Meerkats
Childminder in Chorley
Usually responds within 30 minutes
Female Member since Jan 2011 Last Updated Nov 2024 Last Login Nov 2024
My Summary
About Me
Hello my name is Vicky Skyner I have been a registered childminder since Nov 2008, together with my daughters (one of whom is also registered ) and experienced staff we run our Childminding Services here in Wheelton Chorley (PR6 8HJ)
We have recently moved to a fabulous newly renovated premises in the beautiful village of Wheelton. We continue to be registered as childminders and as such our ratios are smaller than a nursery which enables us to still offer a home from home environment where children can socialise with others but also get that one to one care when required.
We have carefully planned our premises to provide lots of exciting opportunities for the children in our care which include a messy play/mark making area, and specific areas filled with construction, role play, sensory, small world, maths and phonic resources as well as a quiet area.
Our outdoor secure area offers lots of opportunities to run, play and have fun. We have an area for growing our own fruit and vegetables, a covered area, a log cabin filled with lots of learning opportunities and our rabbit cabin so that the children can access and look after our bunnies and guinea pigs.
We have off road parking and a very large play area directly in front of our premises.
We accept government vouchers from 9 months to 4 years old for those that are eligible and we also accept the government tax free voucher scheme
All members of staff are DBS cleared, they also hold their safeguarding, first aid and food hygiene certificates and all are level 3 in children's learning and development qualified. We hold both business insurance and we are registered with the independent commissions office.
I have pets in the setting which include dogs, who the children adore and of course the bunnies!
We promote learning through play providing a large variety of resources and learning experiences both indoors and out with weekly planning on a wide range of topics which all incorporate the EYFS
*** Graded Outstanding in all areas in May 2024***
So what are you waiting for come join the Meerkats family!
My Experience
*I have been registered since 2008
*We have experience with children who have additional needs
*Newborn experience
My Qualifications
We are all qualified to a minimum of level 3 in children learning and development
We all hold a Paediatric first aid certificate
We have all undergone safeguarding training
We all hold a food hygiene certificate
My Availability
We work from 7.30 - 6
£44 a day 7.30-6 including lunch and dinner
Fully qualified staff
Established over 16 years
Graded outstanding in May 2024
Childcare in a homely environment
All vouchers schemes accepted
Government funding accepted
WE HAVE VACANCIES AVAILABLE !!!!!
STARTING IN JANUARY 2025
We only do full days 7.30-6pm
We are not a babysitting service
We have a minimum 2 days a week policy
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before School | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Morning | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Afternoon | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| After School | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Evening | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Overnight | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Last Updated: 19/11/2024 | |||||||
My Fees
- Childminding from £4.40 per hour
fees are £44 for a full day 7.30 - 6 including lunch and dinner
My Local Schools
This childminder has not yet informed us whether or not they provide any drop off or pick up services at local schools.
My Documents
- Childminding Agency Certificate (added 06/11/2024)
- DBS Check (added 29/06/2021)
Reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Meerkats. Please note that reviews represent the subjective opinions of other Childcare.co.uk users and not of Childcare.co.uk. Parents must carry out their own checks and references on childcare providers to ensure that they are completely happy before enaging in the use of their services.
My son has been with Meerkats since he was 7 months old. I had heard great things about meerkats whilst I was in the process of looking for childcare and I was over the moon when Vicki got in touch to let me no she had a space available. We went and visited her at the setting an within a short amount of time I knew this was the place for us an I have been so happy with my choice. My son is so happy whilst he’s there. All the team are fantastic at what they do an so friendly it really does feel like a home from home. I can not recommend them enough if you are looking for a friendly home from home setting with a team of caring, funny and attentive ladies. My son is around children of different ages and this has helped him to develop his physical, social an emotional skills that I don’t feel he would in a setting of just his own age group. The activities they do help to make learning fun for all children regardless of there age as they adapt them so everyone can get involved.
Thank you Meerkats for everything you do x
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Really wonderful childcare setting. The staff know and understand each child and know how to get their very best. The setting is homely but structured and the learning is outstanding.
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I’ve got 3 kids and we’ve lived in a couple of places so I have experienced other childminders and nurseries before but let me tell you this place is the jackpot. My son started at 1yo and will remain there now until school as I can tell it’s the best place for him. The owners are so nice and provide really good communication whether it’s letting the parents know how the day is going through pictures in their page, clearly communicating policies, direct contact for issues and always a smiling face at the door. My son is shyer than some and yet still is happy to be at Meerkats and I know he is well looked after and his confidence will grow with them. I really just can’t fault them at all to be honest. Really nice setting too and lots of activities. Vicky and Abi have created a prime example of childcare.
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Our little girl has been at Meerkats since the age of 10 months and is leaving this summer as she starts school in September. She has been provided with the most exceptional care throughout her time at the setting and all the staff have been outstanding in helping her grow and develop as an individual. There are so many wonderful aspects of Meerkats, which has the benefit of a home setting whilst also having the feel of a larger group (approximately 10 children). Our daughter learnt so much from being around children a year or so older than her when she was young and this has really aided her personal development. As parents, we have worked with the staff at every stage of her development and have sought advice from them when faced with challenges at home. It has been a wonderful partnership where we have made decisions for our family that have been supported by the staff at the setting, particularly surrounding naps, feeding and potty training. They have gone above and beyond to accommodate our requests and supported us at every turn. We are particularly grateful to Meerkats for steering us through the tricky situation of the pandemic and working tirelessly to protect all the children in their care from not just Covid, but all other illnesses that are out there in the world. We have never once regretted our choice of childcare and cannot express fully in words just how truly amazing Meerkats is for children of all ages.
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Our son started at Meerkats in June and has settled in really well. He was only 10 months old when he started, and I was naturally anxious about leaving him and going back to work, but Vicky and the team at Meerkats have been great with him. The communication is fantastic and I always feel like he is being well looked after- I never worry about him when he’s at Meerkats!
I think it’s great having a mix of ages as it helps to build his confidence around other children, and he still gets his naps and quiet time when he needs it.
Overall, an amazing place where my son is obviously going to flourish over the next few years, and where the staff really are passionate about what they do. What more can you ask for?
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