Shining
Childminder in London: Waltham Forest (also available for babysitting)
4.7
My Summary
About Me
Hi, my name is Paula and I run Shining Stars childminding . I am based in North Chingford. We are Ofsted registered. I offer a home from home setting where children learn to explore, be curious ,and learn new ways to play encouraging independency. I draw upon various approaches within the setting including the Curiosity approach, Reggio Emilia and Montessori. I provide many varied activities throughout the day supporting each child’s development. We also have outside activities such as moo music coming into the setting for songs and actions time supporting children’s speech and language skills. I have a lovely garden which the children always have access to which has many resources such as a mud kitchen, bikes and scooters, sand and water trays, I also have a lovely playroom which the children enjoy. We offer a seasonal menu providing healthy organic vegetarian meals catering for all dietary needs. We especially enjoy cooking with the children making fresh bread. we live near lovely parks, woodland areas and nature reserves which we visit regularly. We have family pets which are a great addition and have a very positive impact within the setting. We are a ten minute walk to Chingford Station and bus terminals.
My Experience
I have a wealth of knowledge within Early years and have gained over 28 years experience working with young babies up until 12 years of age. I have trained knowledge in speech and language. I have worked as a room manager in nursery settings for 19 years and have worked as a childminder for 10 years which I thoroughly enjoy. I have gained -
* NVQ level 3 in Early Years and Education
* BA Honours degree in Early Years.
* Qualified in home based learning
* Level 3 in Language and Communication
* Makaton trained
* First aid
* Level 3 Early Years Senco
* Graded Outstanding in my recent inspection
I specialise in Early Years and am continuously enhancing my knowledge within the sector. Here at Shining Stars I follow the EYFS and implement in the moment planning within the setting, using natural resources.
My Qualifications
BA Honours degree in Childhood and Early Years.
NVQ level 3 Child Development and Early Years
First aid - paediatrics
Child protection and safeguarding
Food safety.
Makaton trained.
Early year’s Speech and Language
Working towards The curiosity approach training.
NVQ level 4 PANCO (physical activity & Nutrition Coordinator
Quality Assurance visit I am an Outstanding setting.
My Availability
I am open from 7am - 7pm.
Flexible hours available.
School pickup/drop off available.
Saturday care from 8am -4pm
I accept tax free childcare
Funding available
Weekday and weekend babysitting available.
My Fees
- Babysitting from £20.00 per hour
- Childminding from £7.00 per hour
Funding available.
tax free childcare available.
My Local Schools
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at Chingford CofE Primary School
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at Parkside Primary School
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at Normanhurst School
My Documents
- Childminding Agency Certificate (added 29/09/2021)
- DBS Check (added 20/09/2021)
- Inspection Report: inspection report (added 27/08/2024)
- Inspection Report: Quality Assurance report (added 15/09/2023)
- Marriage Certificate (added 22/09/2021)
- Training Certificate: food safety (added 20/09/2021)
- Training Certificate: NVQ level 3 Early years (added 20/09/2021)
- Exam Certificate: BA Honours degree early years (added 20/09/2021)
- First Aid Certificate: first aid (added 20/09/2021)
- Proof of Covid-19 Vaccination (added 20/09/2021)
- Training Certificate (added 31/08/2021)
Reviews
4.69 out of 5
Parents say
This childminder receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for providing a nurturing, home-from-home environment with excellent educational activities and daily outdoor adventures. Parents particularly praise the regular communication, home-cooked meals, and children's development progress. One negative review cited unprofessional behaviour regarding cancelled appointments.
Summary generated by AI from the text of recent member reviews
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Shining. 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 cannot recommend Paula and Shining Stars highly enough. Choosing someone to care for your child is one of the biggest decisions you make as a parent, and from the moment Luca started with her, we knew we had found someone truly special.
The progress Luca has made during his time in her care has been incredible. He has grown so much in confidence, communication, physical development and learning. Watching him flourish over the last couple of years has been wonderful, and we know that so much of that is down to the nurturing, supportive and stimulating environment she provides every day.
Paula's Curiosity Approach-inspired setting is nothing short of inspirational. The thought, creativity and care that go into creating engaging educational experiences for the children are remarkable. The resources are beautifully presented, carefully planned and constantly evolving to spark children's curiosity, imagination and love of learning. It is clear how much time and dedication she invests in ensuring every child has meaningful opportunities to explore and develop.
Alongside this, the children enjoy delicious healthy home-cooked meals, and the atmosphere she creates is warm, welcoming and full of genuine care. She strikes the perfect balance between professionalism and affection, creating a home-from-home environment where children feel safe, valued and happy.
Communication has always been exceptional. The daily updates and photographs shared through the app give wonderful insight into the children's days, while her Instagram page and monthly newsletters showcase the fantastic activities and learning opportunities she provides including outings to the local parks, forest and library. Regular progress reports have also helped us understand and celebrate Luca's development every step of the way.
Paula has always been flexible, approachable and supportive, and we have felt completely confident leaving Luca in her care. Knowing he was happy, loved and thriving made returning to work as a teacher following maternity leave so much easier.
As Luca prepares to leave for school, we feel incredibly grateful for everything she has done for him and our family. We are so sad to be saying goodbye, and she will be hugely missed. The positive impact she has had on Luca's early years will stay with him for a very long time.
Thank you for everything. We couldn't have wished for a better start to Luca's learning journey. Carly and Sean
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by
Carly
on 29/05/2026
Paula is great with children. Our 2 year old settled really easily with her. We love that she takes the children out every day; has lots of planned, educational activities; lots of toys and stories. She's also much more reasonably priced than many childcare options.
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by
Vix01
on 14/05/2026
We can't thank you enough for the love, patience, and care you've given Aurelia over the past 3 years. You've created such a warm and nurturing environment, and it's been amazing to see how much she learned and grown under your care. You've truly been a part of our family you've made in Aurelia life. Thank you for being such a wonderful childminder! We always be grateful for the happy memories you've given Aurelia and your dedication, warmth, and professionalism have made a lasting impact. We'll always appreciate of everything you've done.
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Marzena
on 11/10/2025
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This profile was last updated on 17th May 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.