Shelley and Brian
Childminder in Billingshurst (also available for babysitting)
5.0
My Summary
Children Thrive In Our Warm, Supportive Home-From-Home Setting
About Me
Welcome to Sweet Beginnings Childcare
At Sweet Beginnings Childcare, we provide nurturing, home-from-home childcare where children feel safe, valued and excited to learn. As a husband-and-wife team of Ofsted registered childminders, we offer the unique benefit of both male and female practitioners, creating a warm, inclusive environment where every child can flourish. Children thrive in the wonderfully supportive environment provided. They come in happily, finding exciting play experiences to enjoy. Children quickly develop a sense of belonging.
We’re Shelley & Brian, a warm, family run childcare setting in the heart of Billingshurst. If you’re looking for a cosy, homely environment where children are truly seen, heard, and loved, you’ve just found it.
Our days are filled with play, adventures, creativity and confidence building moments. We treat every child like part of our family — because that’s exactly how we believe childcare should feel.
Meet Shelley & Brian
We’re a husband and wife team who love what we do.
Shelley
Calm, nurturing, and wonderfully intuitive, Shelley has a natural gift for helping little ones feel safe, settled, and inspired. She brings warmth, creativity, and a gentle guiding hand to every day.
Brian
Patient, nurturing and highly attuned to children's emotional wellbeing, Brian combines fun, creativity and calm guidance. Following his first Ofsted inspection in September 2026, inspectors praised him as "a marvellous role model for showing kindness and care for others" and recognised the wonderfully supportive environment he provides. They also noted that "children behave brilliantly" and "thrive in the wonderfully supportive environment provided."
We’re both Ofsted registered childminders with full Paediatric First Aid, Safeguarding, Early Years qualifications, and enhanced DBS checks. Brian received his first Ofsted inspection in September 2026 and a full copy of the inspection report is available on request.
What Makes Sweet Beginnings Special
A Home from Home
A cosy, family-centred environment where children develop a strong sense of belonging, build secure relationships and gain confidence through nurturing care.
Play Based Learning
Messy play, crafts, stories, baking, outdoor fun, music, role play — learning through joy and curiosity.
Adventures Big & Small
We're always out exploring, from Fishers Farm and Amberley Museum to National Trust properties, beaches, toddler groups, parks and woodland walks. Every week brings something new, and we tailor our experiences to the interests and developmental needs of the children in our care.
Tailored Support
Every child is unique. We follow their interests, celebrate their strengths, and gently guide their next steps.
EYFS Led Development
We weave the EYFS into everything we do — building confidence, communication, independence, and curiosity.
Open, Honest Communication
Daily updates, photos, chats, and shared goals. You’ll always feel connected.
A Positive Male Role Model
Many families love having both a male and female practitioner. Brian brings calm, kindness, creativity, and emotional intelligence — helping children build secure, trusting relationships with adults of all genders.
Funding & Availability
We offer funded childcare places where eligible and are happy to discuss your individual requirements. Please get in touch for current availability.
Come and Visit Us
Whether you're looking for childcare for a baby taking their first steps, a toddler ready to explore the world, or a pre-schooler preparing for their next adventure, we'd love to welcome you to Sweet Beginnings Childcare.
Get in touch to arrange a visit and see first-hand why children thrive in our warm, supportive, home-from-home setting.
My Experience
Shelley's Experience
• Over 10 years' experience working with children across a wide range of ages and developmental stages
• Background in nursery settings supporting babies, toddlers and pre-school children
• Ofsted registered childminder since 2019
• Strong understanding of child development, emotional wellbeing and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
• Known for her calm, nurturing approach and ability to recognise and support each child's individual needs
• Experienced in planning engaging activities, supporting developmental milestones and building strong partnerships with families
Brian's Experience
• Ofsted registered childminder recognised by Ofsted as "a marvellous role model for showing kindness and care for others"
• Strong focus on children's emotional wellbeing, communication skills, confidence and positive relationships
• Skilled at creating calm, engaging environments where children feel safe, secure and valued
• Experienced in supporting learning through play, exploration, outdoor experiences and child-led activities
• Provides a positive, trusted male role model, helping children build confidence and secure relationships with adults of all genders
• Background in professional roles requiring organisation, responsibility, attention to detail and safeguarding awareness
Our Shared Experience
• Fully qualified Early Years practitioners
• Ofsted registered childminders
• Paediatric First Aid trained
• Safeguarding trained
• Enhanced DBS checked
• Experienced in planning exciting EYFS-led activities that support children's learning, confidence and independence
• Passionate about outdoor learning, local adventures and enriching experiences that broaden children's understanding of the world
• Strong partnership approach with parents, providing regular communication, updates and shared developmental goals
• Committed to creating a warm, inclusive and supportive environment where every child can thrive
My Qualifications
Both of us are qualified in Level 3 Early Years Home Based Childcare, Paediatric First aid and safeguarding. we both hold enhanced DBS certificates.
My Availability
We currently have one space immediately available and potential further spaces becoming available from January 27.
My Fees
- Babysitting from £17.50 per hour
- Childminding from £8.50 per hour
We charge £8.50 per hour between 7:30am and 5:30pm Monday to Thursday and 7.30am to 4.00pm on Fridays.
£17.50 per hour outside of these core times
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
This member has provided us with electronic copies of the following documents. These copies are held securely on file unless marked as removed. 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.
- Enhanced DBS Check including Children's Barred List Issued 05/09/2018 Securely stored
- Ofsted Certificate Added 02/05/2019 Securely stored
- First Aid Certificate Added 18/04/2024 Securely stored
- First Aid Certificate: Pediatric First Aid Certificate Added 05/09/2021 Securely stored
- Inspection Report Added 25/08/2022 Securely stored
Reviews
5 out of 5
Parents say
Highly recommended childminders praised for their patience, kindness and warm, home-like environment. Children thrive under their care, gaining confidence, independence and social skills through varied outings and activities. Flexible, accommodating and genuinely invested in each child's development, they are described as an exceptional, much-loved part of families' early years.
Summary generated by AI from the text of recent member reviews
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Shelley and Brian. 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.
We found Shelley and Brian at the very last minute, and we honestly feel so lucky that we did! From the moment she started, our little girl absolutely loved going to their house and was always so excited to see them.
They gave her such a lovely, fun and varied experience, taking her on outings to pretty much every child-friendly place in the area, as well as trips to the beach, parks and lots of other adventures. She had plenty of opportunities to play with children her own age and younger children, which really helped her become more confident, sociable and independent.
They also played a huge part in getting her ready for school. Her communication and ability to express herself improved so much, and we could really see her confidence grow. She had also been going through a phase of hitting when she first started, which is apparently very normal at her age, but amazingly it stopped completely within a week of being with Shelley and Brian.
Most importantly, she was genuinely happy and cared for. We always knew she was having a wonderful time and being looked after with so much patience, kindness and understanding.
We couldn’t have asked for better childminders and feel incredibly grateful that we found them. They have been such a special part of her early years, and we will miss them enormously. ❤️
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Elena
on 28/08/2026
Shelley and Brian have looked after both of our children now, over the last 6-7 years. Our daughter was with them first from a toddler all the way until school, and then our son. These two people deserve the world and more for what they have done for us as a family over the years. They are patient, understanding, caring, kind, approachable, fun... the list goes on! Not only do they provide a 10/10 childminding service in a clean and beautiful environment, but they also take the children out and about on many wonderful adventures too most days! They really do go above and beyond, and have provided our children with the best possible start in life. Would honestly recommend to anyone, thank you guys! You really are superheroes, loved by so many! X
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Aimee
on 23/07/2025
I first found Shelly in March 2024, as soon as my son walked through their front room he made himself at home! He has come on leaps and bounds since being in Shelley and Brain’s care, nothing is to much for them, from
Changing hours to asking for extra days in an emergency they always try to help where they can.
A truly home from home care my son absolutely loves it.
Highly recommend them to anyone who needs a childminder.
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Maria33
on 23/10/2024
Amazing with my 4 boys with adhoc childcare whilst I was visiting my family.
I will defiantly use again when I’m in the area 😊🙌🏼
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sara
on 13/09/2022
Response by
Shelley and Brian
on 14/09/2022:
Thank you, the boys were all a pleasure, welcome here anytime x
Having looked at various different child care options, we felt instantly comfortable with Shelley after our first visit. Our child Fin, who has previously struggled to settle in other settings adores her and her lovely family.
Shelley’s communication is excellent. We love hearing about all the fun activities and places our son, Fin, has visited when he is with her. She has got a lovely setting and lots of different activities and toys for the children to play with. Her house isn’t chaotic like some childminders we visited and is a nice calm environment for the children. Shelley is incredibly flexible and understanding and has managed to change times and hours to suit us.
We honestly don’t know what we would do without Shelley. We feel so lucky that we found her and that she is our son’s childminder. We can’t thank her enough for doing such a wonderful job looking after our son. We would highly recommend Shelley to any parents looking for childcare for their children.
Thank you again x
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Gemma
on 27/03/2022
My daughter has been attending Shelley’s bear’s childminding since September 2020 when she first began reception class/now in year 1. My daughter attends every week, Tuesday-Friday, before and after school.
She has thrived from the moment she started, Shelley has been extremely welcoming/supportive and patient. My daughter enjoys all the age appropriate activities/outings that are provided and has made great friendships. There is always something for them to do and never a dull moment! Shelley provides resources for the children to complete around special occasions; Christmas, Easter, mother’s day etc., as well as every day activities and taking into consideration all children’s needs, age, beliefs and wishes.
Working in an ASD school as the safeguarding coordinator, I can honestly say that I have never had any concerns with the childcare provided for my child.
Shelley has ensured that we are updated with any changes/incidents that have occurred, including policy updates, she does so in a professional and timely manner.
Shelley is attentive and takes the time to help my daughter grow and develop. We have a fantastic relationship with Shelley and can rest easy knowing that my daughter is being cared for and is safe.
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TJwats
on 10/02/2022
My daughter had her last day at Shelley Bears, very emotional day for me. Shelley is just one of a kind, we called her our Hero. Super friendly, great communication between us, flexible with extra days, always sends positive updates of milestones met and loved receiving photos of her day. My daughter was able to have access to a good variety of activities, clubs and places keep her busy. My favourite thing is when homemade items were sent home. Always willing to help, Shelley has a amazing support network too, her family were very welcoming to my daughter. Shelley is fantastic with my daughter and my daughter just loved her.
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Rachel
on 15/12/2021
Response by
Shelley and Brian
on 15/12/2021:
Thank you, I loved having her, and my whole family and I will miss her, we will keep in touch and meet up as well, x
Would absolutely recommend Shelley can not be happier
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Parent
on 24/08/2019
Response by
Shelley and Brian
on 27/08/2019:
Thank you, he was very good, looking forward to having him again x
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This profile was last updated on 7th November 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.