SMILE CHILDIMINDING: About Smile Childminding

	Meet the Team
				We have been open since 2007 and have loved every minute! We are network childminders, and have been providing Early Years Education (15 hours per week government-funded) for children of pre-school age since September 2010. We have Level 3 Diplomas in Childcare, we are Early Years Foundation Stage qualified, we are qualified in First Aid, and we have a variety of other qualifications including Food Safety and Advanced Child Protection. Over the past few years, we have grown very close to getting to know what children want from their carer, and what must be provided to help develop their personalities and skills. We feel strongly about letting children express their own opinions and views. We have discussions with them to find out what we adults can do to help with their day-to-day care, and we give them the freedom to explore their interests and develop their strengths, as well as providing activities designed to help them improve in areas where they are not so strong.

		Ali I have been working with children since 2001. My first role was as a Crusader youth group leader for children of primary age, leading a wide range of activities including sport, art, dance and drama. I have done supply work for Asquith Court Nurseries in Port Solent looking after young children from birth to 4 years. I worked at Henry Cort School during the school holidays as a playscheme assistant in charge of a large number of children aged 5 to 11. During the summer of 2005, I went to Kinshasa in the DRC to work at a nursery and orphanage run by the Lua Foundation, a charity dedicated to giving children an education and a better future, where I taught some English and played games. I have played an active part in the upbringing of three boys who were adopted by my parents in 2000, and I have experience with special needs and behavioural difficulties. I have two daughters, Faith and LilyAnn. I have a Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Childcare and Early Years Foundation Stage, Advanced Safeguarding, and I keep up-to-date with the latest developments by attending all appropriate courses.