Rachel Spencer
Childminder in Camden (also available for babysitting)
Usually responds within 12 hours
Female Member since Sep 2009 Last Updated Feb 2025 Last Login 03 May 2025
My Summary
Ofsted Registered
About Me
I have been a Childminder for over 22 years, I live in Camden, London with my husband Mike and my daughter Lydia who is 26.
I have pets, 2 small dogs. My dogs are kept separate from my working area during working hours. They are regularly checked by a registered Vet and are regularly treated for which is appropriate.
I have always enjoyed working with children and find my job very rewarding, I love being part of their journey as they grow and develop, it’s quite sad to have seen the children leave over the years but I have also felt proud of their progression, knowing that they’ll live a very happy nursery and school life, being part of that, makes me happy!
I am registered with OFSTED and am insured with PACEY, I am also DBS checked along with all adults over 16 years of age in my houshold.
I am also registered as a supporting Childminder with my local autority.
My Experience
I have worked with children most of my adult life, working and volenteering in school and in weekend community clubs as well as creches and careing for young family members.
Having had my own 2 children, my eldest being 28, I have had various experiences whilst rearing my own children and caring for others, which has enabled me to be mindful of various areas of a child's behaviour and development.
I work towards stimulating and encouraging children, to reach their full potential so that they are prepared for the big wide world.
I visit local drop-ins, visit the local library, visit the zoo and farms and play parks. At home various activities are provided for children, painting, mark making, music, puzzles, books, playdough and a great collection of toys to play with! All children can chose their own activity or chose to join in with a group activity. Play is child led with a few planned activities.
I do provide meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner plus snacks.
All food supplied are of the healthy option. If parents/carers decide they wish to provide their child's meals themselves, this is very much welcomed. I do ask for parents who are weening a child, to provide food for their child until they are eating complete meals throughout the day, after this, I am more than happy to provide food if requested.
My approach to settling a child is to stagger for at least two weeks or for how ever long it takes for a child to settle in my practice, this normally consists of 30 mins to an hour for the first day, 1 hr for the second day then 1.5 hours for the 3rd and so on...Every child's personality is different and unique, so possibly this could become a different arrangement depending on how the child is feeling and behaving, but as a rule I feel this is a healthy way to be settled into a placement and begins good footing for a happy, healthy and safe place for your child to want to come to!
If you feel that my practice is right for your child and you decide to choose me as your childminder, you will recieve a welcome pack, this will consist of our contract, some permission forms and children’s information forms as well as a form re your child’s starting points, this is basically what your child can do at that moment with regard to their development and ability. You will also be given a form for you to let me know your child’s likes and dislikes, comforts and routine. They are all pretty straight forward, so very easy to understand.
I always like to keep my parents/carers updated on their child's activities of the day, so I write this in a daily diary via WhatsApp at the end of each day. This will detail meal times, moods, nappy changing and nap times and a brief description about your child's day.
I have worked with SEN children, both in school and as a childminder, I have worked one to one with a children with autism, I am experienced in makaton and I have also cared for a child who had to be tube fed and with children who have had severe allergies. I am willing to do further training if nessesary for any additional need that may require it.
My Qualifications
I am a qualified First Aider, I am also a qualified level 2 NcFe Teaching Assisstant. I have been trained in Food Hygeine, Safeguarding children, Revised EYFS and originaly qualified as a Childminder with an ICP level 3 qualification.
I have completed the new EYFS training and completed a refresher in child protection.
I also have a level 1 OCR certificate for (New Clait) for IT users for file management and e-document production, creating spreadsheets and graphs and Data base manipulation.
I have an access Art and Design Diploma level 3 qulification. I also have a full level 3 qualification in Child Development.
Please note, as a registered Childminder, all my training is ongoing and updated on a regular basis.
My Availability
Please contact me for availability.
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before School | no | no | no | no | 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 | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Overnight | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Last Updated: 23/02/2025 | |||||||
My Fees
- Babysitting from £12.00 per hour
- Childminding from £9.00 per hour
Fees will be discussed on meeting.
I provide wipes and nappy sacks but nappies must be provided by parents and carers.
I am available for temporary care, subject to availability.
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 10/10/2023)
Reviews
5 out of 5
Parents say
The childminder receives glowing praise from parents for her exceptional care and nurturing environment. Children settle quickly and look forward to their time there. Parents appreciate the detailed communication, including daily reports and photos. The childminder is described as caring, attentive, and genuinely invested in each child's well-being, treating them like family. Highly recommended by all reviewers.
Summary generated by AI from the text of recent member reviews
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Rachel Spencer. 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.
I can't say enough positive things about Rachel. My son has settled in immediately and absolutely adores her and always looks forward to his time at her place. He often asks, "When am I going to Rachel's?" which speaks volumes about how much he enjoys being there.
Rachel creates a warm environment where my son feels safe and happy. She's caring, attentive, and genuinely invested in each child's well-being. Her communication with parents is outstanding !
I couldn't ask for a better childminder for my son and highly recommend Rachel to any parent looking for exceptional care.
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Kamila
on 15/02/2025
Rachel is an brilliant childminder, truly a natural and one of the best. She has looked after our Ayla for the last 12 + months, in which daily we get detailed reports on her days activity, development and photos so we do not feel like we are missing out on her big moments. Rachel has really incorporated Ayla into her own family and treats her as the same.
The lengths Rachel goes for the children in her care is unbeatable, amazing meals and shared interests in the development of Ayla. Rachel also has an abundant of valuable advise on problems that may arise with a growing child, regularly putting us at ease and offering solutions. We will absolutely use Rachel for our next child and continue to appreciate our valued relationship.
Honestly cannot recommend Rachel enough as someone to care for what you love most
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Tom
on 10/02/2025
My son went to Rachel when he was 10 months old, and his sister joined at around the same age a year later. My experience with Rachel was positive from the get go. I had spoken to other childminders but once I met Rachel I knew she was who I wanted my children to go to. The children adored their days at Rachel's. Communication and feedback were always forthcoming and informative. I felt very confident and safe taking the children to spend the day with Rachel and would so again. Highly recommend to anyone.
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Rach
on 10/02/2025
Rachel has been/still is looking after my son since he was 6 months old and has honestly been the most amazing and loving childminder. She is extremely professional, great with the kids and takes them out to many activities and playgroups. She is also very accommodating and has made the transition for me going back to university so much easier which I am very greatful for. Not only is Rachel a fantastic childminder but she has also become a friend that I can trust and she’s always giving me great advice. 100% would recommend.
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Parent
on 07/10/2018
Rachel is the best childminder in Camden, and believe me I visited many when I was searching for the right care for my son. My son was with Rachel from 10 months old until we moved away to Kent when he was age 4 and a half. Rachel is professional, warm and extremely child focused and gives great advice if you need it. She is not only part of our family now, but a friend for life after caring for our little one. She is sensitive and kind but firm where needed. I highly recommend her and her family. I found the transition back to work went really smoothly, she reassured me, sent me updates and communication was really strong this continued throughout my sons time with her.
Kirsty Barnard MA/DIPSw social work, BA Hons psychology.
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Kirsty M
on 02/10/2018
My daughter has been with Rachel since she was 6 months old. She settled in very well from the beginning. She genuinely seems very happy to be with her and Rachel was the main reason I did not find it too hard returning to work after maternity leave. I believe my daughter received plenty of love, attention, play, naps, food and drinks. Rachel also took care of her eczema by applying cream and ointments regularly and also managed her mild food allergies, which she is very experienced in both. Rachel takes the children out frequently to the local playgroups and the outdoors like the park. Rachel and her family have been absolutely wonderful and it has been fantastic knowing them. My daughter is now nearly 15 months and it has been such a pleasure knowing that my daughter loved going to Rachel's. We are very sad to be leaving the area now however and leaving Rachel's care. I can't recommend her highly enough to other parents and carers!
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Parent
on 16/06/2016
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