Ann Mountford - Childminder
Ann Mountford is a registered childminder based in Trelowarren Street, Camborne.
She currently has eleven children on her books – although, as she says
’Luckily I do not have to care for them all at the same time!’
Ann has two broadband enabled computers in the house – one for her own use running the business and one in a room in the part of the house used for childminding that is specifically for the use of the children in her care.
‘The children love it!’ says Ann. ‘The older children use Word to do their homework as well as looking up the information they need on the Internet.
The younger children use the paint programme and they also use the computer to play games.
‘I have a two year old boy here today and he loves Noddy and Bananas in Pyjamas.’
Ann finds broadband invaluable to help her source and download government information relating to childminding, - especially OFSTED information and other government guidelines, which are stringent in this field.
Ann says ‘I also use the computer to generate my invoices, tax returns and so on as well as use the Internet to help me plan childminding sessions.
‘I find sites such as www.underfives.com really useful for ideas and planning my time with the children.’
Ann is also in the process of setting up her own website, which will provide information about the service she provides. She plans to use it as a ‘shop window’, setting out the service she can offer as well as her rates.
Ann is interested in the idea of including a webcam on the site, so parents can see their children whilst they are in Ann’s care.
‘Having broadband makes it easier to run my business effectively. And providing broadband for the children’s use helps make their time with me enjoyable and productive.’
