Previously to starting work as a childminder in September 2005, I had many years experience of working with and looking after children.

After training for 4 years to become a primary teacher, I taught for 5 years, working with children between the ages of 4 and 10. In my final year, I was taken on as a Leading Behaviour Teacher in Tameside, offering support and advice to teachers regarding dealing with challenging behaviour (and of course, rewarding good behaviour!)

I have had a lot of experience of dealing with important issues such as child protection and equal opportunities, and of working with children with special needs.

As a childminder I am enjoying spending time talking with the children and joining in with the fun and play activities that I rarely had time to do in a classroom with 32 children! I offer a wide range of activities which are both enjoyable for the children, and which will help them in their own personal development as they grow.

Since registering as a childminder, I have completed the following courses to improve my knowledge and skills as a childminder:

• First Aid (focusing on children and babies)
• Fire Safety
• 'Birth to Three Matters: A Framework to support children in their earliest years'

I intend to take part in further training in order to keep my knowledge up to date.