Jennie
Childminder in Colchester
Usually responds within 24 hours
Female Member since Jun 2018 Last Updated Apr 2025 Last Login 02 May 2025
My Summary
About Me
Hi, we are Jennie and Ashley, and we run Jennie's Little Gems.
My name is Jennie Howard and I am a registered childminder with over 22 years experience working with babies up to teens and I love what I do. From a very young age I was always playing with my dolls and taking over my mum’s job by being a little mum to my youngest brother. I did some babysitting during the holidays and weekends and when I left school I attended Epping Forest College to complete my Diploma in Childcare and Education (level 3). I have looked after children since I left college
My name is Ashley Julien and it has always been my passion working with children. During primary school my mum was a childminder so I always helped out with the children from an early age. When I left school I completed my certificate in Childcare and Education and went straight into work in a private nursery. I feel fortunate and lucky to be able to work in a profession that I can get so much job satisfaction and reward from and be able to help all children grow and develop holistically and to the best of their ability.
We cater for full time and part time places, and will be doing school drop offs/collections from Alderton Primary School. Children we care for are always made to feel safe, comfortable and feel at home, enjoying lots of different activities, following the EYFS and meeting their individual needs. We also love to take the children out and about to various different locations including local playgroups, parks, soft plays and library.
We provide 3 meals a day which are prepared and cooked fresh on site and if we are having a day out we will supply a picnic.
If you have any questions or wish to arrange a visit please email or call us.
Look forward to hearing from you
Jennie and Ashley
My Experience
Jennie - Since leaving college I have had lots of different experiences working with a range of age groups from babies up to teens. I have worked in a private nursery, working up to a senior member of staff running the baby rooms. I have also worked in children centres and abroad. I travelled abroad to be a kids rep in Corsica, Greece and Mauritius season work and having lots of fun running the kids clubs. I have been a live in nanny in Milton Keynes, au-pair in Switzerland and worked in a school, as a nursery nurse in the Reception and the Nursery, planning activities, being a keyworker, working closely with the parents and having SEN experience.
Ashley - While working I completed my Diploma (level 3) in Childcare and Education which enabled me to further my career in two different nurseries before working as a nanny, an assessor for a childcare course company and then as a play worker for a Children’s Centre. While at my current job I have worked my way up from an Outreach Worker to an Activity Co-ordinator. I have also worked at the Chicken Shed Theatre Company as a children’s theatre group leader which entailed leading and working with a group of different aged children including children with disabilities on stage.
My Qualifications
Diploma in Childcare and Education (level 3)
Home based childcare (level 3)
Ofsted registered childminder
DBS check
12 hour paediatric course
Birth To Three Matters training
Full/ clean UK driving licence
Food hygiene certificate
Health and Nutrition
Safeguarding training
Prevent Duty Training
My Availability
Monday to Thursday
7:30am till 6:00pm
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before School | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Morning | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Afternoon | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| After School | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Evening | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Overnight | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Last Updated: 02/04/2025 | |||||||
My Fees
- Childminding from £7.50 per hour
£65 daily fee open from 7:30am till 6.00pm
Drop off and pick up will be £6 an hour
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 Ofsted Inspections
The inspection grades below have been obtained from the Ofsted website based upon the registration number the childminder has provided to us. You should verify this information yourself prior to using the childminder.
My Documents
- Ofsted Certificate (added 14/07/2019)
Reviews
5 out of 5
Parents say
These childminders are highly praised for their exceptional care, warmth, and dedication. Parents consistently highlight the fun, educational activities provided, including outings and arts and crafts. Children are described as thriving in their care, with many developing strong bonds. The providers are commended for their passion, accommodating nature, and ability to create a home-like environment for the children.
Summary generated by AI from the text of recent member reviews
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Jennie. Please note that reviews represent the subjective opinions of other Childcare.co.uk members 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.
Our little girl has been with Jennie and Ash from 6 months old and has come on leaps and bounds. She cannot wait to get in their door as soon as we arrive and equally never wants to leave. Seeing the relationship they have built with her is lovely. They have been accommodating to her allergies and ensure that she is provided with a range of foods even if that means cooking/making separate foods for her.
You can really see the passion they have for working with children. Nothing is never an issue even when our little one loves a tantrum 🤣
So glad we made the decision to have you both look after her.
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karen
on 10/04/2025
My son has been with Jennie & Ashley since last year and it has been the best decision I could have made for a safe, fun, caring & educational childcare provider. I was so nervous about sending my son away 2 days a week but they made not only the transition so effortless and comforting but my son absolutely loves every minute he is there! regular daily updates with photos & they provide sooo many fun days including days out etc. knowing every photo or video that is sent through with him beaming ear to ear with smiles & laughter is the only reassuring thing is need! I feel I am so fortunate to have found them!! Couldn’t recommend enough !!!
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Natalie
on 03/04/2025
Our littlest boy (11 months old) has been with Jennie & Ashley since January. I can't begin to tell you how happy he is going there! He has so much fun and really has come along way since starting. He has had a few issues with feeding due to his tounge tie but they have gone above and beyond working with us to get him on solid foods, he went from choking on puree to eating finger foods to now enjoying a full dinner! We can't thank them enough for everything they do with the children in their setting. Highly recommend childcare provider and I wish our eldest boys had of come to you when they were little. We are so glad we made the decision to use Jennies little gems for our little one, I'd recommend them to anyone and everyone.
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Louise
on 01/04/2025
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Jennie
on 02/04/2025:
Thank you so much Louise we are so glad you choose us and little F is part of our little family. He is such a happy little boy and such a pleasure to look after xxx
My twins girls have been with Jennie and Ashley since they turned 1 and I can honestly say that they ABSOLUTELY love going to them (we've just had half-term and they spent most of it asking 'Going to Jennie and Ashley's?' 😂). My friend recommended them and said that they are like one big, happy family and it is so true. The girls absolutely love being with the other children and they are so cared for! Everyone is so kind to one another. Jennie and Ashley genuinely enjoy looking after the girls and seeing them develop. They organise lots of fun things to do: trips to soft play, mini-beast hunts, loads of arts/crafts and play activities, and much more. I simply cannot recommend them enough. We were devastated when they told us they were moving to a new town, but feel so grateful that they girls got to experience one year with them - so many happy memories.
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Jillian
on 07/06/2024
My eldest has been with Jennie and Ashleigh from reception and he starts senior school this year (mind blowing!) He loved it so much his younger brother left his nursery during covid closures to join them and we never looked back.
In all honesty I was skeptical of using a childminder at first but that quickly changed when i saw how happy the children were and what personal care they get. If the sun is shining it means a trip to the park or on a rainy day perhaps a soft play or craft activities. Never a dull moment and the kids love having an input into dinner suggestions.
Warm, kind and the best pair to trust with your VIP’s
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SamB
on 03/06/2024
My daughter has been with Jennie and Ashley from Reception until the end of Year 3 and loves the days that she goes, especially all the arts and crafts they provide and delicious home cooked dinners! In the past she also attended in the school holidays occasionally and enjoyed the fun filled days out.
Both Jennie and Ashley love their jobs and don’t see it as work, they want the children to have as much fun as possible whilst learning and gaining new experiences at the same time. They are very caring and ensure every child is treated individually.
I have no hesitation in recommending them!
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Chloe
on 01/06/2024
From the moment our little one entered their care at just five months old, Jennie and Ashley have transformed from mere childminders into cherished members of our family. Their warmth, kindness, and genuine love for children shine through every interaction, making their home our son's second home.
Having entrusted our other two children to various childminders in the past, we can confidently attest that Jennie and Ashley's level of care is unparalleled. They don't just watch over the children; they nurture, engage, and cherish them as if they were their own.
Words cannot adequately express the depth of gratitude we feel for having Jennie and Ashley in our lives. Our son is not just well cared for; he's thriving under their watchful eyes. From nutritious meals to abundant affection, every aspect of his wellbeing is meticulously attended to.
For any parent seeking childcare where love and genuine affection abound, look no further than Jennie and Ashley's care. They know what it means to truly adore and nurture children, creating an environment where little ones not only feel safe but truly loved.
In summary, Jennie and Ashley's childcare isn't just exceptional; it's transformative. They don't just care for children; they love them, and that makes all the difference.
Thank you so much for everything you do! I just wish there were more people like you in this world.
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Kim
on 07/05/2024
Jennie and Ashley are wonderful people who are brilliant childminders with real passion for what they are doing! They are full of energy and excellent ideas which they utilise to the fullest. My four year old daughter absolutely adores them and loves spending time at their beautiful place full of amazing toys and activities. The food is excellent and I always get wonderful updates accompanied with lovely pictures of what my daughter was up to that date. I simply could not ask for more from a childminder - warmth, safety and a day filled with adventures and laughter. I would not hesitate to recommend Jennie and Ashley to anyone.
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sabs33
on 05/07/2022
My 3 year old has been with Jennie and Ashley for 2 years, and they are absolutely fantastic child minders - I could not ask for a better setting for my son. They are very caring and nurturing.
Jennie and Ashley always take the children out to soft play, trampoline parks, swimming, play groups, playgrounds and many, many more places. They do so many different activities at home too, lots of arts and crafts and baking.
They do a fabulous job of following the EYFS and my son is learning so much from being with them.
Jennie and Ashley work brilliantly with parents and are happy to spend time helping parents giving advice and recommendations on dealing with behaviors at home.
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Nattyb10
on 04/07/2022
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