Zebras Tots
Childminder in Basildon (also available for babysitting)
5.0
My Summary
About Me
Please contact us for availability.
OFSTED INSPECTION 19/06/2025 RATED “GOOD”
Welcome to Zebra's Tots. I have three sons who I totally adore. I decided to fulfil my ambition and go into the field of childcare which I am very passionate about. This was after working in the City of London in the finance sector for 13 long years. In terms of struggles that parents go through trying to juggle work and life. I've experienced this first hand so I completely understand and will do my very best to be as flexible as I can in regards to your childcare needs. I am also able to spend more time with my boys which is a huge added bonus. Everyday is guaranteed to be filled with fun, happiness, laughter and loving care.
I live in Laindon & provide pick drop offs from Janet Duke & Phoenix Primary School as well as James Hornsby High School.
My garden is very child friendly with lots of age appropriate activities. The main play area is a dedicated conservatory purely used as a nursery which is bright colourful and filled with toys and lots more exciting things!
I have three assistants who are a huge help.
They are all safeguarding trained and qualified, Paediatric first aid qualified and both have enhanced clear DBS checks.
My Experience
I enjoy every moment of being in the company of the children. As my mum and sister are also childminders and also own a day nursery, I have grown up in a childminding home. I have a broad knowledge, understanding and experience of childcare. All children are treated as one of the family in our home. Lots of fun and laughter is guaranteed in our home. Activities daily such as arts and crafts, cooking with all children who get to take samples home for mum/dad/carer or siblings. We also visit parks and play games indoors and outdoors.
Activities are also featured around Mother's Day, Father's Day, Easter, Halloween, Birthdays etc.. There are too many to list :)
I also cater for children who have food allergies i.e. Wheat, dairy or celiac etc... I work very closely alongside parents, taking into account every child's dietary needs.
Weekly tasting sessions are now being introduced encouraging the children to sample different fruits/vegetables as part of healthy eating.
Photographs are taken whilst children learn (with parents/permission & consent) these will form part of the child's learning journey folder which parents will keep once completed. Also parents are provided with a daily contact book stating the activities their child have completed that day, the food they ate, the times they slept etc.. This will give parents a full 'picture' of their child's day.
My Qualifications
Cypop 5 Pacey - Cache - Understand how to set up a home based childcare service - 4 credits at level 3
DBS (CRB) checked for assistants
British Red Cross First Aid for Child Carers
Level 2 - Food Safety & Hygiene for Catering
Safeguarding Children - Kwango via Essex County Council
OFSTED REGISTERED
Full Uk Driving Licence
Member of PACEY formally known as NCMA
Full Public Liability Insurance for Childminders
Safeguarding Children - Designated Person for Child Protection in Early Years Settings - Safeguarding Level 3
Supporting Children with Speech, Language and Communication Needs (Professional development course)
Food Hygiene Inspection (Basildon Council) Compliant. Pass
Level 3 Early Years Educator Qualification
My Availability
BREAKFAST CLUB:
Monday - Friday: 7.00am - 9.00am
AFTER SCHOOL CLUB:
Monday - Friday: 3:00pm - 6.00pm
HOLIDAY CLUB:
Monday - Friday: 7.00am - 6.00pm
FULL DAY:
Monday - Friday: 7.00am - 6.00pm
Full time childcare from birth upwards.
Both Term time and holidays are available.
Please contact me to discuss further
Weekend care currently unavailable .
I can currently drop off and collect from Janet Duke Primary School & Phoenix Primary School.
01/07/2026 Update: Limited availability.
Please contact for available spaces and further information.
My Fees
- Babysitting from £10.00 per hour
- Childminding from £8.50 per hour
Please call me or email me for a full break down of fees based of your individual requirements
All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) are included in my fees throughout the day plus mid morning and mid afternoon
We are now a FEEE registered provider for 3 & 4 year olds as well as 2 year olds (15 & 30 hour funding- subject to eligibility)
We now accept 9 month old funding.
We accept CCG Student Finance.
We accept various work place voucher schemes.
We accept tax free childcare. Please
My Local Schools
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at The Phoenix Primary School
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at Janet Duke Primary School
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at The James Hornsby School
My Ofsted Inspections
The inspection grades below have been obtained from the Ofsted website based upon the registration number the childminder has provided to us. You should verify this information yourself prior to using the childminder.
This member has chosen not to display their Ofsted inspection ratings on their profile. We recommend you check their current registration status and read their latest inspection report before using them.
My Documents
- DBS Check (added 03/06/2019)
- Ofsted Certificate (added 03/06/2019)
- First Aid Certificate: Paediatric Infant & Child First Aid Level 3 (added 07/02/2023)
- Training Certificate: Designated Person for Child Protection in Early Years Settings - Safeguarding Level 3 (added 04/08/2022)
- First Aid Certificate: Paediatric Infant & Child First Aid Level 3 (added 04/08/2022)
- Exam Certificate: Cache - Childminding Qualification - 4 units at level 3 (added 03/06/2019)
- First Aid Certificate (added 03/06/2019)
Reviews
4.95 out of 5
Parents say
Parents consistently praise the childminder for creating a warm, nurturing environment where children thrive. Communication is excellent, with regular updates and photos keeping families informed. Children develop confidence, social skills and school readiness through engaging activities whilst forming strong bonds with carers. The setting is highly recommended for its professional, caring approach.
Summary generated by AI from the text of recent member reviews
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Zebras Tots. Please note that reviews represent the subjective opinions of other Childcare.co.uk members and not of Childcare.co.uk. Parents must carry out their own checks and references on childcare providers to ensure that they are completely happy before enaging in the use of their services.
I have used Zebra Tots for both of my boys and honestly couldn’t be happier. My youngest has absolutely loved his time with Zehra and her amazing team. His speech has come on so much, along with his confidence and social skills. He’s made so many friends and there were days when he didn’t even want to come home, which says it all!
One thing I really appreciated was the communication. I was always kept up to date and knew what he’d been up to. He loved all the different activities and was always excited to tell me about his day. I also really liked that they have a good routine with things like story time, outdoor play, painting, and lots of other fun activities. It’s been lovely to see how these activities have helped prepare him for school and build his confidence.
I would highly recommend Zebra Tots to any parent. It really does feel like a home away from home. Zehra is so warm and welcoming, and I always knew my son would be safe, well looked after, and well fed! The fact that I chose Zebra Tots for both of my boys says everything about how much I trust Zehra and her team.
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Ronke
on 19/07/2026
My 2 year old son has been cared for by Zehra and her team for a year and he has come so far in that time. Before starting he was very clingy to us and wouldn't usually go to anyone he didn't know. After his first day here he came out so happy and has loved it ever since. Every morning he gets excited and can't wait to get there and every evening when we collect him he comes out so happy. The progress he has made this last year has been incredible his social skills and communication has improved so much. He's made lots of little friends too.
One of the hardest things for a parent is putting your trust in to others caring for them and I can honestly say as soon as I met Zehra I knew she was the most loveliest, friendly caring person and we are so lucky we found her to look after our baby. And she doesn't just care about the kids she cares about us as parents too...I would highly recommend her and her team to anyone looking for the best childcare ever!!!
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Jessica
on 06/07/2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We couldn’t have asked for a better childminder for our children. From day one, you welcomed our family with kindness, warmth, and genuine care. It gave us complete peace of mind knowing our children were in such a safe, loving, and nurturing environment.
Our children have grown so much in confidence, independence, and social skills while in your care. They always come home happy, excited to tell us about their day, and look forward to seeing you again.
We truly appreciate the fun activities, the patience you show every day, and the excellent communication with us as parents. It is clear that you genuinely care about every child and treat them like family.
Thank you for everything you have done for our family. We will always be grateful and would highly recommend you to anyone looking for a caring, reliable, and professional childminder.
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Min
on 06/07/2026
I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better nursery for my two children. From the very beginning, the staff made us feel welcome . Both of my kids were so happy there and clearly thrived—socially, emotionally, and in their confidence.
The care and attention each child receives is incredible. The team really takes the time to get to know the children as individuals, and it shows in how excited our kids were to go each day. Communication was always excellent, and we felt fully informed and involved.
Im so grateful for the love, patience, and dedication shown to my children. This nursery has been a huge part of their early years, and we’ll always appreciate everything they’ve done for my family. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to any parent.
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Hannah
on 23/12/2025
There is so much that can be said about zebra tot's and everything is positive, the staff are friendly, supportive (not just with the little ones), attentive to the individual needs of our Twins and other children in their care.
the setting is quaint and very homely our boys always enjoyed going to Zebra Tots and would clamber out of the car to get there faster to play with their friends, you're always greeted with a smile and asked how you are doing and it's a genuine question your not just a customer there you're made to feel like family.
Helped with so much from the cognitive development of our boys, they where speaking words but not sentences when they first started now they sound like humans, supported us during potty training following the same routine as at their home, they love the spacious garden setting and toys.
i wish i had the words to express how incredible these people truly are, we have used a few childcare services in the area and Zebra Tot's has excelled far past the others, you would be truly lucky to have your children looked after by these persons if your looking for childcare.
Our boys have really enjoyed their time here and would love to continue however as hard as it is to say the time as come.
Massive thanks to Zehra, Bill and her fantastic staff we wish you all the best in all future endeavors!!!
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Victoria
on 26/10/2025
Vera will go the extra mile if possible to accommodate your needs. She is compassionate and reliable. Although my daughter is now in school, if I call Vera for help, she is always willing to help if she can. From the button of my heart, THANK YOU
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Haoua
on 28/09/2025
Our son was cared for by Zehra and I can honestly say she has been nothing short of a blessing to our family. From the very first day, she welcomed him with warmth, patience, and genuine love, creating an environment where he felt safe, valued and happy.
Every morning he went in with a smile and every afternoon he came home full of stories, new skills and a heart full of joy. She celebrated his milestones as if he were her own and gently guided him through challenges with kindness and understanding.
Her dedication, attention to detail, and constant communication meant we always felt reassured and involved in his day-to-day experiences. It’s rare to find someone who blends professionalism with such genuine care but she does it effortlessly.
We will forever be grateful for the role she has played in our son’s life during such an important stage of his development. She hasn’t just been a childminder, she has been a friend, a role model, and an extended part of our family. We wholeheartedly recommend her to any parent who wants their child to be cared for, encouraged and loved in equal measure.
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Mumbi
on 14/08/2025
Zehra and Bill have been absolutely wonderful with our little girl. They provided a warm, loving, and safe environment where she truly thrived. She looked forward to going every day and spoke about them with so much joy. We’re so grateful for the care they’ve given her, they’ve made a lasting impact on her early years. Highly recommend!
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Jess
on 11/08/2025
We couldn’t have asked for a better person to care for our daughter than Zehra. From day one, she created such a warm, welcoming space where our little one felt completely at ease. It was clear that she genuinely cares about the children she looks after, not just ticking boxes, but really connecting with them.
Every day was filled with thoughtful activities and gentle routines that helped our daughter grow in confidence. She would come home happy and excited for the next day which any parent knows, is the best kind of reassurance!
We especially appreciated the lovely updates and photos that gave us a glimpse into her day, it made us feel so connected even when we were apart.
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Chioma
on 04/08/2025
Our little boy has attended Zebra Tots since he was 1 years old and is now leaving a confident and intelligent young boy after spending his crucial years with Zehra and her team.
Zehra has been a massive support to my son over the last few years and has helped with his learning, speech, walking etc. The setting is a fun and happy place for our son, we’ve never had a time where our son has been unhappy or not wanted to spend time there which has been blessing dropping him off.
We are sad that our time with Zebra Tots has came to an end due to our son going to primary school.
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Connie
on 09/07/2025
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This profile was last updated on 1st July 2026 and has been produced from information provided to us by the user. We have not verified or confirmed the accuracy of any of the information and members should undertake their own vigorous checks and references. Please ensure you read our Safety Advice and information on how to Check Childcare Provider Documents.