Mary
Childminder in Test Valley (also available for babysitting)
5.0
My Summary
Sprout & Bloom Childminding
About Me
All funding accepted.
Please get in touch for further information. I have a space coming up this summer.
Hello! I’m Mary of Sprout & Bloom Childminding, where I provide a warm, creative, and caring environment for children to learn, grow, and thrive. My approach blends play-based learning with a focus on emotional wellbeing.
I’m passionate about music, dancing, storytelling, and all things imaginative – and I love seeing children’s confidence and creativity blossom as they explore the world around them.
About Me & My Setting
I’m based on St Hubert Road, in a bright, welcoming home that I share with my husband and our two lovely children. Our home is filled with laughter, kindness, and curiosity.
What Your Child Will Enjoy at Sprout & Bloom:
A dedicated playroom – designed with children’s development in mind.
Here, we sing songs, build with blocks, count with bears, get messy with paint, and dive into imaginative play every day. It’s a space that encourages exploration, discovery, and joy.
A safe and secure garden – where outdoor adventures await.
From splashing in puddles to planting seeds and watching bugs, our garden is an extension of our learning space. It features a patio, grassy area, sensory plants, and even a few friendly snails!
Wholesome, plant-based snacks – I’m passionate about promoting healthy habits and sustainability, so all our meals and snacks are plant-based, balanced, and delicious – helping children learn to love good food and care for the planet too.
Our Daily Rhythm
Each day has a gentle structure, blending familiar routines with exciting new experiences. We sing songs, read stories, enjoy sensory play, dance, bake, and explore nature together. Children are encouraged to follow their interests and develop at their own pace in a relaxed, loving environment.
A Partnership with Parents
I believe that great childcare is built on trust, communication, and partnership. I work closely with families to ensure every child’s individual needs are met, and that parents feel informed, involved, and reassured every step of the way.
If you’re looking for a childminder who offers warmth, creativity, structure, and a genuine love for what she does, I’d love to hear from you.
My Experience
Caring for my own children has given me a deep, hands-on understanding of child development and the importance of creating a nurturing, supportive environment. It’s through raising them that I discovered my passion for early years care and education.
Alongside my experience as a parent, I’ve also worked in both nurseries and primary school settings, where I gained valuable insights into different learning styles, developmental stages, and the importance of routine, play, and positive relationships in a child’s early years.
This blend of personal and professional experience has shaped the way I care for children – with empathy, patience, creativity, and a strong understanding of each child’s individual needs.
My Qualifications
BTEC Diploma in children's Care, Learning and development Level 2 (2 years full time college course with placement training which included Nurseries and schools)
Introduction to Childminding Course CPD Certified
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Safeguarding Children Level 2
Safeguarding Children Level 3
Understanding Autism Level 2
Paediatric first Aid (Ofsted recognised through St John's Ambulance)
DBS(CRB)
Level 2 Food Hygiene
Full Driving Licence
My Availability
I am open Monday - Thursday 8am -5:00pm
My Fees
- Childminding from £7.00 per hour
- Babysitting from £15.00 per hour
£7.00 Per hour - Plant based snacks and drinks are included
My Local Schools
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at Balksbury Junior School
My Documents
- Childminding Agency Certificate (added 01/08/2022)
- DBS Check (added 01/08/2022)
- First Aid Certificate (added 01/08/2022)
- Training Certificate (added 01/08/2022)
Reviews
5 out of 5
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Mary. 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.
Leaving our precious first born in full-time childcare was hard and a lot of the time we wondered if we were doing the right thing. Mary listened to us, listened to our wishes for our son and took note of his routines, favourite foods and games.
There were a few tears at drop off and pick up for the first week and every day it seemed he came home a little taller, with new capabilities, his speech improving, his interests maturing. Now, we drop him off and he runs in and waves goodbye.
We’ve come to realise that what he gets at Sprout and Bloom is not just care whilst we’re at work. He gets things we can’t provide. That includes opportunities to play with other kids of varying ages. He eats foods he won’t touch at home. He learns to be confident exploring and playing without his mummy and daddy looking over his shoulder.
This is why we have no hesitation in recommending Sprout and Bloom. It’s a home from home environment where children play, learn and flourish. We wouldn’t send my son anywhere else.
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Overall
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by
Katt
on 29/11/2023
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This profile was last updated on 26th March 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.