Butterfly Childcare
Childminder in Swindon
My Summary
Butterfly Childcare North Swindon Childcare
About Me
Hello and welcome! I’m an Ofsted Registered Accredited Childminder, holding a Level 3 qualification.
Ofsted graded GOOD (November 2022).
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About Me.
My journey into childcare actually started back in 2000, and if I’m honest it wasn’t originally meant to be a long-term career!
At the time, I had three children (two girls and a boy) and had always been a working mum. Like so many parents, I was juggling work and family life, and although I did my absolute best, I missed some of those precious “first moments” along the way.
Then along came my fourth child… a little unexpected baby boy.
By that point, we had already moved from London to Swindon (in 1996), and I made the decision to do things differently this time to be at home more and truly enjoy those early years. That’s how Butterfly Childcare began.
So when I say I understand the challenges of childcare, I really do I’ve been on both sides of the coin. I know the worry, the guilt, the juggling, and how important it is to find someone you trust completely with your child. What I didn’t expect… was to fall completely in love with it.
Here I am 26 years later, my children are all grown up, I’m now a proud Nana to 7 beautiful grandchildren and I still genuinely love what I do every single day. I’m often described as warm, approachable, and full of energy (even if I do feel it a bit more these days! ?)
You’ll still find me:
Crawling through tunnels
Joining in messy play
Sitting on the floor building towers
And yes… occasionally going down the slide!
I truly believe children learn best when they feel safe, happy, and loved—and that’s exactly what I aim to create every day.
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I live in a spacious four-bedroom home in North Swindon Woodhall Park, with a secure garden where children can run, explore, and just be children.
My home is very much a home-from-home setting relaxed, welcoming, and full of fun. Children are free to choose how they play, whether that’s sitting with a book, building towers, dressing up, or getting involved in messy play (which I absolutely love even if it does get everywhere! ?)
I’ve recently converted my garage into a dedicated playroom for my little ones, and it’s quickly become a favourite space. It means we can spread out, get creative, and enjoy all sorts of activities especially on those typical rainy days!
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I offer a warm, home-from-home setting where children feel safe, happy, and truly valued, while learning through play, exploration, and everyday experiences.
I take the time to get to know each child as an individual, carrying out regular observations and creating their own learning journey to track progress and celebrate those all-important milestones.
Parents are very much part of that journey. I believe in working closely together, with open communication and regular updates so you always feel involved in your child’s development.
I also run a private Facebook group, where I share photos, updates, and those little moments from your child’s day so you always feel connected (shared securely with parental consent).
Many parents say this group is their favourite part of the service, as it gives them real insight into their child’s day and learning.
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My Approach
I truly love what I do, and I feel so privileged to be part of children’s lives every day.
I believe in:
Giving every child equal opportunities to explore, learn, and grow at their own pace.
Learning through play and exploration, allowing children to discover the world in fun, hands-on ways.
Supporting independence, while always being close by to offer guidance, reassurance, and encouragement.
Building strong, honest relationships with parents, so we can work together to give each child the best possible start.
My goal is simple but deeply important:
Happy, confident children who look forward to coming each day, and parents who feel completely reassured and supported.
I genuinely care about each child as if they were my own, celebrating their achievements big or small and sharing in the joy, laughter, and sometimes the messy moments too. It’s these everyday moments that make childcare such a special part of my life.
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Safety & Standards
The safety, wellbeing, and development of every child in my care is my top priority.
All equipment and resources meet British Safety Standards, and my home is carefully arranged to provide a safe, stimulating environment.
Policies, procedures, and paperwork are fully up to date and reviewed regularly in line with Ofsted and EYFS regulations.
I carry out daily risk assessments to ensure both indoor and outdoor spaces remain safe for play, learning, and exploration.
A secure sign-in/out system is in place for all children.
References, insurance documents, and inspection reports are available for parents to view at any time.
By maintaining these standards, I provide parents with peace of mind while allowing children the freedom to explore, learn, and enjoy their time at Butterfly Childcare safely and confidently.
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Working Together
I value and respect every family’s individual values, beliefs, and routines, and work closely with parents to support each child’s development in a consistent, nurturing way.
Each child has their own learning journey record, which includes regular observations, assessments, and milestones. These records are shared with parents and, where applicable, with other early years settings to ensure continuity of care and learning.
By working in partnership with families and other professionals, we can all contribute to giving each child the very best start, supporting their progress, confidence, and love of learning in line with Ofsted and Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) expectations.
Open communication, shared goals, and regular updates are key to creating a supportive, collaborative environment where children thrive.
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My avalibiltiy
Immediate Availability (2026)
1 space Full time placement. Age 3 Months + maybe younger.
2 X Monday
2 X Friday
2pm onwards on a Tuesday and Thursday
3pm Tues weds and Thursday.
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School Holiday Care (2026)
Spaces available for children aged 5+
Starting April 2026
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Future Availability
September 2026
1 space from 3 months+
2027
2 full-time spaces from 3 months+
Funding Accepted
30 hours government funding available (subject to eligibility)
Message me today to check availability, fees, and arrange a visit!
Get in Touch
If you’re looking for a caring, experienced childminder with a big heart (and a good sense of humour!), please message me to arrange a visit.
I’d love to welcome you and your little one to Butterfly Childcare ?
My Experience
My Experience & Commitment
I have had the privilege of caring for many children, from newborns right through to secondary school, including twins, and I can honestly say it’s one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Being part of their journey as they grow, learn, and develop brings me immense joy, and every day reminds me why I fell in love with childcare all those years ago.
There are, of course, bittersweet moments when children outgrow my setting and move on but nothing makes me prouder than seeing them achieve milestones, whether that’s heading off to university, starting families of their own, or buying their first homes. Knowing I’ve played even a small part in their journey is truly special and something I cherish deeply.
Over the years, I have supported children from a wide variety of backgrounds and with differing needs including children with special educational needs, those with English as an additional language, children facing unexpected challenges, twins, and even gifted or more complex personalities.
These experiences have given me invaluable insight and understanding, allowing me to provide the highest standard of care, guidance, and support to both children and their families through every stage and challenge.
I welcome every child and family without exception, treating everyone with respect, kindness, and equality. My goal is to create an environment where children feel safe, confident, and excited to learn and where parents feel reassured, supported, and part of their child’s learning journey.
My Qualifications
Qualifications & Certifications
• NVQ Level 3 in Childcare (Completed November 2010)
• ICP – Introduction to Childminding Practice (November 2003)
• DCP – Developing Childminding Practice (July 2006)
• ECP – Extending Childminding Practice (April 2007)
• Safeguarding Children (Updated November 2025)
• Paediatric First Aid – Current (Valid until April 2025)
• Public Liability Insurance – Current (2026)
• Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Disclosure
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Training & Professional Development
I am committed to continuous professional development and regularly update my knowledge and skills. Training includes:
• Business Success Modules 1 & 2
• Oral Health (2000)
• Supporting Fussy Eaters (2003)
• Play for Over 5s / Older Children (2003)
• Basic Sign Language (2004)
• Managing Challenging Behaviour (2006)
• Fire Safety Awareness (2006)
• Sensory Play for Under 5s (2006)
• Multicultural Activities for Children (2006)
• FCCERS Training
• Channel General Awareness (2015)
• Raising Early Achievement in Literacy (2016)
Early Years & Ofsted Development
• Swindon Quality Childminding Network – Stage 1 & 2 (2011)
• 2-Year Progress Check (2018)
• Self-Evaluation (2019)
• Childminder Paperwork & Documentation (2020)
• Risk Assessment & Risky Play in Early Years (2020)
• Health & Safety in Early Years (2020)
• Data Protection & Safeguarding (2020)
Recent & Ongoing Training (2022–2025)
• Nappy Changing & Toileting (2022)
• Child Safeguarding File (2022)
• Long-Term Planning (2022)
• The 8 Senses (2023)
• Teaching the Curriculum (2023)
• Baby Training (2023)
• Keeping Parents Updated (2023)
• Changes to the EYFS (2024)
• Communication & Language (2024)
• Physical Development (2024)
• Learning Through Play (2024)
• Environment & Learning (2024)
• Funding Changes & Free Childcare (2024)
• Teaching & Learning Characteristics (2024)
• Training & Observation (2024)
• Improving Children’s Learning Through Play (April 2024)
• Avoiding an Ofsted Inadequate Grade (2024)
• Safeguarding Update (February 2024)
• Asthma, Anaphylaxis & EpiPen Training (May 2025)
• Safeguarding – Internet Safety (2025)
• Improving Your Ofsted Grading (March 2025)
• Birth to Three Matters (February 2025)
. Speach and langauge (March 2026)
I pride myself on keeping my training current and relevant to ensure I provide the highest standard of care, safety, and early years education for all children in my setting.
My Availability
I offer funded session from Monday - Friday. 8am - 5pm. TBN.
My Fees
- Childminding from £5.00 per hour
For details on fees, please feel free to message me directly as I prefer to discuss rates privately.
Please note that any prices shown may not accurately reflect my current charges.
Thank you,
Tina
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.
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
- UK Driving Licence [DELETED] (added 02/05/2023)
- Inspection Report (added 25/03/2026)
Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Butterfly ChildCare. 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 now 9 year old boy attends Tina's childcare over half terms. He autistic and always happy to attend her home setting. We have been using her services for last 2 years with out any issues.
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Zane1984
on 17/10/2025
Tina has been absolutely amazing with my son, who has been going to her since he was 2 years old (he’s 6 next month). He is autistic, non-verbal and still in nappies and Tina has always gone above and beyond to meet his individual needs with such care, understanding and patience.
She’s incredibly flexible and supportive, which has made such a difference for us as a family. My son adores his time with her and I have complete peace of mind knowing he’s in such capable and loving hands.
My daughter, who’s now 12, also attended Tina’s when she was younger, and she was just as happy and well cared for. Tina is a genuinely wonderful person and a truly exceptional childminder — I can’t recommend her enough!
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Klouise
on 14/10/2025
We had initially arranged for Tina to look after our two children; a 1.5-year-old and a 5-year-old. The plan was for our older son to attend for a month, while the younger would continue for the foreseeable future. We paid a four-week deposit along with the first month’s fees in advance, with the understanding that this would be offset during the notice period at the end.
Unfortunately, things didn’t feel right from the start. Our children were never happy; either when being dropped off in the morning or returning home. There were concerning signs: simple things like not buttoning the vest after changing nappies, and always seeming rushed at pickup, even though the time had been agreed in advance.
Despite these issues, we tried to remain patient and continued for a month. However, it became clear that our younger child wasn’t settling well, so we decided to move him to a new setting and gave the required four-week notice.
Tina had previously mentioned she might go on holiday and that her daughter (also a childminder) could cover. Later, she told us her daughter was unavailable. Despite not providing any care during her holiday, she still invoiced us for half pay for that period. When we raised concerns, pointing out that both the written email and contract did not support her claim; she insisted it was a misunderstanding and said she would calculate everything once back from holiday.
Our notice period began a week before her holiday. After she returned, our child was sick, which we informed her and didn’t attend for one week. The following week, when we tried to drop him off, Tina didn’t answer the door. later said she didn’t know we were coming; even though it was still within the agreed notice period.
Given the disruption and the fact that our child was already settled happily elsewhere, we decided not to continue and asked for a refund of the extra week we had paid beyond the notice period. She again said she would calculate and get back to us; but it’s now been almost a month, and she has not responded to any of our messages or calls.
Overall, this has been a disappointing and unprofessional experience. We would not recommend Tina to other parents.
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by
Nehmin
on 13/10/2025
Response by
Butterfly ChildCare
on 14/10/2025:
I’m sorry to hear that you were unhappy with your experience. I always aim to maintain clear communication and a high standard of professionalism with all families.
During your time with my setting, there were several occasions where arrival and collection times did not align with our agreed schedule, which made it difficult to maintain consistency for the children and plan the day effectively. As explained, extended handovers or discussions needed to take place during morning drop-off, due to other professional commitments. I had also extended my working day to accommodate a 6:00 pm finish, beyond my usual 5:00 pm hours.
On one occasion, your children returned after illness without prior notice, despite plans for an outing that morning. Had I been informed in advance, arrangements could have been made. Similarly, while I had indicated that my daughter could provide care during my holiday if required, I did not receive any communication requesting this.
You had previously stated that a friend would be caring for your child, so I was surprised to receive a message about a potential negative review regarding a refund before I had the opportunity to respond. I returned your call promptly, but they were not answered.
Throughout their time at my setting, both of your children were well-cared for and settled, with only the brief, expected upset at handover from your younger child, which is typical for their age.
I take pride in providing a caring and professional childcare environment and always aim to resolve matters directly and respectfully.
Tina has looked after both our children 12 months and 3 years old. They have both loved their time at Tina’s which is well set up for children of all ages. Tina has been great, and so flexible when we have needed extra hours or last minute changes.
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Hannah29
on 03/06/2019
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the tremendous work you have done with my twins. Looking back in 2016 we can see how far the boys are and that thanks to your support, presentation and professionalism. Your work is outstanding and no other childminder would do what you have done for my boys. Their development and self-esteem had a huge bust. They are praised by the teacher, they have friends and are happy to explore new things.
I am absolutely sure that all your paperwork can evidence their development with your support, but how about our support: parents and grandparents support? You have been there for us as well as you have been there for the boys. You give us the straight, the expertise and the your wisdom. Your support is well appreciated and you professionalism is admirable.
As a professional myself, I can see an outstanding service and a very devoted, passionate and knowledgeable person who runs it.
You do everything from the heart and your results are easily measurable.
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Bella
on 09/07/2018
My 4 years old daughter Sophie is attending this childcare for 2 years. We are very happy with the services provided. Tina is very experienced, flexible and reliable childminder. Children love her and we appreciate all she does for us.
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by
Parent
on 22/06/2016
Response by
Butterfly ChildCare
on 24/01/2017:
Thankyou. Sophie has gown into a wonderful little girl x
Very happy with the services provided. Friendly and homely atmosphere.
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by
Parent
on 08/12/2015
Response by
Butterfly ChildCare
on 09/12/2015:
Thankyou Yulia x
My little girl who is now 20 months has been with Tina 4 x full days for almost 6 months now and she loves it. I was worried how she would settle but quite the opposite she would stand and cry at front door on days off asking to go to ninas.....She can now say it properly. Her speech and development has improved fantastically and her ability to hand me her plate when she is done is certainly not my doing. Tina is open, easy to talk to and very caring.....She does however keep them all in line and is firm but fair and has an immaculate home albeit full of love and toys....I enjoy pick up times to have a bit of a chat and my daughter thinks of it much like she does going to her Nannies house....a real home from home
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by
Parent
on 05/12/2015
Response by
Butterfly ChildCare
on 07/12/2015:
Thankyou Leisa i must say its an absolute pleasure having such a bright little spark about the place.
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This profile was last updated on 25th March 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.