Sharon
Childminder in Dunstable (also available for babysitting)
Female Member since Sep 2011 Last Updated Aug 2025 Last Login 18 Aug 2025
My Summary
About Me
? UPDATE: We are not taking on any new children in 2025 ?
Hello, my name is Sharon. I live in central Dunstable and have been running Hummingbird Childcare since 2010, with my Full Time Assistant Mariana joining us in 2021.
I provide a warm, welcoming, and family-friendly environment where children can feel safe, happy, and inspired to learn. Childcare is my passion, and I truly love what I do. With no young children of our own at home, our focus is entirely on your little ones—their comfort, enjoyment, development, and wellbeing—so you can go about your day with peace of mind.
I’m a mum, nan, and wife to Dave. We have no pets, and our home is completely smoke-free.
Our Home
We live in a quiet cul-de-sac in central Dunstable—close to South Bedfordshire College, Woodside Industrial Estate, White Lion Retail Park, and with excellent transport links including the guided busway to Luton and beyond.
Safety is a top priority. Our home and garden are fully secure, with CCTV covering the front and rear. The garden is well-equipped with toys, a summer house, and plenty of space for outdoor play and learning. Indoors, children enjoy access to the entire ground floor of our home, including a dedicated sleep room where naps are quiet, comfortable, and carefully monitored.
Learning & Play
I encourage a balance of fun, education, and exploration:
Outdoor play & adventures: Regular trips to Whipsnade Zoo*, National Trust walks, and local nature outings.
Technology & learning: Supervised access to iPads, computers for homework and printing, and an updated program including STEM robotics and coding.
Creative play & development: Age-appropriate activities designed to support learning, imagination, and confidence.
Travel & Safety
I hold a full, clean driving licence and use a 7-seater Ford S-Max Titanium with top safety ratings, fully comprehensive business insurance, and Isofix-fitted car seats (all bought new). This means plenty of safe, enjoyable trips for the children in my care.
Schools & Catchment
I can support drop-off and pick-up within my catchment area, which includes Priory Academy and Icknield Lower School.
Healthy Meals
Nutritious, home-cooked meals are provided at no extra cost. We serve:
Breakfast (hot or cold)
Mid-morning snack
Hot or cold lunch
Afternoon snack
Hot evening meal
Drinks are available throughout the day, with bottled water, fruit, and vegetable sticks encouraged over sweets. We happily cater for dietary requirements (medical, religious, or personal).
Parents only need to provide baby formula, nappies, wipes, and any preferred medication (Calpol/Nurofen, new and sealed, age-appropriate).
Family Values
I’m always available for a chat if you’d like advice or guidance when choosing childcare. Visits are welcome—you can come and see our setting, meet us, and decide if Hummingbird Childcare is the right fit for your family.
Hummingbird Childcare
"Legends say hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy, and celebration. Their grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, and every connection has meaning. I chose the hummingbird as a symbol for my childcare setting because, like each child, they are truly precious and unique."
Thank you for considering Hummingbird Childcare—we look forward to caring for your very special little ones.
*Please note Whipsnade Zoo and Special Trips and visits may incur costs to parents and carers.
My Experience
Experience & Qualifications
I have over 38 years of experience caring for children of all ages, from birth upwards. After raising our own son, I discovered a deep love for supporting and nurturing other children.
My childcare journey began in a private nursery in Hertfordshire, where I trained and qualified as a Nursery Nurse. I spent six wonderful years there before gaining the skills and confidence to open my own childcare business.
Over the years, I have welcomed children with a wide range of needs, including those requiring daily medication or EpiPen use. Every child is unique, and where additional support is needed, I work with families to create a personal care plan. I have undertaken training through doctors, hospitals, and specialist courses to ensure children receive safe, confident, and attentive care.
Ofsted & Professional Standards
I became a registered childminder with Ofsted in 2010 and was delighted to achieve an Outstanding rating at my very first inspection—a result I was told was quite rare. This rating was reconfirmed in 2014/15, reflecting my ongoing dedication and high standards.
Following changes to Ofsted’s framework in 2023, I was awarded a Good rating. While the system has shifted, my standards of care, passion, and commitment remain unchanged. I am also a registered member of PACEY (Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years).
Our Approach
As a more mature childminder, I feel fortunate to be settled in life with no young children of my own. This allows me to give my full attention and care to the children in my setting.
I strongly believe in maintaining small ratios to ensure every child receives the focus, time, and personal learning opportunities they deserve. For over 15 years, I have successfully run my business on this principle, offering 4:1 or 5:1 ratios (depending on ages) rather than filling every available space. This is one of the reasons families trust me with their most precious little ones.
Our Team
I now work with a qualified full-time assistant, who supports me daily. My husband, Dave, is also suitably qualified and available when needed. Both hold up-to-date Safeguarding and Paediatric First Aid training, along with additional relevant courses. This ensures that our team is always ready, capable, and confident in keeping children safe and well cared for.
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
2025 - ICO
Further Courses completed will be listed soon
Ofsted Ratings & Team Qualifications
I am proud to have achieved “Outstanding” ratings from Ofsted in both 2010/11 and 2014/15. Under Ofsted’s updated inspection framework, my most recent rating is “Good”, which can be viewed online on the Ofsted website (please feel free to contact me for the direct link).
Both my husband and my assistant, Mariana, are also registered with Ofsted.
Mariana holds a DBS certificate, Paediatric First Aid training, Safeguarding training, and other childcare-related qualifications (all available to view on request).
My husband, in addition to being Enhanced CRB checked and Paediatric First Aid trained, supports the setting part-time alongside his full-time senior managerial role in local government.
Together, we form a small, reliable, and well-qualified team, ensuring the very best standards of care, safety, and support for every child.
My Availability
Contact & Availability
If you are based in Dunstable or the surrounding area and are looking for a childminder or shared nanny who works with low ratios to provide truly personal care, I’d be delighted to hear from you. Please get in touch to discuss your family’s needs and to check my availability for future vacancies.
We are also able to tailor arrangements for evening and overnight care*, depending on availability and in line with the needs of the children already attending our setting.
Please note: I currently provide school drop-off and pick-up for local families, so any new arrangements will need to fit around these existing commitments.
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: 17/08/2025 |
My Fees
- Babysitting from £15.00 per hour
- Childminding from £6.50 per hour
Fees & Funding
Please contact me directly for a full breakdown of fees tailored to your childcare needs. My base childminding rate includes all meals and drinks. Discounts and reductions can be discussed depending on hours and individual requirements.
2025 Fees
Unarranged late pick-up: £10.00 per hour (charged in 15-minute increments)
Ad Hoc hours (occasional, as required): £8.00 per hour
Up to 10 hours per week: £8.00 per hour
Over 10 hours per week: £6.50 per hour
Sibling discount: 5% (conditions apply)
Journey time (e.g. home drop-offs, if available): £8.00 per hour + 50p per mile
Babysitting rate: £15.00 per hour when available
Currently, I have no spaces for evening or weekend babysitting
For one-off occasions, the babysitting rate applies (£15.00 per hour).
For Ad Hoc care on specific dates throughout the year, I am happy to confirm and guarantee these once a contract is signed and forms are completed.
Funding & Vouchers
I accept government-approved childcare funding.
I recommend checking Childcare Choices for the latest information on government childcare support.
I am accredited to offer 15 and 30 funded hours for eligible families, including:
Babies (9 months – 23 months)
Children aged 2+ years
Children aged 3–4 years
Please note: Funded hours do not include meals, trips, or additional resources. Eligibility must be confirmed with your local council, additional charges are applicable.
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

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.
by
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.
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
by
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.
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.
by
Parent
on 10/01/2018
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