Shirleys House
Childminder in Broughton Gifford
Usually responds within 24 hours
Female Member since Jun 2010 Last Updated Jun 2025 Last Login 12 Jul 2025
My Summary
About Me
Hello. We live in a lovely rural location with plenty of access to outdoor activities, many based on Forest School ideas. I aim to provide a fun, friendly and caring environment, and the children learn through play, with lots of opportunities for free expression. Each child has unique gifts and interests which make them who they are. I aim to help them reach their potential in all areas, so they can develop into confident, happy and caring people. Because I only look after a small number of children each day, I can give them a high level of individual attention, and they make rapid progress in all areas of development. I work closely with parents/carers so that I can provide the best care, specific to each child's needs and interests. I have been rated Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted three times.
We are easily accessible from Melksham, Holt, Trowbridge, Corsham and surrounding areas. My own children are all out in the world of work now. We have quite an extended family of friendly cats, dogs (who stay behind a stair gate during the day), and horses, which the children enjoy looking at and talking about. Several children here are younger siblings of children I have looked after before, who have now moved on to school. I try to provide continuity of care and flexible hours wherever possible.
I can offer up to 30 hours per week of funded Childcare and Education for all eligible 9 month plus, two, three and four year old children, and can help parents access all available grants including the tax free childcare scheme.
All meals, drinks and snacks are provided, and included in the fees. Please contact me for a brochure (lots of pictures!) if you are interested, and I can email it to you. I can also provide excellent references from current families, and those with children now at school.
NB. It is free for you to contact me as I am a Gold Member of this site.
Thanks for looking!
My Experience
I have been a Registered Childminder since 1998. I am fully qualified, CRB checked and first aid trained.
I have plenty of experience with helping children to learn through play and having fun. By the time they start school, most of the children can read, write, do simple maths and have very well-developed social skills, which gives them the confidence to cope with the new challenges of school. My husband Chris and I also have experience of caring for children with special needs.
My Qualifications
Degree in Science (Physics/Maths)
NVQ Level 3 in Early Years and Childcare
Paediatric First Aid
Child Protection
Many short courses relevant to Childcare
My Availability
Please feel free to send me a message to enquire about spaces and availability
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before School | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Morning | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Afternoon | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| After School | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Evening | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Overnight | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Last Updated: 04/07/2025 | |||||||
My Fees
- Childminding from £6.00 per hour
Please contact me for an information-packed brochure and references, which I can send through email.
For all eligible 9 month plus, two, three and four year olds I can offer up to 30 funded hours per week.
My Local Schools
This childminder has not yet informed us whether or not they provide any drop off or pick up services at local schools.
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.
My Documents
- DBS Check (added 16/04/2020)
- Ofsted Certificate (added 16/04/2020)
Reviews
4.38 out of 5
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Shirleys House. 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.
My 2 boys have been with Shirley since they were 9 and 12 months. They have flourished under her care, and we’ve always loved how personal and deliberate Shirley’s care is with each child. The setting is wonderful and it feels like home away from home. Can highly recommend Shirley to anyone looking for excellent childcare.
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by
Hannah t
on 12/09/2023
Response by
Shirleys House
on 13/09/2023:
Thanks Hannah, what a lovely review! It was a real pleasure looking after your boys over the years, they are little superstars xx
My little one started with Shirley when she was only tiny and has absolutely thrived here! Shirley is fantastic and takes the time to send you updates and give you the much needed reassurance that your baby is okay and exploring the world with their friends! Lovely setting where children are free to express themselves made even better with beautiful surroundings, lots of outside space and even some animals which my little girl adores. I honestly cannot recommend enough- thankyou Shirley for everything you do!
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by
jessica
on 15/08/2023
Response by
Shirleys House
on 16/08/2023:
Thanks for this amazing review, Jess! I have loved looking after your little girl, she is an absolute superstar. I wish you all the best in this next chapter of your lives. xxx
She looked fantastic from her profile so whilst she couldn't help with my eldest, I asked for more information for my youngest for when he's 3 (beyond the waiting list) and can benefit more. She still wasn't interested for some reason and that's fine, although it would have been more polite to say why rather than rudely blocking me. Not impressed.
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by
Rxh200
on 30/06/2021
Response by
Shirleys House
on 01/07/2021:
I blocked this person because their messages were becoming abusive and bullying. I politely said at the outset that I couldn’t offer what they were looking for, and for some reason they just wouldn’t accept it. They were sadly going to leave a negative review whether I blocked them or not. Respect and kindness go a long way, and cost nothing. I hope this person finds the childcare they are looking for, but I would recommend that Childminders and Nurseries local to Trowbridge steer clear of this one.
Shirley was the best childminder we could find in the area. She looked after our little boy from 8 months old until he went to school. It was wonderful to leave him with someone so trustworthy. He became best friends with the other children and it was lovely receiving the photos and diary from the day. If we ever have any more children they will go straight to Shirley! I would recommend her without hesitation.
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by
ALH
on 16/05/2021
Response by
Shirleys House
on 17/05/2021:
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! Yes, please keep me in mind if you have any more children! xxx
As first time parents, we were very anxious about finding the right childminder for our 9m old daughter. The truest piece of advice we were told was, ‘you’ll know within two minutes of meeting someone’, and this was the case exactly! Shirley is very friendly and warming, she has a lovely home set in a fantastic location for children to experience lots of outdoor activities. We receive daily photos of fun and our daughter has grown so much socially. Especially being born in early lockdown. All in all, we couldn’t speak higher of Shirley and her skills!
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by
Leanne R
on 08/05/2021
Response by
Shirleys House
on 16/05/2021:
Thanks Leanne, that's lovely to hear!
xx
Shirley is a wonderful childminder. She looked after our daughter for more than 2 years before we sadly had to move on, due to a job move. She is outstanding and she provides lots of great activities for the children. She has an amazing garden and outdoor area on a farm. The children eat really well, with a good variety of meals and snacks. Our daughter learned so much when she was there and always came home excited to tell us about her day. We still keep in touch now, and I would recommend Shirley to anyone.
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by
Danielle
on 28/04/2021
Response by
Shirleys House
on 16/05/2021:
Thanks Danielle, what a lovely review!
xx
Be aware that while you may be conversing about a space available - and ask to reserve that space, this person will give it to another already in the setting.
May be better to let people know this when putting an advertisement about a space - or even better, ask those with children already attending whether they want the space beforehand :)
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by
Angel
on 06/04/2021
Response by
Shirleys House
on 07/04/2021:
I’m sorry that you felt you had to leave a negative review when you haven’t even met me, spoken to me on the phone or even asked to see a copy of my prospectus or my large file of positive reviews from current and previous families. I was only being honest about the space I might have available, and I did offer to let you know about future spaces which might come up.
I understand your frustration that you can’t seem to find what you’re looking for locally.
I wish you all the best and hope you find the childcare that meets your needs.
I highly recommend Shirley! She is brilliant and always goes the extra mile for us. Our son was struggling where he was before but he has come on in leaps and bounds since going to Shirley's. He is much happier and more confident. He always has a brilliant time, there is lots to do and they spend a lot of time outside.
Shirley makes sure we are kept up to date with our son's progress and she plans activities which he enjoys. It is so helpful knowing he is having lots of healthy food too because he can be a bit fussy. If you want a Childminder who is kind, reliable, and makes every effort to help your child develop, i can't think of anyone better. We were lucky to find you Shirley!
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by
Parent
on 23/07/2015
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