Laura Whaley (Childminder)

I am an OFSTED registered childminder and an Early Years specialist teacher based in Linthorpe, Middlesbrough. I live with my husband and six year old son.

I offer home from home childcare where children can play and learn in a fun and caring environment. I have a wide range of toys and equipment that are suitable for all ages and stages and I have a large enclosed garden with lots to explore including toys such as a playhouse, slide, swing, scooters, ride-ons and mud, sand and water play and much more!

We also enjoying cooking and craft activities and I use the local environment to extend the children’s experiences for example; visits to museums, parks, libraries, soft play, music groups, playgroups and more.

Before becoming a childminder, I was a primary school teacher for 14 years, specialising in Early Years. I have always loved working with and caring for children and all of my training has been focussed towards this. I feel privileged to be able to play a part in guiding children’s learning and development and I use my knowledge and skills from my teaching to support the children’s progress by making observations and assessments to plan exciting learning opportunities to support the next steps in their learning. I enjoy seeing children having fun and exploring new things. It is so lovely to see a child achieve something and feel proud, no matter how small, and it is a wonderful feeling to be part of that and to celebrate it with the child and their family.

As a mother myself, I understand what a big decision it is to find the right childcare for your child and I aim to provide as smooth a transition as possible for the children I care for so if you have any queries, please contact me.