Get to Know
Denise & Her Vision
Hi, I’m Denise! My passion for working with children began over 15 years ago. I have always believed that the early years of a child’s life are the most critical for shaping their character, confidence, and native love for learning. This conviction led me to dedicate my career to early childhood education and developmental care.
Throughout my journey, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a Nursery Officer, a Nursery Nurse, and an After School Manager. These professional roles allowed me to work with children from diverse backgrounds, understanding their unique developmental milestones, learning patterns, and emotional needs.
I founded Dees Curious Minds in Gillingham to create a nurturing, secure home-from-home setting. By combining the structured learning of the EYFS curriculum with the custom attention, safety, and warmth of a domestic environment, I help children grow and discover at their own unique pace.
15+ Years Care
Nursery Officer & Manager history.
NVQ Certified
CCLD Level 3 professional training.
Play-Based
Guided learning & nurturing care.
Bilingual Care
English & Hindi Speaking
Gillingham, Kent
Safe, Local Setting
"Children are not vessels to be filled, but lamps to be lit. My goal is to foster their natural spark, helping them become confident, compassionate, and curious lifelong learners."
Denise
Founder & Lead Childminder
Our Nurturing Learning Environment
Explore the home-from-home spaces designed to keep your child safe, comfortable, and excited to discover.
Indoor Creative Playroom
A bright, fully secured learning area filled with Montessori wooden toys, puzzles, building blocks, and customized sensory boxes.
HAPPY ENVIRONMENT
ACTIVE LEARNING
CREATIVE LESSONS
AMAZING PLAYGROUND
Our Learning Approach
A connected curriculum designed to build confidence, practical life skills, and academic readiness.
Curiosity Approach
Encouraging child-led discovery by replacing plastic toys with natural, recycled, and open-ended items.
Encouraging child-led discovery by replacing plastic toys with natural, recycled, and open-ended items.
Language Rich Environment
Continuous dialogue, bilingual English/Hindi immersion, and storytelling to boost vocabulary and communication skills.
Early Maths Integration
Embedding measuring, counting, and pattern sorting into daily routines, making logic learning intuitive.
Mindfulness & Self-Regulation
Teaching breathing techniques and using sensory bottles to help children identify emotions and self-soothe.
Arts & Fine Motor Crafts
Engaging in clay work, painting, and scissors play to build finger strength and coordination.
Digital Literacy
Providing controlled introduction to age-appropriate learning applications and basic problem-solving games.
Cookery & Life Skills
Measuring ingredients, safe vegetable washing, and stirring tasks to build independence and food awareness.
Community Engagement & Local Outings
Learning extends far beyond our front door. We explore Gillingham's parks, libraries, and groups to build social confidence.
Library Story & Rhyme Time
Weekly trips to Gillingham libraries to listen to children's readings, browse picture books, and enjoy early phonics songs.
Weekly trips to Gillingham libraries to listen to children's readings, browse picture books, and enjoy early phonics songs.
Nature Walks & Parks
Daily fresh air explorations where children collect leaves, watch seasonal changes, and run in safe green settings.
Local Toddler Playgroups
Attending neighborhood toddler meets to practice cooperative group play and ease transitions into preschool.
Community Explorations
Short walks to post offices, shops, and markets to learn real-world safety and familiarise kids with their neighborhood.
Looking for a nurturing and
inspiring childcare environment?
Let's discuss how we can support your child's learning journey. Schedule a friendly home visit to meet Denise and tour our playroom!