Childminding Services

I will plan and provide individual daily care which is continually safe, promotes health and wellbeing, allows each child to participate in play based learning activities and promotes a sense of achievement in a friendly, caring and nurturing environment. A feeling of being included, respected and encouraging responsibility will promote the child's wellbeing and development.

The daily activities are carefully planned and structured to provide a balance of learning & reading with fun and enjoyment and will include a proportion of outdoor play and short trips to local attractions.

Age and stage

Each child's plan will be individually designed to suit their current age and stage of development. Events, achievements and milestones will be recorded and the plan adapted to meet ongoing needs.

Activities and Outings

It is vital to provide the right balance of learning with relaxation and fun. Ever changing activities will include garden based play with opportunities to use large garden toys, to enjoy 'messy play', growing plants and relaxing with an outdoor lunch. Carefully planned, age appropriate, walks and outings will be arranged to local attractions, parks, beaches, and garden centres.

Learning together

Learning through collaboration and teamwork sets a lifelong foundation. Group work is planned and encouraged - a small group of minded children soon learn the dynamics of working well together.

Making friends

A childminding setting with a small group is an ideal way for children to meet and make friends and to encourage socialising in a safe and supervised environment.

Outdoor Learning

There is a great deal to learn and absorb from the outdoors. Being active outdoors promotes wellbeing and is a fun way to learn about the world. I have an allotment to visit where we can learn about growing vegetables.

My garden has safe patio areas for safe play and for chilling out amongst the plants We do have a 'Strawberry Patch' and the children have their own plants to care for.

I am a member of the National Trust for Scotland and we can visit local attractions, explore landscaped gardens and learn about history.

The best toys

I am a great believer in the power of learning from well designed toys and continue to invest in robust, imaginative toys from the big names like Little Tikes, Plum, and Early Learning Centre.

Collaborative toys like mud kitchens, sand & water tables promote discussion & fair play.

Musical toys like keyboards, sound mats and percussion instruments promote sharing, teamwork, laughter and excitement.

Childcare Plans

Your child will have an individual 'all about me' plan prepared, which explores needs, aspirations, likes & dislikes which will feed into our daily, weekly and monthly activity plans to ensure your child grows, learns, laughs and relaxes during their time with us.

Standard Opening Hours

Mon – Fri
- 08:00 – 18:00
Sat – Sun
- Closed

ELC: 1,140 hours of fully funded care

Strawberry Patch Childminding is approved and funded by East Lothian Council to offer 1,140 hours per year of early learning and childcare to all age eligible 2, 3 & 4 year olds from August 2021.

These funded hours are normally delivered as 28.5 hours per week during term time (40 weeks per year) and can be delivered flexibly by arrangement. Lunch may also be funded. Click here for more details: https://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/info/210557/schools_and_learning/12184/early_learning_and_childcare/7

Free milk & snacks may also be provided via the Scottish Milk & Healthy Snacks Scheme. Click here for a short video:
https://youtu.be/tQdWbCqXUiI

Parent funded care

Parents of early years children (2-4 year olds) may fund additional childcare hours as required before or after their 'core' funded hours.

Parents may also fund childcare hours as required outside of term time by arrangement.

Parents of older children requiring childcare at any time are encouraged to enquire about available spaces.

We are an HMRC Registered Tax-Free Childcare provider. Click the link for details:
https://www.gov.uk/tax-free-childcare

Additional services

Additional services are available by prior arrangement such as additional childcare outside of normal hours.

Arranged outings will normally attract additional costs such as entrance fees, and a share of travel costs.

Where not provided by ELC funding or by the parents, a nominal charge will be made to cover provided lunches, drinks and snacks.

Current Availability (Spring 2022)

At present we have limited availability for full days and no availability for before-school drops and after-school pick-ups. Please feel free to message or call as availability can change at short notice. Limited spaces available during school holidays. Please enquire now about availability for the period from August 2022. Call to ask about availability: tel: 07742 571917

Registered Childminder covering Wallyford & Musselburgh areas. Year round childcare for ages 0 through 12. Early years specialist.
Approved Provider of Funded Early Learning & Childcare. Tax-Free Childcare registered. Registered with Free Milk & Healthy Snacks Scheme.