Contact Me
Get in touch with me to discuss your childcare needs.
Karen Gallacher – Ofsted Registered Childminder, Chippenham
Deciding whether to use a nursery or a childminder can be a tricky decision for parents to make. A childminder offers care and structured play in a home-based environment, typically with fewer children than a nursery. Similarly, a childminder is often a more affordable option than a nursery or a private nanny.
Like all registered childminders in England and Wales, I am given a maximum number of children that I can care for at any one time. This means that with me, your child will always get the one on one attention he or she needs to thrive.
Like nurseries and other childcare settings, I am also monitored by Ofsted. I will always ensure your child learns in a safe, supportive and nurturing environment which is designed to help them reach their full potential in the crucial early years.
My Approach to Childminding
I am passionate about supporting each individual child I care for in a safe, stimulating and fun environment to help them achieve their full potential.
As an Ofsted registered childminder, I follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework (EYFS) to support the learning and development of all children in my care. I am also part of the Pewsham Childminding Group, a group of local childminders who meet and arrange social activities for the children in our care.
I encourage both structured and independent play. The children in my care enjoy a variety of activities including:
- Free or independent play
- Reading, counting and singing
- Supervised play in the garden
- Outdoor activities including trips to the park and walking the family dog Tilly
- Craft activities, drawing, painting or baking
- Caring for animals and plants
- Childminder groups and social activities
Your child is always closely supervised by me during all activities both inside and outside my home.
A typical day in my care
The children in my care enjoy a variety of activities on any given day.
As a childminder, I plan lots of activities to support your child’s learning and development. I also try to maintain your child’s daily routine (as much as possible) including mealtimes and sleep/rest time. Nappies are changed regularly and children always have access to fresh drinking water.
So that you can get a clear idea of what your child can expect with me, I have included details of a typical full day in my care, below:
Morning:
Welcome
Free-play and singing/reading time
Snack
Outdoor activity e.g. park, play-group, walking Tilly
Midday:
Lunch
Afternoon
Sleep/rest time
Craft activity or drawing
Outdoor play (weather permitting)
Snack
Reading/Free-play
Hometime