Patricia Miles CHILDMINDER

Hello, my name is Patricia Miles, also known as Pat or Patsy. I am the owner of Patricia Miles Childminding, a warm & welcoming home from home professional early years and childcare setting for children aged 0-5 years. I have been childminding since 1992 and have over 30 years of experience and a long established reputation within the Harold Wood community. I am committed to providing a safe, engaging & nurturing environment where young children can learn, develop & thrive.

I have been a fully qualified, OFSTED registered childminder since 1992, located conveniently near Harold Wood Station. I am a member of Coram Pacey (Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years), fully insured and trained in Paediatric First Aid, Safeguarding Children, I.C.T. level1 & 2, Food Hygiene, I.C.O, and many more. I work independently, although my husband is registered as my helper. He works outside the setting (adult care home) but is often home before the children leave for the day. We are both non-smokers and always operate a strict no-smoking policy. We have obtained our enhanced criminal records checks (DBS) via Ofsted.

Why chose my setting?                                                                                                                                                I have carefully created a high-quality, warm, friendly, welcoming, safe, stimulating and secure environment designed to support every child’s learning, play and development. Children in my care build confidence through play-based learning and are prepared for their transition into school.

Highly experienced and fully trained:                                                                    I hold numerous qualifications and keep my training up to date to ensure the highest standards of care:

• NVQ Level 3 in Childcare
• Paediatric First Aid
• Diabetic training
• Food Hygiene & Safety
• Child Protection & Safeguarding
• The Prevent Duty
• Female Genital Mutilation awareness
• Data Protection
• ICT Level 1 & 2
• Full, clean UK driving licence
• Enhanced DBS checks for myself and my registered helper                                                                  

I am also a member of Coram PACEY, fully insured, and trained in all aspects of professional early years care. I use Coram Pacey contracts.  I also hold a full UK clean driving licence, and my car is insured for childcare business use.

Fun, Educational Activities:                                                                                     I offer a wide variety of activities, for both indoors and outdoors, tailored to promote development across all early year’s stages, including:

• Arts & crafts
• Messy play
• Playdough
• Role play
• Puzzles and board games
• Books and story time
• Music and dance
• Sand and water play with a range of equipment

The children and I also enjoy regular outings, such as:

• Stay & Play sessions
• Soft play centres
• Barleylands Farm
• Call of the Wild Zoo
• Sea Life Adventure
• Adventure Island
• Southend, Chalkwell, and Canvey Island beaches
• Museums
• Local parks and woodlands
• Duck feeding
• Local Library

Transport is provided in my fully insured 9-seater car, fully equipped with age-appropriate child seats and correct full business use insurance.

Funded & Private Childcare Places:                                                                     I offer a wide range of childcare options, including:

• Government-funded places for:
• Babies 9+ months
• Two-year-olds
• Three- and four-year-olds (up to 30 hours)

Funding covers 38 weeks per year. Parents are responsible for any additional costs or hours used beyond the funded entitlement. Private hours can be added at my usual standard rates. (these rates will be discussed at our meeting and are published in my policy and procedures)

I am always happy to discuss funded places, dietary requirements, and support for children with additional or complex needs.

Meals and requirements:                                                                  All children attending my setting bring their own food and snacks. This approach has worked well for several years due to:

• Allergies
• Dietary preferences
• Religious or cultural food needs

Meals should be as healthy as possible. (please view government guidelines) Hot meals may be sent in a flask so they remain at a safe temperature for your child when we are out on trips. There may not be facilities for me to heat food while out during our outings.

Occasional Extra and Longer Day Care:                                                         Occasional or extended childcare may be available depending on my numbers. Advanced booking and payment are required to secure a place in advance.

Payments accepted:                                                                                                                  

• Bank transfer
• Government funding
• Tax-Free Childcare for working parents    

Most outing costs are covered by me. If we visit a place where packed lunches are not permitted, parents may be asked to cover the cost of their child’s meal. Voluntary contributions for certain activities may sometimes be requested and will always be clearly shown on your invoice and discussed and agreed beforehand in advance of any outings.

Opening Hours:                                                                 Monday to Friday
7:30 am – 5:30 pm

Longer hours may be available if agreed and paid for in advance.

There is a charge for early drop offs and late collections. All extra fees are clearly stated in my policy and procedures. Policy and procedures are available as a hard copy format, these will be shown, discussed and signed with you on our first meeting.  

Page updated 01.12.2025