Karen
Childminder in London: Bromley
5.0
My Summary
Karen Bowers
About Me
*Availability, Mon–Thurs: book as one space or split the days*
Welcome to Home Sweet Home Childminder
I am an Ofsted-registered childminder with over 20 years of experience in teaching and mentoring.
It is my pleasure to provide a warm, loving and nurturing home-from-home environment where I care for a small group of children. This allows me to give each child the individual attention, encouragement and support they need to learn, play and grow.
My home is filled with warmth, laughter and kindness, where every child is listened to, valued and respected. I want each child to feel safe, secure, happy and truly at home.
Each day follows a calm and familiar rhythm, helping children feel settled, confident and comfortable as they play, explore, express their creativity, ask questions and flourish.
Through everyday life skills, monthly themes, carefully planned activities and open-ended play, children are gently encouraged to discover and learn at their own pace.
Each month we explore a new, exciting theme—such as fairy tales, seasons, animals, or communities—woven into stories, songs, crafts and play, so learning feels like an adventure every day.
The children and I love spending time outdoors and going on little adventures together. We enjoy visiting nature reserves, parks, forest schools, farms, libraries, zoos, museums, soft-play centres and care homes, as well as discovering many other exciting places.
Our outings are linked to our monthly themes, so each adventure becomes part of a bigger story—whether we’re hunting for “fairy tale” creatures in the woods, exploring “seasons” at the farm, or discovering “community helpers” at the local shops. This helps children connect what they see and do in the real world to their play and learning back at Home Sweet Home.
Nutritious meals and snacks are provided and included throughout the day, helping children feel happy, energised and well cared for. I also offer gentle homework support, giving you peace of mind that your child’s individual needs are understood and supported.
I offer wraparound childcare, including drop-off and pick-up services, helping to support your family’s daily routine and make each day that little bit easier.
I welcome government-funded childcare and offer childcare from Monday to Thursday, 7:30 am to 6:00 pm.
I am conveniently located just off Tylney Road, near Pembroke Road.
If you feel that Home Sweet Home Childminder could be the right setting for your child, I would love to hear from you. Please get in touch to arrange a chat or visit. I look forward to welcoming you and your family.
My Experience
Current Experience
Ofsted-Registered Childminder — Bromley
Providing a nurturing, stimulating and welcoming environment for children aged 0–11 years. I create daily routines and activities that promote learning, development and fun, including messy play, outdoor adventures, arts and crafts and cooking. I also prepare healthy, nutritious meals and snacks, while keeping accurate records of each child’s progress and development.
Previous Experience
Primary School Teacher and Education Professional - Over 20 years’ experience
. Taught whole classes across all year groups, from Nursery to Year 6, using curriculum knowledge and appropriate teaching materials to support children’s learning.
. Provided one-to-one and small-group support to promote children’s learning, development and confidence.
. Planned and delivered clubs offering support with homework, independent projects, reading, writing, cooking, arts and crafts, and other activities.
. Worked as a Nursery Teacher, managing and supporting 34 children and three staff members while planning activities that promoted children’s development.
. Created a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment where children could feel secure and thrive.
. Collaborated with parents, healthcare providers and other professionals to support children’s holistic development.
. Worked as a Learning and Behaviour Mentor, helping children reflect on their emotions and behaviour, develop coping strategies and build confidence and self-esteem.
. Supported children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities through one-to-one and small-group provision, adapting activities to promote their learning and development.
. Worked collaboratively with parents, colleagues and other professionals to support children’s individual needs and wellbeing.
My Qualifications
• Ofsted Registered Childminder: Registered with Ofsted, meeting the necessary standards to provide high-quality childcare services to children aged 0-11.
• Enhanced DBS checked: Cleared by the Disclosure and Barring Service to work with children and vulnerable adults.
• Level 3 in Safeguarding Children & Designated Safeguarding Lead: Certified in safeguarding children, identifying signs of abuse, and responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns. Trained to be a Designated Safeguarding Lead to take a lead role in promoting children's welfare and managing safeguarding concerns within the childminding service.
• Full Paediatric First Aid Training: Trained in first aid techniques specific to infants and young children, including emergency resuscitation, choking, and injury management.
• Level 5 Diploma for Education and Training: Certified in education and training, able to plan, deliver, and evaluate teaching and learning sessions. Trained in assessment, curriculum design, and learner support.
• Level 2 in Food Hygiene: Certified in food hygiene, able to prepare, handle, and store food safely and hygienically. Trained in identifying and preventing food contamination and food-borne illnesses.
My Availability
Mon - Thu (07:30 - 18:00) Including all Meals & Snacks
My Fees
- Childminding from £9.00 per hour
* £90 daily fee (07:30–18:00)
Includes:
. Wraparound childcare
. Drop-offs and pick-ups
. Trips and outings
. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks
. Homework/ Project(s) support
. Captured memories (at the parents’ discretion)
* £10 morning fee (07:30–09:00 -> not required if you have already paid the daily fee)
Includes:
. Breakfast
. Drop-off at school or nursery
* £30 after-school care fee (15:00–18:00 -> not required if you have already paid the daily fee)
Includes:
. Pick-up from school or nursery
. Meal and snacks
. Homework/ Project(s) support
My Local Schools
- I provide pick ups at St George's, Bickley, Church of England Primary School
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at La Fontaine Academy
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at Bickley Primary 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.
My Documents
This member has provided us with electronic copies of the following documents. These copies are held on file unless specified as deleted. The documents have been certified by the member as being true and accurate. We recommend you ask to see original copies of the documents before you hire them in order verify the true accuracy for yourself. Find out more about checks & references.
- DBS Check (added 26/07/2023)
- Ofsted Certificate (added 19/03/2023)
- Other (added 04/07/2023)
Reviews
5 out of 5
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Karen. 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.
Karen's services were recommended to us by a parent from my son's school, who had just started working with her. Having never worked with a childminder before (only having experience of nurseries), I wasn't sure. However, any uncertainty I had was very quickly put to rest and I've since recommended her to everyone looking for a childminder, and will continue to do so.
Karen is absolutely brilliant and her setting is most certainly a home from home. My children both absolutely love her and still have occasional days with her during school holidays if Karen has space, or for a needed last-minute after school pick up - both of which speak to her flexibility. They really look forward to their time with Karen, which I believe speaks volumes.
Karen takes care of the children as if they're her own, and her setting is absolutely spotless and honestly like a mini-nursery set up with the whole of her downstairs exclusively made available to the children. As if that wasn't enough, she takes them out on so many outings. My children have enjoyed multiple parks, cinema, Horniman Museum and more whilst in Karen's care.
My children always leave Home Sweet Home with smiles on their faces and full tummies. If you're looking for a childminder, look no further and enquire with Karen today. You won't be disappointed!
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Naomi
on 27/09/2026
We cannot recommend Karen highly enough! As an ex-primary teacher with extensive early years experience, Karen strikes the perfect balance between fun and early childhood education. The children are always learning through play, and she has instilled a real love for reading and learning in our little boy who at two years old comes home so excited to show off his counting or recognition of shapes.
Karen puts so much effort into creating an engaging environment and takes the kids out on outings every single day - our son has been to every zoo, park, play area, woodland in South East London! She also prepares home-cooked, nutritious meals that they love which is a huge bonus for parents who work full time.
What sets Karen apart is her genuine care for the children's emotional wellbeing and looks after them as if they were her own. I know our son is truly listened to, spoken to with respect and happy, and well cared for. Karen is also wonderful with parents and always open, attentive, and receptive to any concerns. When we asked her to turn our son's car seat around, she did so without hesitation.
We feel so lucky to have found Karen and couldn't ask for a better person to look after our little boy!
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EmmaGR
on 14/09/2026
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This profile was last updated on 19th September 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.