Sharon
Childminder in Dunstable (also available for babysitting)
Female Member since Sep 2011 Last Updated Jul 2025 Last Login 30 Jul 2025
My Summary
About Me
***UPDATE*** We find ourselves in the rare situation of being able to offer 2 full time spaces for 9 months old to 18 months, Monday to Thursday's from September 2025 due to 2 siblings relocating away from Bedfordshire. ***UPDATE***
Hi my name is Sharon, We live in central Dunstable. and have ran Hummingbird Childcare, since 2010.
I offer a welcoming fun and friendly environment to anyone that comes in to our home! I am passionate about childcare and just adore the job I do. Without any young children of our own at home, everything we do is about your child, their enjoyment, comfort, happiness and learning experience. Allowing you to go about your daily tasks without worrying about your very precious little bundle!
I am a mother and Nan, and wife to Dave. We share our home with "Smokie" the cat, whom the children love and is so friendly. Apart from him, (who found us many years ago), we have no other pets.
Smoking in our house is forbidden, we are a smoke free household. Our home is in a quiet cul-de-sac in central Dunstable, (handy for South Bedfordshire College, Woodside Industrial Estate, White Lion Retail Park and Dunstable generally, with great access to public transport and the guided bus route to Luton, the airport and beyond!).
We are very security conscious of the children in our care and extend that by having a fully secured back garden with CCTV covering the outside areas both front and rear . Our outdoor, Summer House, Outdoor Toys and Equipment are for your child's development and enjoyment. (I encourage, and enjoy a lot of outside time). Indoors the children have full access to the ground floor of our home. For those that require it, we are electronically savvy, the children have regulated access to computers for homework, printing capabilities and iPads enough to go around all the children. We have updated our education program with coding electronics with STEM robotics. These are used for educational, development and fun purposes but on a regulated basis.
We have a dedicated sleep room so those taking a nap are not disturbed by the other children, we again have the room monitored for their comfort, safety and security, if they wake we know about it straight away.
We enjoy lots of outings and many days are spent at Whipsnade Zoo*, National Trust walks and exploring the great outdoors. I hold a full clean drivers licence, my car is a modern (CAP 5) luxury 7 Seater Ford Smax Titanium, I only ever have full dealer servicing and MOT's, full Business (Class 1) Fully Comprehensive Insurance. We own all sizes and types of child seats, all bought new and know the full history of them, complete with the isofix fittings where necessary. So trips out and about are plentiful and varied, as well as making sure our children are in the safest possible environment.
We accept children from any location, though schooling locations for pick up and drop off must suit the children already in my care. Priory Academy and Icknield Lower School, Dunstable are within my catchment area.
Feeding your children, we do not add in extra fees for feeding your children**, we believe in home cooked meals, the same as we would eat, only the best foods and my husband would say far to much choice. Breakfasts can be hot or cold and plentiful, snacks mid morning and a hot or cold lunch at midday, an afternoon snack and a hot evening meal. Drinks are available throughout the day and again we choose to use branded drinks. Bottled water is always available, as is fresh fruit and vegetable sticks which are encouraged over sweets. We are more than happy to work with your dietary requirements for either medical, religious or personal preferences. This might be the only time we will ask you to provide towards the ever increasing costs of food.
Other than that, parents with babies we ask you to provide your favoured formula, nappies, wet wipes and Calpol or your preferred medicine*** .
I am available for advice, from mums, dads and carers, if you just want a sounding board as to who and what to look for, in choosing the best childcare and get an idea of what we have to offer. Please do not hesitate to contact me, I'm happy to talk and happy to invite you around to meet us.
*Whipsnade Zoo, for children over 3 years, we will ask if you can contribute to their personal entry pass, which is theirs to keep and use in and outside of the setting.
** The Government funded hours do not include Food, resources or special activities and extras.
*** With every child being individual, we ask you to provide your proven and preferred nappies, wet wipes and a new sealed bottle of Calpol or Nurofen which must be age appropriate if you wish us to administer it, please see our medication policy.
Hummingbird Childcare... "Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hope for love, joy and celebration. The hummingbird's delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning and that laughter is life's sweetest creation. I chose Hummingbird as the name of my Childcare setting, as I see every child as the legend see Hummingbirds. Thank you for choosing to view my profile and we look forward to caring for your very precious bundles of joy!
My Experience
I have 38 years of experience with children from birth upwards, having brought our son up, and now love caring for other children. Initially I joined a private childcare setting in Hertfordshire, where I self qualified as a Nursery Nurse and enjoyed 6 years experience there before establishing the experience and qualifications to expand and open my own childcare business.
We have in the past happily taken on children who may require daily medication and Epi pen usage, and may need that extra bit of care, a personal care plan is always sought, discussed and acted on, where relevant personal training may need to be undertaken, we have been forward in obtaining this from their doctors, the hospital and on courses.
I became registered with Ofsted in 2010 and am pleased to say I obtained Ofsted "Outstanding" Rating from my very first inspection, I was told it was pretty rare. I am also registered with PACEY (Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years) as a Childminder. In 2014/15 Ofsted came around again and reconfirmed by Outstanding status, I worked very hard to achieve this and have to say rather than a job, to me this career is my vocation in life. I love what I do. Not that we are happy about Ofsted's changes, but in the year 2023, under their new scheme we obtained a Good status. Please do ask us about our experience with the governing body.
As being a more mature childminder, I am fortunate enough to be well settled in life, with no young children of our own we are able to offer absolute time and care in looking after YOUR children! I do not believe in using my full entitlement of places, as I feel that by doing this, you are watering down the care and personal learning ability to each child, I have been running a successful business on this premise which currently offers a 4:1 or 2 and 5:1 or 2 ratio on childcare offering the very best service possible for your most precious possession for 15 years, and am happy to continue to work on this platform of thinking. I now have a qualified full time assistant working with me daily and have the call on my husband, who is also suitably qualified, both have safeguarding and paediatric first aid training as well as other courses, to say the least.
My Qualifications
My Qualifications
Qualified Nursery Nurse.
NVQ Level 2 in Childcare, Learning and Development.
NVQ Level 3 in Childcare, Learning and Development.
Baby Qualifications/Certification
Qualified Nursery Nurse.
2018 - Babysitting Level 2
2018 - Safe Sleeping for Babies
2018 - Reduce Risk of SIDS
2018 - Think Safe, Be Safe, Stay Safe
2018 - What Happens in the Baby Room
SENCO/SEND
2018 - Autism Awareness Level 2
2018 - ADHD Awareness Level 2
2018 - Dyslexia Awareness Level 2
2018 - Supporting Children with SEND in the Early Years Level 2
2018 - Asperger Syndrome Awareness
2019 - Promoting Positive Behaviour - Level 2
Childcare Certification
NVQ Level 2 in Childcare, Learning and Development.
NVQ Level 3 in Childcare, Learning and Development.
Introduction to Childcare Practice.
Common Core Skills.
CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Home-based Childcare.
Common Assessment Framework CAF.
2018 - Early Child Development - Foundation
2018 - Improving Children's Learning through Play Level 2
2018 - Supporting early Language Development Level 2
2018 - Equality and Inclusion in Early Years Settings Level 2
Health, Safety and Privacy
Enhanced CRB Disclosure.
2018 - Medication Awareness V2
2018 - Online Safety Level 2
2018 - Observing Children Level 3
2018 - Introduction to Safeguarding Children V5
2018 - The New Approach to Child Poverty
2018 - Food Hygiene and Safety Level 2
2018 - CBC Self Assessment in Food Hygiene.
2018 - An Introduction to General Data Protection Regulation Level 2
2018 - The Essentials of General Data Protection Regulation V1.1
2018 - Female Genital Mutilation Awareness Level 2
2018 - The Prevent Duty in an Early Years Environment Level 2
2018 - Hidden Harm V5
2019 - Personal Safety Level 2
2019 - Understanding Pathways to Extremism and Prevent Programme V4
2019 - Allergywise and Anaphylaxis for families and carers
2019 - Anaphylaxis Awareness V3
2019 - Keeping Children Safe on the Internet
2019 - Paediatric First Aid Certificated.
2019 - City & Guilds Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene
2019 - Awareness of Child Abuse and Neglect.
2020 - Infection, Prevention and Control in Early Years Setting Level 2
2020 - Effective Safeguarding Practice - Revised 2019 Level 2
2020 - Awareness of Domestic Violence and Abuse R1M V3
2020 - Early Help Assessment/Lead Professional/Information Sharing V6
2020 - Level 3 Safeguarding Children V1.1
2020 - Prevent COVID-19
2020 - Personal Safety for Lone Workers V4
2021 - Introduction to FGM, Force Marriage and Spirit Possession and Honour Based Violence V5
2022 - Full Paediatric First Aid Certificated
2022 - Gang Related Issues and Country Lines
2022 - Safeguarding Children Level 3
2022 - Awareness of Domestic Violence and Abuse
2022 - Child Exploitation
2022 - Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Reforms 2021
2022 - Sustained Shared Thinking in the Early Years
2022 - Child Neglect
2022 - Creating an Effective Communication and Language Environment
2025 - Full Paediatric First Aid Certificated
2025 - 10 Year Gold Service Award Childcare.co.uk
2025 - Food Safety
2025 - Caring for Children with Allergies
2025 - Managing Child Safeguarding
2025 - Child Safeguarding
2025 - The Prevent Duty
2025 - Fundamental British Values
2025 - The Role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead
2025 - Supporting Transition 3-5 years
Further Courses completed will be listed soon
My previous ratings were “OUTSTANDING" – Rated by Ofsted in 2010/11 and "OUTSTANDING" - Rated by Ofsted 2014/15 , my current rating on the new Ofsted Inspection report is GOOD and can be read online at the Ofsted website, please contact me for details.
Further to this, my husband is registered with Ofsted as is my assistant and both holds a Paediatric First Aid Training certificate and is Enhanced CRB checked and my Assistant holds DBS as well as other courses including her First Aid Training and Safeguarding which can be viewed on request.
(My husband holds a full time Senior Managerial position in local government, so only works with us part time).
My Availability
Please contact me to discuss your needs and my availability.
If you are in Dunstable or close locality and are looking for a childminder/shared nanny working on low ratios of children and offering that special care, please contact me for future vacancies.
We can tailor make your requirements for any evening and overnight care* subject to our availability and vacancies we have at the time, and to fall in place with the children already on our books.
I currently have commitments for local school drop off and pick up's. Any new additions to our setting will need to be able to fit in with these.
***UPDATE*** We find ourselves in the rare situation of being able to offer 2 full time spaces for 9 months old to 18 months, Monday to Thursday's from September 2025 due to 2 siblings relocating away from Bedfordshire. ***UPDATE***
*Available evening and weekend care is very limited.
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before School | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Morning | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Afternoon | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| After School | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Evening | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Overnight | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Last Updated: 06/07/2025 | |||||||
My Fees
- Babysitting from £13.00 per hour
- Childminding from £6.50 per hour
Please contact me for a breakdown of my fees.
My Childminder rate include all food and drinks and is my base rate. Discounts and reductions can be discussed dependant on hours and individual needs required.
Our 2024/25 Fees:
Unarranged late pick-up = £10.00hr charged by 15 minute increments
*Ad Hoc Hours* throughout the year (as and when required) = £8.00ph.
Up to 10hrs (weekly) = £8.00ph.
Over 10hrs (weekly) = £6.50ph.
5% Sibling discount - conditions apply.
Journey Time = £8.00 p/h and 50p per mile (home drop offs' when available).
Babysitting Rate = £13.00ph. - *** Currently I have no spaces for evening and weekend Babysitting ***
*If it is one off occasions then I would charge a "babysitting rate" of £13 p/h. If you want Ad Hoc hours, but want to guarantee my services throughout the year on known occasional days/dates, I am happy to discuss and put these in the diary as confirmed and guaranteed, once a contract has been signed and forms completed.
I accept government approved child care vouchers and recommend parents/carers check out Childcare Choices for up to date Government Childcare help.
I am pleased to be accredited with the government scheme of 15 and 30 hours places* for free places to allow free hours for babies of 9 months to 23 months and children 2 years + and free childcare for 3 to 4 year old's under the government accredited scheme*
*You must qualify and be eligible for this scheme with the local council. This does not include food, trips and extra resources.
Please contact me for available places.
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
- Childminding Agency Certificate (added 11/02/2023)
- DBS Check (added 25/01/2018)
- Northern Ireland Registration Certificate (added 20/12/2017)
- Ofsted Certificate (added 20/12/2017)
- First Aid Certificate: Paediatric First Aid Course (added 02/06/2025)
- Other (added 02/06/2025)
- Inspection Report: Public Liability (added 11/02/2023)
- First Aid Certificate: First Aid (added 11/02/2023)
- Reference (added 11/02/2023)
- Reference: Liability Insurance 2021 (added 19/11/2020)
- Reference: ICO 2021 Certification (added 19/11/2020)
- Reference: 2021 Pacey Membership (added 19/11/2020)
- Reference: LIABILITY INSURANCE 2020 (added 30/04/2020)
- Reference: PACEY MEMBERSHIP 2020 (added 30/04/2020)
- Reference: ICO Data Controller (added 30/04/2020)
- First Aid Certificate: 2019 First Aid Certificate (added 30/04/2020)
- Inspection Report: Ofstead Outstanding 2010/11 (added 20/12/2017)
- Reference: PACEY Membership (added 20/12/2017)
- Reference: ICO Register of Data Controller (added 20/12/2017)
- Inspection Report: Ofsted Outstanding (added 20/12/2017)
- First Aid Certificate: AofFAQ Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid (added 20/12/2017)
Reviews
5 out of 5
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Sharon. 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 picked Hummingbird care out of 4 childminders we saw and couldn’t have been happier with the choice made. Sharon and Dave are amazing with our son who started with them at 1 year old. They have helped him develop and given him all the interaction he needs especially during the COVID lockdowns! Sharon is really flexible, which works well with our key worker roles. We are moving counties and our biggest concern is that no one will be able to live up to her standards. We couldn’t recommend her enough.
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Paul
on 04/01/2021
Sharon has been an absolute blessing! As soon as she welcomed my daughter into her home I felt assured that she’d be happy there.
Her level of compassion and understanding has made a real difference to my toddler. She is much more confident and gets on very well with the other children. She’s had plenty of trips out and enjoys the various arts and crafts activities they do at home.
I would highly recommend Sharon if you’re considering a childminder. She always goes above and beyond to keep the children and mums happy. She’s very flexible with hours and is very organised and reliable. The cost of childcare is very affordable when weighed against what she actually does!
We will miss her and of course Dave who also does a great job.
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by
Parent
on 10/01/2019
I couldn’t be more happy with Sharon. My daughter came to her when she was 10 months old and she’s now 1, and loves going to her! She treats Paige like she’s her own and she is one amazing lady!
I wouldn’t have anyone else look after Paige. She takes her out, and makes things with her.
She is one amazing lady! And we love her! X
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hrat18
on 16/02/2018
Sharon was our childminder for our first daughter 6 years ago, so when our second daughter came along we had no doubt in our minds who we would be sending her too.
Sharon isn’t our closest childminder as we live 10 miles away but I am willing to travel for the outstanding childcare Sharon provides, she offers not only great childcare but so many opportunities in the last two week my 2yr old daughter has brought home cakes and rocket that she helped make. She is also regularly taken on outings to the park or whipsnade zoo which she loves!
The safe and caring environment of Sharon’s house will always be key in both my daughters early years development and we can’t thank Sharon enough.
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by
Parent
on 10/02/2018
Sharon has cared for our children for over 6 1/2 years. She offers an outstanding, unique and one of a kind childcare service. Our children adore her.
As my partner and I work in London it was important for us to find someone reliable and who could offer a caring, learning environment for our children. We never dreamed of finding someone as lovely, reliable and professional as Sharon, which took pressure off our daily working life and commute.
Sharon offers a very professional, caring childcare service in a homely, loving environment where each individual child needs are met.
She goes above and beyond the call of duty, is flexible and nothing is to much trouble. My children adore her, are content and extremely happy in her care, which I think speaks volumes.
I would highly recommend Sharon and hummingbird childcare.
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on 10/01/2018
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