Please note: If you have visited this site recently, you may have noticed that Ofsted erroneoously linked my "My Ofsted Report" button to another childcare provider. I have now saved my report as a PDF file and this can be found by clicking the link below!

My name is Kathryn Shepherd (Kate) and I am an OFSTED registered childminder, based in the lovely village of St. Erth, near Hayle. I recently returned to live in St Erth again after living "up country" for the last ten years.

I am an OFSTED Registered Childminder who is fully insured through the National Childminding Association (N.C.M.A.) of which I am also a member. I have had medical checks and been cleared by the Criminal Records Bureau, with an "enhanced" disclosure.

From late 2009, I was appointed to the CCCN - Cornwall Community Child-minding Network, which allows me to undertake specialist care and provision for children who are disabled and have specific needs. I am able to look after them on a one to one basis if needed, to allow the child full access to everything around them in the environment.

I am now registered to offer overnight care for two children under 8 years, as part of the compulsary Early Years register.

I have vacancies for new child-minding clients from new-born upwards. I do "pick up's" from Ludgvan Community School, Nancledra and St Erth Schools.

I offer an all year round service and my fees are very reasonable. I am able to offer discounts for full time clients. Because I am registered, you could even claim back my fees through the Tax Credit system, or perhaps through your own work child-care voucher scheme.

As a childcare provider I find it is especially helpful to have a framework of guidelines laid down to explain to prospective parents they way I work with the children.

When a new family come to visit I give them a prospectus with all my Policies in to look through. I find that this lays some ground rules and helps parents understand my views and practices concerning child care.

I am fully conversant with and have attended training courses in the new E.Y.F.S. structure.

My qualifications include:

Paediatric First Aid Certificate
Basic Computer Skills
Introducing Child-minding Practice
EYFS Professional development workshop certificates
Introduction to Safeguarding Children
Outdoor Play
Certificate of Good Practice
Attendance at a "Safeguarding Children" training course
Attendance at "The Right Support For Every Child" and "Welcoming Us" courses (CCCN)

I am also preparing to take my NVQ Level 3 in Caring for Children and Young People