Community: Child Minders and After School and Holiday Care

Listed below are the child minders and providers of after school and holiday care, who are all recognised by OfSTED as suitable providers, whilst having a close links with the school.  We are happy to signpost you to any of these providers, but planning ahead is essential as they are very popular. 

Click here for article by Jane Smith: 'Childminding In And Around Elmstead Market.'

Following a meeting, in March, 2008, it was agreed to begin a link between Elmstead Primary School and local child minders - providing they are OfSTED registered of course.  Registration certificates, Mrs Smith explains, "...have to be displayed at all times.  A full CRB check is required, regularly updated.  The Introduction to Childminding Practice qualification is a requirement, in addition to the new requirement for Pediatric First Aid training, which is updated every three yeras.  Public LIability Insurance is another requirement, with business motor insurance necessary if the childminder uses their car to transport cared for children.  To accept nursery funding for 3-5 year olds childminders need to be part of the Childminding Network and Accredited." 

The child minders, listed below, are happy for you to contact them should you require information about using their facilities.  We hope to add more names in the future:

Mrs Sharon Tolfts

Tel: 01206 822799

e-mail: mrtolfts@aol.com

Mrs Lisa Draper

Tel: 01206 865253

e-mail: alanolivedraper@hotmail.com

Mrs Catherine Crysell

Tel: 01206 824620

Catherine Crysell looks after children at her family home in the village, just a short walk from Elmstead Primary School.  She is an accredited local childminder, has after-school and pre-school places available.  Government 'nursery' vouchers are accepted until 18.00.  Shift workers are also catered for. 

Home based holiday childcare is available at competitive rates.  Please call Catherine on 01206 824620 for any further details, and she will be happy to answer all your questions.  Over the years many children, attending Elmstead Primary School, have benefited from her care. 

e-mail: catherinecrysell@hotmail.co.uk

Mrs Jane Smith

Tel: 01206 864828

e-mail: thesmith@terra.es

Karita Kids 

Colchester Main Road

Alresford

COLCHESTER

CO7 8DGTel: 07745285207

e-mail eve@karitakids.co.uk

website: www.karitakids.co.uk

Eve Hillier, who runs Karita Kids, is able to collect your child at the end of the school day, in a licensed mini-bus, with parent/carers collecting their children from her base at Alresford.  Provision is limited so contact her directly if you would like to book a place for your child.