Sophia
Childminder in London: Hackney (also available for babysitting)
4.8
My Summary
Sophia's Childminding Setting Where Every Child Is Loved, Inspired, And Thrives
About Me
Sophia's Childminding Setting
Where Every Child is Loved, Inspired, and Thrives
Welcome to Sophia's Childminding Setting, a warm, nurturing, and stimulating early years environment in Stoke Newington, London, where every child is celebrated as an individual and encouraged to flourish.
I'm Sophia, an Ofsted-registered Childminder and qualified Early Years Educator, with a background in Art and Design that inspires creative, hands-on learning for every child. I am supported by my full-time assistant, Bella, a passionate and creative practitioner currently studying for a Mathematics degree. Her studies inform her approach to playful numeracy, problem-solving, and structured activities, helping problem-solving, and structured activities, helping children build confidence, curiosity, and independent thinking. Together, we form a happy, nurturing, and highly skilled team, dedicated to supporting each child's growth, exploration, and joy in learning.
A Beautiful, Home-From-Home Environment - Our setting is a bright, spacious, and thoughtfully converted Victorian house, designed to provide a safe, welcoming, and stimulating space for children to explore and learn. Every corner of the main floor is carefully set up to encourage curiosity, independence, and creativity while maintaining the warmth and comfort of home.
Children flourish in a space where they feel secure, valued, and confident to be themselves.
Our Philosophy:
Every Child Seen, Heard, and Celebrated - At the heart of our approach is a deep respect for each child as a unique individual. We provide a home-from-home environment where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.
Our approach is guided by:
* Holistic Development - nurturing physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth
* Child-Centred Learning - tailoring activities to each child's interests, abilities, and personality
* Play-Based, Joyful Learning - embedding the seven areas of learning from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) into hands-on experiences
* Critical Thinking & Creativity - fostering curiosity, problem-solving, and sustained shared thinking through everyday play.
* We aim to build confident, independent, and happy learners who are excited to explore the world around them.
Creativity, Curiosity, and Learning Through Play
With my Art and Design background, creativity is woven into everything we do. Children enjoy:
* Expressive arts and crafts
* Sensory exploration and imaginative play
* Visual learning experiences that encourage self-expression and problem-solving.
Bella enhances learning through interactive numeracy and logic games and fun Spanish language sessions, supporting early language skills, cultural awareness, and communication.
Through this rich, playful approach, children naturally develop communication, language, and mathematics skills while following their own interests.
Healthy Nutrition and Wellbeing:
We believe that healthy bodies support happy minds.
Children enjoy three nutritious meals and snacks daily, carefully prepared to support growth and development.
Wherever possible, we use organic and locally sourced ingredients, helping children develop lifelong healthy eating habits in a positive, enjoyable way.
Outdoor Learning and Physical Development:
Outdoor learning is a vital part of our daily routine. With easy access to local parks and green spaces, children benefit from:
* Active play that supports gross motor development
* Exploration of nature and the environment
* Social interaction, teamwork, and cooperative play
Outdoor experiences strengthen physical health, confidence, and curiosity, while helping children develop a meaningful connection with the natural world.
Why Families Choose Sophia's Setting:
At Sophia's, children are not just cared for-they are known, celebrated, and inspired. Families trust us to provide:
* Individual attention to each child's unique needs
* A safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment
* High-quality, play-based learning enriched with creativity, exploration, and real-world skills
* Opportunities to develop confidence, independence, and a love of learning
*
Children leave our setting school-ready, curious, confident, and joyful, knowing they have been loved, supported, and encouraged every step of the way.
What Parents Say:
Parents consistently praise our setting for:
• Exceptional care in a warm, nurturing environment
* Creative, engaging activities and outdoor excursions
* Nutritious, wholesome meals
* Professionalism, clear communication, and dedication to children's development
Families describe our home as clean, cosy, and thoughtfully equipped, with a strong focus on emotional wellbeing, connection, and joyful learning experiences.
My Experience
Experience, Qualifications, and Professional Excellence:
I have been working with children since 2015, beginning my career in this field - leading arts and crafts sessions in a private nursery before progressing to a key-person role, supporting children through settling-in, transitions, and school readiness.
My Qualifications
My professional qualifications include:
* CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education
* Level 4 QCF Award in Social Care with Children and Families
* Paediatric First Aid
* Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene (Early Years)
* Supporting Children with Speech, Language &?Communication Needs
* Safeguarding Children & Child Protection
* Delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
*
Bella brings energy, creativity, and her mathematical knowledge into every day, creating fun, purposeful learning opportunities. Together, we combine nurturing care with structured, engaging learning to support children's growth and confidence.
My Availability
Opening Hours and Flexibility:
• Monday to Thursday, 8:00am - 6:00pm
We also offer flexible arrangements to accommodate family needs.
My Fees
- Childminding from £12.00 per hour
- Babysitting from £15.00 per hour
My fees include healthy balanced diet meals, snacks and high quality provision.
My Local Schools
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at Betty Layward Primary School
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at Grasmere Primary School
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at Princess May Primary School
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at Newington Green Primary School
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at St Matthias Church of England 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
- DBS Check (added 18/07/2020)
- Ofsted Certificate (added 18/07/2020)
- First Aid Certificate (added 18/07/2020)
Reviews
4.8 out of 5
Parents say
This childminder duo provides exceptional care in a nurturing environment. They offer creative activities, nutritious meals, and outdoor excursions. Parents praise their professionalism, communication, and ability to foster children's development. The setting is described as clean, cosy, and well-equipped, with a focus on emotional care and connection.
Summary generated by AI from the text of recent member reviews
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Sophia . 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.
Sophia and Bella began looking after our daughter when she was 11 months old until she was 2.5 years old. They were comforting, knowledgable and our values aligned. The meals were nutritious and their active/sensory play was always creative. They took the children out in the local area (parks, books shops, soft play and cafes). Our daughter came home nurtured. Their communication was always professional. We had an "emergency" situation for a month and they were very accommodating to our needs as a family. We've recommended Sophia and Bella to multiple families and will continue to do so.
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Chloe
on 11/12/2025
Sophia and Bella looked after my baby from 10 months old, and I could not have asked for a more nurturing, trustworthy, and loving childcare experience. I knew from my very first visit that they were the right fit for us — the children were being held, hugged, and comforted. It was clear that emotional care and connection were at the heart of everything they do.
They provide amazing, nutritious homemade meals and keep the children active with regular walks and park outings, which my little one always enjoyed. Their environment is joyful, calm, and full of fun activities that are captured with regular photo updates.
Communication was always great, I always knew how my child’s day had been, what he ate, what he enjoyed, and anything important that happened. That level of openness gave me so much peace of mind.
I’m incredibly grateful for the love, care, and dedication Sophia and Bella showed. They have been a wonderful part of my child’s early life, and I would wholeheartedly recommend them to any parent looking for exceptional childcare.
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Eleni K
on 25/11/2025
Our son has attended Sophia and Bella's for just over a year. He has done two days with them and two days at the nursery and it has worked so well for us to have the the mixture of having a more intimate and gentle setting with Sophia contrasted with the nursery. The setting is very clean, tidy and a cozy welcoming environment with well looked after open ended toys which sparks the children's imagination. He always came home with a full belly! Our son loves them both (Bella is a name that is mentioned a lot in our home by him). Our sons development has flourished and he formed lovely relationships with the other children, he started as one of the youngest and moved to top dog now he is is the oldest and its time to move onto nursery.
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Lauraj
on 30/10/2025
Amali was with Sophia late 2022 to early 2023. This review is late but I never forgot how incredible Sophia and Bella were with Amali. Super professional, loving and kind and during that time Amali had the best time. Amali developed/learned a lot during that short time, she loved Sophia’s cooking and had a great time with her friends - she always looked forward to going to Sophia and Bella. I will recommend this wonderful childminder to anyone.
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Odette
on 25/06/2025
We had such a lovely experience with Sophia and Bella. They are both so friendly and have a space equipped with everything the kids need and want. They always cook nutritious food and take the kids out for excursions, which I love. I felt my little one was always in good hands with these guys and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a childminder. My son was at nursery as well as coming here and he definitely preferred it with Sophia and Bella as they create such a lovely space for kids to play and explore in a free way.
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Richard
on 27/05/2025
Our son was with Sophia and Bella from the age of 9 months until just shy of 2 years, when he transitioned to nursery full-time. We can honestly say that we have nothing but glowing praise for their setting. From the nutritious and delicious meals they prepared to the engaging daily activities, our son was always cared for with warmth and attentiveness.
Sophia was excellent at ensuring our son's needs were met—whether it was his sleep schedule, which evolved from two naps a day to just one as he grew, or his diet. Our son is a great little eater, and we believe his healthy appetite was encouraged by the thoughtful meals and snacks provided by Sophia and Bella.
The daily routine was full of variety and fun—messy play, language lessons with Bella, outings to the park, visits to local shops, and more. The children’s days were lively and stimulating, and it was clear how much they enjoyed their time there. Theo loved going to their setting; he’d often cry when weekends arrived and we passed by, unwilling to leave!
We wholeheartedly recommend Sophia’s setting to anyone seeking a caring, professional, and nurturing childminder duo. They truly created a wonderful environment for our son, and we’re incredibly grateful for the care and attention they provided.
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Sarah
on 14/05/2025
Our daughter joined Sophia and Bella for 3 months and she had a wonderful time. She felt comfortable since the first day and enjoyed the daily activities and the other children. Despite being for a short period and only two days a week, our daughter showed progress in her development and social skills. The activities were engaging and sensorial (messy play, bubbles, ball pit, painting) and we always received pictures daily.
In terms of meals, our daughter is eating better at home and enjoying fruits and vegetables. She always had a good nap at the setting and sometimes wanted to stay for longer when we picked her up. Sophia and Bella were always attentive to our daughter's needs and she is ready for the next stage.
It was the perfect transition before starting nursery and I would highly recommend Sophia and Bella.
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Filipa O
on 31/03/2025
Sophia and her team are brilliant. From the first moment we met them and saw the setting, we were so impressed by the calm, happy children in their care. Our son went to them four days a week from 10 months old until he was 3, and he has honestly had the best start as a result. They are kind, compassionate, fun, creative and really know how to get the best out of the children in their care. As first-time parents, leaving your baby with someone for the first time is daunting, but Sophia and Bella made it an easy, even enjoyable process. We miss them and talk about them often. They've had a wonderful impact on our all our lives. Couldn't recommend more.
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Rose
on 24/03/2025
Sophia and Bella have been nothing but great with our son. They were the first persons outside of friends and family to take care of him and they made us feel incredibly comfortable with it.
The setting is really nice and allows for tons of different activities for the kids. The food was always home made and organic. Communication was always really smooth, we received updates and a few pictures everyday.
Only have good things to say!
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Sophie
on 12/03/2025
Sophia and Bella, the fantastic mother-daughter team, took excellent care of my 1-year-old. From the start, their nurturing and attentive approach put me at ease, knowing my little one was in such capable hands. We saw significant progress in her development by the time we had to relocate, a testament to the safe and loving environment they provided. I wholeheartedly recommend Sophia and Bella for their outstanding dedication and the positive influence they had on our child!
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VIDYA
on 20/02/2025
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This profile was last updated on 10th February 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.
