About Us

Here you can find out all about us, our philosophy & mission at Bubblegums, our qualifications as well as testimonies from parents of previous children.

Welcome!

My name is Kerry and I became a registered childminder as I love working with children and wanted to dedicate my experience, time and resources to providing quality flexible childcare to other families in a loving, warm and educational environment.

I live in South Ockendon, with my husband Dave – who is a full-time trained assistant and works alongside me – on the Brandon Grove Estate in a 3-bedroomed house in a very quiet cul-de-sac. Our whole house is registered for childminding which includes a conservatory, a secluded & secure grassed garden and a large lounge.

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My Story

Many years ago, I spent over 10 years working as a childminder. I really loved taking care of young children and helping to give them the best possible start to their education. Incidentally, I’m still in touch with some of those original children who are now adults , some with children of their own.

After I left a 13-year career in learning and development I saw a need for quality childcare so I decided to open my own as it was something I have always had a lot of passion for and had previously enjoyed very much.

Qualifications

Philosophy & Mission

Here at Bubblegums, we believe learning should always be done in a fun and relaxing atmosphere.

The children will enjoy many activities and no two days are the same. We also believe in spending time individually with each child, whether that is helping them to learn, doing art and crafts with them or just listening to them when they need to talk.

We are committed to making Bubblegums a positive experience for the parent and a safe space for their child to develop and learn in.

Our House

Downstairs there is a large lounge/dining room area which is used for play, a kitchen, and a toilet with wash basin. We also have a conservatory that we use for Arts & Crafts as well as role play zones. This leads to our secluded and secure grassed garden which has a variety of ride-on vehicles, a playhouse, a water/sand table as well as other outdoor toys.

Upstairs there are three bedrooms and a bathroom, for every child that will require rest. We also have a travel cot for the younger children to sleep in a quiet area, fresh linen and a baby monitor.

There is a wide choice of toys and activities to choose from in our home to suit all ages/stages of development.

Our house is a strictly non-smoking household.

Bubblegums Childminder

Helping Your Child Explore, Grow, & Learn

At Bubblegums we work closely with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum in child’s development to ensure your child is developing within the statutory requirements needed to give them the best possible start in life.

Testimonials

The One For Us

Initially I didn’t consider a childminder for my 9month old but after a couple of disappointing visits to outstanding nurseries I visited Kerry and Dave at Bubblegums. As soon as I sat down in their home I knew this was the childcare I wanted for my little boy. I am a teacher and they were incredibly flexible with school holidays. My little boy has the best memories from his time at bubblegums and has lots of photos/videos to look back at. Kerry and Dave took the children out most days and when they were indoors there was lots of water play and fun in the garden. They are both so passionate in their roles and they make the effort to arrange days out with the children and their families who they’ve cared for. I have a newborn baby and If I didn’t move up north he would be attending bubblegums without question.

~ Kylie (School Teacher)

Everything That We Could Have Ever Wished For

As a result of our careers and not having local family members we wanted to ensure that our only child went to the best child minder that we could find in Thurrock. After several very disappointing visits meeting childminders we were starting to get very worried and anxious, however everything changed as a result of a chance encounter. We witnessed Kerry and Dave looking after their group of children at a local garden centre and we were amazed at their positive interactions and engagement with the children, the routines and clear instructions which were well embedded, the outstanding behaviour of the children and the rich language that they were exposing the children to. After a brief conversation with Kerry we were over the moon when she explained that they had places and our child could start the following week.

Kerry and Dave were everything that we could have ever wished for. They show genuine love, care and interest to each and every child in their care and ensure that every day is packed full of learning experiences and opportunities for the children. We were provided with daily photos, videos and updates of what our child was doing and were kept abreast of all of his milestones that he was reaching and exceeding.

The Outstanding Ofsted which they received is a true reflection of the provision and offer that they give to the children. Our child always looked forward to going and we didn’t ever have tears or tantrums about attending. We can’t recommend Kerry and Dave highly enough – your child will be in the best hands.

~ Simon Remmer (Parent and Deputy Head Teacher)

Cannot Recommend Highly Enough

Having spent many months during my maternity leave visiting day nurseries and various child-minders, I was becoming increasingly concerned that I was never going to find suitable childcare provision for when I returned to work. One evening I came across the above profile and instantly I thought WOW. this could be exactly what I am looking for. As soon as I met Kerry, I knew I wanted her to care for my daughter.

As a first time mum I am quite particular, I only want the very best for my daughter and this is what I have with Kerry. Kerry has a beautiful home and has made a very loving and warm enviroment for children to be cared for. Kerry is a professional child-minder, not someone who is fitting the job around their own childcare arrangements, I believe this is what sets Kerry apart from the rest. The development my daughter has made in such a short space of time is unbelievable. Each day by daughter learns something new, whether it be a new word or identifying a part of the body. Kerry only provides true home cooked balanced meals with lots of fruit and veg, no chips or junk. Each week I can see my daughters menu and activity diary so I know what she has been up to. Every day I receive photos of what my daughter has been up to, this certainly makes my day go quicker especially when I am at my desk at work. I cannot recommend Kerry highly enough, she it fantastic!

~ Lauren (parent)

Outstanding Excellence

As a parent I first met Kerry and Dave at a playgroup. Our relationship grew as did my daughter. They always provide a variety of activities for the children they care for whether it’s organised play groups or rhyme time, outdoor days in the woods or by the sea or planned days in doors with structure and creativity. Kerry and Dave have a fantastic strong partnership and the children including my own daughter love being around them.

Kerry and Dave ensure children’s safety is paramount providing children in their care with hi-visibility vests when out and work as a tag-team coordinating the child’s needs. As a first time mum I must say Kerry and Dave set examples and ideas of what being a good parent/carer is about. I have learnt so much from this for my child. They are inspirational.

Also Kerry and Dave go beyond their remit. Often attending functions out of hours for the children they care for. They also help the children make gifts for their parents on special occassions such as Mothers Day, Easter and Christmas. No other childminders I have encountered take the time to do this. And these items are irreplaceable.

Fantatic service. Wonderful people. Excellent team.

~ Sarah (parent)

Family Feel Ambience

Kerry and Dave are next best thing to real parents for a child. We have been searching in close proximity as distance was not an option in our circumstance. It appears that our area restricted quest for baby care was a boon as we have located the Bubblegum. I would not hesitate to recommend them to any parent.

~ Iryna (parent)

Incredible Couple

I have found this lovely couple for over a year ago by their neighbours recomendations. From the first visit I knew that it was the right place for my sone. It took ages for him to settle down. Kerry and Dave made him feel welcome and loved so he would be more confident in their house. As my son’s first language is not english they done a great job by teaching him how to speak in english Now he won’t stop speaking in english, making full sentences and very confident when speaking with neighbours and other kids what he hasn’t done before. He even counting till ten, knows some letters, can get mixed up with colours but I am really happy for 23 months old boy.

I can’t wish for better childcare as kids hardly ever stay indoors, they always out; at playgroup, park, farm or even beach. They are never bored as Kerry and Dave have plans set up in advance.

This couple is really incredible beyond the words. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for childminder. Kerry and Dave should be on your top list.

~ Aldona (parent)

Highly Recommended

My 2 daughters of 20 months and 9 months both attend Bubblegums and I couldn’t have picked a better couple to take care of them. Finding childcare for my daughters was very daunting as they were both so young. Both Kerry and Dave made this as easy as they possible could. My girls are always happy when I pick them up and my eldest is always excited when we pull on the drive shouting “Kerry Kerry Kerry” I can honestly say I go to work knowing that both my girls are happy and enjoying their day with Kerry, Dave etc. They will always do what they can do support you in anyway they can.

I honestly could not recommend Kerry and Dave enough!!

~ Toni (parent)

Bubblegum

I done my placement at Bubblegum’s childminder for my course CYPW level 3 childcare course.

I have been supported very well by Kerry and Dave and find them very helpful. They have a close bond with the children and have a variety of different toys the children can play with.

The setting is very homely and couldn’t fault them at all. Two very lovely people would highly recommend.

Thanks again Kerry and Dave for all your support and hard work.

~ Tina (placement)