Sally
Childminder in Norton Canes
5.0
My Summary
About Me
Welcome to Busy Little Hands!
A warm, happy and nurturing home-from-home where little hands learn, explore and have lots of fun!
Hi, I'm Sally, an Ofsted-registered childminder based in Norton Canes, Cannock. I live with my husband and our two boys in a friendly, pet-free family home.
At Busy Little Hands, I want every child to feel safe, comfortable and cared for - just like part of the family. My setting provides a calm, clean and welcoming environment where children can build confidence, make friends, explore their interests and enjoy learning through play.
I provide rich and exciting learning experiences across all seven areas of learning and development within the EYFS.
My aim is to help every child become
*happy, curious, confident, kind Independent & self-care skills.
*A confident communicator who enjoys learning new words, chatting and asking questions.
*Able to build positive friendships and relationships with others.
*A good listener who enjoys stories, songs and conversations
*Creative and imaginative through role play, small-world activities and outdoor adventures
*Interested in nature, wildlife and the changing seasons
*Well prepared and excited for their next big adventure - starting school!
I observe each child's individual development and plan engaging next-step activities that build on their interests, strengths and curiosity.
Learning does not only happen at home! We enjoy regular visits to-
*Toddler and forest playgroups
*childminder playgroup/playdates
*Libraries and local parks
*Farms and nature spaces
*Music and dance groups
*Chasewater, Shugborough, Wolseley Bridge, Hollybush and Birches Valley are just a few regular outings
Every outing offers new opportunities to discover, explore and make happy memories together.
Child-Led Learning
Alongside our monthly themes, I follow a Planning in the Moment approach. When a child becomes fascinated by something, I use that moment to extend their ideas, deepen their learning and encourage their natural curiosity.
My Ofsted inspector highlighted this approach:
"The childminder is an inspirational teacher. She consistently extends and challenges children's learning to the highest levels and responds to their spontaneous play ideas innovatively."
Working Together With Families
Families receive a termly newsletter featuring our upcoming themes, activities, outings, celebrations and festivals, as well as what we will be learning, reading and singing.
Parents are always encouraged to share their children's interests and suggest ideas for our themes. I also welcome updates about what you are working on at home so that I can support your child's development consistently within the setting.
Throughout the day, parents receive updates via WhatsApp, including:
Photos and video clips of their child's adventures
Information about what they have eaten
Updates about their mood, activities and achievements
Group photos in a private, parents-only WhatsApp group
Twice Rated Outstanding
My most recent Ofsted inspection took place in June 2025, when Busy Little Hands was graded Outstanding for the second time.
Busy Little Hands - where little minds grow, little friendships blossom and every day is filled with learning, laughter and adventure!
My Experience
After qualifying as an NNEB (Level 3) in 1993, I spent 11 wonderful years working as a nanny for a variety of families. In 2003, I became an Ofsted Registered Childminder, and I’ve been proudly supporting children and families ever since.
Throughout my childcare career, I’ve cared for children from birth right through to 16 years, including plenty of experience with twins. I’m lucky to have built long-lasting relationships with many families, and I’m proud that so many have stayed with me for years — a true reflection of the care, stability, and learning environment I provide.
I also have excellent references, not only from parents but from the children themselves. Their words give you a lovely insight into how they feel in my care and the bonds we build together.
I genuinely love what I do. Watching little ones grow, learn, and develop — seeing their personalities shine and their confidence blossom — brings me so much joy. Creating a warm, fun, and nurturing space where children feel safe, happy, and excited to explore is at the heart of everything I do.
My Qualifications
Ofsted Registered -
graded OUTSTANDING JUNE 2025
NNEB (NVQ LEVEL 3)
First Aid
CRB/DBS checked
Clean drivers Licence
Member of Pacey- public liability
I have attended many childcare courses and do this very regularly.
Quote from my Ofsted inspection - "The childminder has a very strong commitment to her professional development. She carries out extensive research of early years development"
My Availability
No availability as of sept 2026
My Fees
- Childminding from £7.00 per hour
I accept Government Early Years Funding
Tax free childcare
Fees includes healthy fruit, snacks & drinks.
Breakfast & Lunch to be provided by parents
Trips to parks, forests, toddler groups will be free but outings to forest play groups ,dance groups, farms, zoos, soft play centres and role?play venues, A small voluntary contribution may be required towards your child’s entrance fee.
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
- Ofsted Certificate (added 01/10/2019)
- First Aid Certificate: Sally Kirk (added 01/10/2019)
Reviews
5 out of 5
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Sally. 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.
Sally has been looking after my children for two years now and I cannot reccomend her enough. The care they recieve is second to none. Her home is very clean and she provides exciting activities and trips out for my children. Communication is excellent. She really has became part of our childrens family....they love her!
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Katherin
on 08/03/2020
Our children have been coming to busy little hands for years now and myself and my wife couldn't recommend it highly enough.
The kids not only love going to Sally's they even call her auntie Sally as they feel like their visiting family everytime they go!
Going here has not only been easy for the kids, but us too as parents. Communication is exceptional and the development with our children has been faultless.
I would have no problem in recommending busy little hands to anyone.
Thank you x
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by
Parent
on 09/09/2019
Sallie has been looking after my children for 8 years. There is no question she has been the most wonderful person to care for my children. She makes each child feel so important and spends time creating wonderful experiences to suit there individual tatse. My eldest son was 10 when he started going to sally and she would spend time cooking with him because that what he enjoyed. My daughter was aged 7 when she attended busy little hands and would spend time creating art projects with her as she loved doing art. My little boy was just 3 when he started with sally and he was an outdoor adventurer. The topics she arranged for him was amazing for example mud kitchens,pond dipping, tree house , parks scooter rides ect ect. He also loved dressing up and he loved all the dress up boxes of clothes. Sally provides healthy snacks and lots of fresh air. Her time is 100 percent dedicated to the needs of the children. Freddie my youngest has experienced all sorts of education from chinese new year to seasons, animals, food, space ect lots of engaging topics. Every childminder can provide these but it's all the extras that sets sally apart . She would always go above and beyond her role some examples she would encourage fred to share his ideas and fit in with his needs and requests for example he looked forward to having his favourite dinners after school (sausage and mash ) for his birthday each year she would bake him a cake and on the anniversary of his first day she would have a little tea party in his honor, she would help him with school projects and homework and encourage him to be himself. The daily feed back you recieved was great photos, pictures and educational updates she spent a lot of time with Freddie and knew him so well. Fred loved attending sally and was very sad to leave now his starting his journey into high school. He would ask when he was going back to Sally's when he was little and count down the days until he could go back as a parent this is just the most lovely thing to hear as I felt completely comfortable in the knowledge I could attended work and he was happy. When I needed an operation a couple of years ago Sally went above and beyond helping me with my children so Freddie was not affected being there for him taking on the role of taking and fetching him from school and making the time for him. I honestly have been so lucky to have found such a wonderful childminder to care for all of my children I have been able to work knowing there with Sally being cared for in such a homely environment with a person who truly has the very best interest in your child's welfare. Charlie julianna and fred have been lucky to have had sally in there life and fred has built an amazing relationship with the family and sallies boys. He even calls in for tea and biscuits over the school holidays just to see the family. If your looking for a childminder that provides all you needs for your baby and more you would be blessed to have Sally in your child's life. They say it takes a village to raise a child and Sally is so much more
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by
Parent
on 23/08/2019
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This profile was last updated on 16th August 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.