Sharon

My Summary

My Experience

Experience & Qualifications
With over 38 years of experience caring for children of all ages—from newborns to school age—I’ve dedicated my life to nurturing, supporting, and inspiring young minds. After raising our own son, I discovered a deep passion for helping other families by providing a safe and loving environment where children can thrive.

My childcare journey began at a private nursery in Hertfordshire, where I trained and qualified as a Nursery Nurse. I spent six rewarding years there, gaining valuable experience and building the confidence and knowledge to open my own childcare business.
Throughout the years, I’ve cared for children with a wide range of needs, including those who require daily medication or EpiPen support. Every child is unique, and where additional care is needed, I work closely with families to create a personalised care plan. I’ve also undertaken specialist training through medical professionals, hospitals, and accredited courses to ensure every child receives safe, confident, and attentive care.

Ofsted & Professional Standards
I became a registered childminder with Ofsted in 2010 and was proud to achieve an Outstanding rating at my very first inspection—a result my inspector described as rare. This rating was reconfirmed in 2014/15, reflecting my continued dedication to excellence and professional standards.
Following changes to Ofsted’s inspection framework in 2023, I was awarded a Good rating. While the framework may have evolved, my standards of care, passion, and commitment to quality remain just as high.
I’m also a registered member of PACEY (Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years), which supports my ongoing professional development and ensures I stay up to date with the latest guidance and best practices.

Our Approach
As a mature, experienced childminder, I feel truly fortunate to be settled in life with no young children of my own. This means my full attention and energy can go into the children in my care.
I believe in maintaining small group sizes to provide each child with the time, focus, and personal learning opportunities they deserve. For over 15 years, I’ve successfully run my setting on this principle—offering ratios of 5:2 or 6:2 (depending on ages) rather than filling every available space. This approach allows me to deliver the individual care and consistency that families value most.

Our Team
I’m supported by my qualified full-time assistant, Mariana, who works alongside me each day. My husband, Dave, is also suitably trained and available when needed.
Both hold current Safeguarding and Paediatric First Aid certifications, as well as other relevant childcare qualifications. Together, we ensure that every child in our setting is cared for by a competent, confident, and compassionate team.

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’re based in Dunstable or the surrounding area and are looking for a childminder who offers low ratios and truly personal care, I’d be delighted to hear from you.

Please feel free to get in touch to discuss your family’s needs and to check my current or upcoming availability.

We can also offer evening and overnight care*, depending on availability and in line with the needs and routines of the children already attending our setting.

Please note: I currently provide school drop-off and pick-up services for existing families, so any new arrangements will need to work around these existing commitments.

*Evening and overnight care are subject to prior arrangement and availability.

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

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.