My name is Caroline Stalker and I would welcome the opportunity to provide your child a warm, loving and caring environment, and to work in partnership with you to help your child develop and blossom during their precious early years

About me

I am married to Andrew, a doctor, and have two daughters, Jemima and Phoebe, 2 years and 6 months respectively. Originally from York, I spend 16 years in London before moving to Long Eaton 4 years ago. I am degree educated, having a BSc in Geography from UCL and a BSc in Financial Services from UMIST.

Providing high quality childcare allows me to use my strengths in supporting and caring for children, whilst also bringing skills and experiences from having previously been a senior change and strategy manager for Barclays, from an educational family background.

I have undertaken a range of Childminder training courses, and am first aid qualified from the St John's ambulance.

I co-run the NCT (National Childbirth Trust) Bumps and Babies group for new parents in Long Eaton. I enjoy travelling, having spent a year in 2003 travelling the world (Africa, China, Asia, Australasia and the South Pacific!).

Through attending Tinytalk classes Jemima 'signed' from 6 months, making a very easy and enjoyable first two years, with her able to share her needs and the joy of communication, and supporting the development of her speech. I now own the South Derby and Long Eaton Tinytalk franchise and can sign with children if appropriate. I am undertaking training in BSL.

My aims and ethos

I have an absolute passion for seeing children grow, achieve their potential and build skills for the future in a fun, safe and enjoyable environment, and believe strongly that children develop best through care in small home based settings (and once appropriate combined with formal schooling).

Here they are able to benefit from individual attention to learn at their own pace and whilst taking part in a range of activities tailored to their interests, talents and abilities, combined with regular outings where they can gain a wide range of different experiences and exposure to the wider world.

I believe that children blossom in a fun environment where they are loved, encouraged, happy, talked to intelligently and played with, learning through structured play, so developing their self esteem, confidence and building positive relationships, respect for one another and strong values.

Activities and Learning

I have strong organisational abilities, enthusiasm and energy, and love constantly developing new ideas for stimulating and fun activities, both in the house and as outings.

At home we regularly do a range of creative and messy play activities including painting, sticking and playdoh. Baking and cooking of meals, as well as being fun, encourages healthy and varied diets as well as numeracy and problem solving.

We have a range of 'home' role play toys, musical instruments, puzzles and games, dressing up/role play and a home library of books (which children may borrow to read at home, and includes the 'Oxford Reading Tree' scheme used at Parklands), and enjoy singing and dancing.

We have fun drawing, and mark making/writing is encouraged. I am happy to support parents in developing early literacy skills (Jemima is enjoying being able to recognise words at just over 2!).

We are lucky to have a lovely enclosed garden with numerous pieces of equipment, as well as slides, rockers, tunnels, a playhouse, trikes and scooters etc there is plenty of space for water fun, football and parachute play, with gazebos in sunny weather. We have vegetable patches and children are always keen to help with gardening and harvesting of organically grown vegetables and fruit!

We go on daily outings to playgroups, libraries, local farms, parks, woods and stately homes, playcentres and further afield to zoos, aquariums, childrens theme parks etc.

If parents are supportive I can also take younger children to Jo Jingles music and Tumble Tots classes.

We have a piano for children wanting to do music practice, and I am happy to help with homework including French and German conversation.

Meals

I provide a healthy cooked lunch and tea (breakfast can also be provided) to suit all dietary needs. We eat out in cafes from time to time, building childrens' social skills.

Water is freely available, as is milk, and healthy snacks are provided.

Parents are welcome to provide their own food for their child; this would be discussed at the initial interview.

I sit with children at the table and encourage good table manners, with children serving themselves and others leaving the table only when everyone has finished eating.

Location and Terms

I live in Long Eaton, Nottingham close to Junction 25 of the M1 and the A52 for easy access to and from Derby and Nottingham (as well as Mansfield, Chesterfield and Leicester).

From January 2010 I will have spaces for full time and wrap around school care on Thursdays and Fridays, with this extending to all week from August 2010 (including the school holiday period).

I offer a service between the hours of 7:30am and 6:30pm. Unsocial and overtime hours are negotiable and overnight / weekend stays are possible, with the child having their own room. Rates on application.

I can offer school pick up / drop off for any of the Long Eaton schools between January and September 2010 when I will offer this only for Parklands and the other schools on the Wilsthorpe Campus, and The Elms/Trent College.

It is very much a partnership with parents and I will provide regular feedback on your child's progress and development as well as holding more comprehensive discussions as required to ensure continuity of approach.

Contact Information

If you would like more information on the service I provide, orto visit my setting then please do contact me on 07711 177241 or 0115 972 2491

Or email me on carolinelucystalker@btopenworld.com. please visit my website Childcare Long Eaton Precious Years for more details.

I look forward to you joining our family!