer offer child care vouchers, tax free childcare and 30 hours funding. Bank transfers are to be paid in advance before payment is due to ensure payments clear. Fees are calculated daily and are rounded up to the nearest hour. Fees required for outings will be advised as and when consent forms are issued, and are payable before the day of the outing. If parents wish to collect their child early, the full amount for that day is still payable. Monthly payers must pay on or before the 1st of each month.
Notice Period
Other than the four weeks settling in period, we require 4 weeks’ notice to change or terminate a contract. We will, in turn give parents 4 weeks’ notice to change or terminate a contract. Fixed term contracts are payable until the end of the term regardless of whether the child stops attending the setting. If payments are continually late/returned by the bank, or if children are collected from school/playgroups etc. by parents or someone else without our prior knowledge, or if we are (or our children are) verbally or physically abused by a parent or child, then we reserve the right to terminate the contract with immediate effect and without notice.
Deposit/retainer are separate options decided between us (being family and childminder) we will choose between us the best arrangement dependent on finances
Deposit
Parents who wish to book our services are required to pay a £75 deposit (non refundable if place not taken up) in advance of their child's start date; this is to ensure that their place is guaranteed. This deposit will be returned at the end of contract once 4 week notice period is complete. If a deposit is not made then parents/guardians need to be aware that their child's place cannot be held indefinitely and may be given to someone else in the meantime.
Retainer Fee
A retainer fee of £50 for pre-schoolers or £25 for breakfast/after-schoolers is payable when a child's place is being reserved for future use. This fee is not a credit against future childminding services and is non-refundable if the placement is not taken up. If/when you decide to leave us as long as we are given 4 weeks’ notice the retainer fee is returned.
Term Time Only
Here at LouLabell’s Cwtch we do cater for term time only contracts, you would need to pay a retainer fee which is half your usual weekly fee. Non payment will result in termination of contract and loss of any deposit.
Maternity
When having a new baby (Congratulations)! And you want to keep your older child’s place but intend on keeping them with you due to taking maternity leave, to guarantee their place you have to pay a weekly retainer (half child’s usual fee) to keep their place, if you choose not to pay a retainer – we can’t guarantee your child a place when you return to work. We do advise that where possible your child continues to attend at least one session per week so as to keep them in routine so when they return to our care, it’s not such a shock to their system and it also allows you some quality time with your new little one. This is of course all discussed once you’re able.
Additional Information
Please ensure that your child is dressed appropriately for fun, but potentially messy activities! We obviously provide bibs/aprons, however, children being children will inevitably end up mucky and clothes may get stained in the process. Lots of the activities we do may involve being outside, so we would again say that there is a possibility that children may get wet or dirty and therefore all children will need to have a spare set of clothes to be left at the setting. Babies and potty training toddlers will need more changes of clothing.
We would also ask that children are dressed weather appropriate, hats/scarves/gloves/wellies for cold/wet weather and sun block/sun hat for warmer weather. Please ensure that your child has a coat/jacket regardless of fine weather, as we all know how quickly the weather can change!
If there are bad weather warnings, for example heavy snow and the local schools are closed, and then we would not expect you to pay for your child's place. Equally, if the schools are open but you choose not to send your child, then the normal fee is still applicable. This applies to full-time/part-time and after school care places.
Should your child have any allergies/intolerance's/conditions please ensure that we are made aware of these so we may be able to support any specific requirements.
During the four week 'settling-in' period, either party may terminate the agreement without giving a reason or any notice. This provides the opportunity for either party to satisfy themselves that the child is settling in to the new environment and fitting in well with the other children.
If you are going to provide your child with a packed lunch please can you ensure that they are not sent in with fizzy drinks or sweets, as we promote healthy eating in our home.
For babies, we ask that parents/guardians supply all formula/expressed milk and bottles. We provide wipes and nappy sacks; however we do ask that parents/guardians provide nappies/training pants for their child. If a dummy is used, please also provide a spare.
This information is subject to change and LouLabell's Cwtch reserve the right to make changes if required and those changes will be discussed with contracted families.
This statement will be kept under review and revised regularly. Where practical, the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales will be notified of any revision at least 28 days before it takes effect.