My name is Melanie Delve and I am an Ofsted Registered Childminder (August 2003) working from my home on the outskirts of Barnstaple in North Devon.

My family (self, husband and four children ranging from 20 years to 7 years old) live in a large 4 bed roomed property on the edge of a popular housing development. We have our own enclosed garden as well as access to the nearby park/play area. Living where we do, we also benefit from an urban/rural mix.

My husband, two eldest daughters and myself have all been checked by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB). I also had a Health Check as part of the registration process.

My most recent Ofsted inspection was in November 2005 and I was graded ‘Outstanding’. My Inspection Report is available to read - please click on the link!

I am registered to care for 5 children under the age of eight and of these, no more than 3 can be under 5 years old, at any one time. I also care for older children as part of my ‘before and after-school’ and ‘holiday care’ service. In addition I provide holiday cover for other local childminders.
I am occasionally asked to provide a placement for childcare students from the local college - I try to accommodate this whenever possible.

In accordance with my registration requirements I hold full Public Liability Insurance, have attended a ‘Foundation Course’ for Childminders and hold an up-to-date ‘First Aid for Childcarers’ certificate. Please click on the ‘Qualifications/Training’ link for further details of my childcare experience. I also have appropriate ‘Business Cover’ on my motor insurance.

I am a member of the ‘National Childminding Association’ and the ‘Devon Childminding Association’, both of which offer support and guidance for Childminders and Parents/Carers.
I am also a member of the ‘Devon Childminding Network’ at Level 3. This Network is part of the new Devon County Council Network structure.

My role as a Childminder is to complement the role of Parents/Carers to ensure that their child has the best possible start in life.

Please contact me with your requirements by e mailing: delve@woodlandtots.orangehome.co.uk or telephone 01271-379703. I can provide you with further details of the service I offer, together with the ‘NCMA Guide to Choosing the Right Childminder’ and/or the DCMA leaflet ‘Information for Parents’.