Helaina Hill

I live in Guisborough with my husband. My home is detached with a front and enclosed back garden, which is situated in a quiet cul-de-sac. I have had the pleasure of supporting many families through childminding over the past several years. Prior to becoming a Childminder, I thoroughly enjoyed working as an Early Years Teacher for 11 years. 

I have had a positive effect on the lives of many children and their families whom I have worked with. Although I felt that my job as an experienced Early Years Teacher was extremely rewarding, I decided to start childminding because I wished to work with children in a calm home environment with a lower ratio of children. Doing so enables me to provide children with an outstanding quality of care and education, which is my desire. I feel my strengths are demonstrated best by caring for young children who demonstrate emotional difficulties. I also consider myself to be a valuable asset to families who have decided to defer school attendance and support children leading up to the start of school. 

I have a wealth of experience caring for newborns up to teenagers and I love working with children. My enthusiasm and excitement are apparent to the children I am in contact with, which encourages children to feel happy to 'have a go' and thus learn and develop. I cater for the needs and interests of all the children I care for. I do this by providing the best possible learning experiences, both indoor and out. Based on children's interests, I plan activities for children to learn through play, since I believe that play is essential to all aspects of children's development and learning. I cook healthy organic meals with the children and enjoy baking with them too, as I see how much enjoyment and learning the children gain from such activities.

I also have much experience working along with parents and other professionals. I am keen to offer any help that I can to such ones, in order to support the children and their families. I hold a Paediatric First Aid and a food hygiene certificate. I keep my Continued Professional Development up to date including the renewal of 'Safeguarding Children' training. I am also qualified as an Advanced Swimming Instructor, enabling me to teach the fundamentals of swimming to all ages and abilities. With parental permission, I teach my childminded children to swim whenever the opportunity arises. 

I was thrilled to have been appointed as an Area Lead and Mentor for the Department for Education Early Years COVID-19 Recovery Programme. The training I have received prior to starting in this role and the knowledge and experience I have gained through working with other childminders, enhances my outstanding practice as an Early Years Professional.