Prior to Childminding, Jean worked in the travel industry for a large independent agency in a management role. After fourteen years service, she was offered voluntary redundancy and opted to change career. She registered as a Childminder in August 2003 and has since undertaken a variety of training and courses, including "Introduction to Childminding Practice", basic and advanced "Child Protection" courses, "Paediatric First Aid", Food Hygiene as well as other behavioural and activity centred workshops. She is a member of the NCMA St Albans childminding network. Her hobbies include serious swimming(!), travel (she has a degree in German and Spanish) and walking. Stephen worked as a Sales Manager for a large plc and, having previously registered as Jean's assistant, decided to leave his previous vocation to become a childcare professional, qualifying as a registered childminder in November 2004. He has also passed the Introduction to Childminding Practice and the basic Child Protection course, food hygiene and other courses relevant to child care, play and development. This has enabled us to extend the range of services and activities we offer. Stephen enjoys sports, music (Listening and Playing), travel and reading (in his spare time!). Our house is a three-bedroomed detached house in a quiet cul-de-sac, close to local schools, shops and parks. It is shared with a black, fluffy, friendly (and fully vaccinated) cat called Chimpey! We also have a seven seater people carrier (with appropriate child / baby / booster seats and three-point belts for all seats).