Brian and Shelley
Childminder in Billingshurst (also available for babysitting)
5.0
My Summary
Children Thrive In Our Warm, Supportive Home-From-Home Setting
About Me
Welcome to Sweet Beginnings Childcare
At Sweet Beginnings Childcare, we provide nurturing, home-from-home childcare where children feel safe, valued and excited to learn. As a husband-and-wife team of Ofsted registered childminders, we offer the unique benefit of both male and female practitioners, creating a warm, inclusive environment where every child can flourish. Children thrive in the wonderfully supportive environment provided. They come in happily, finding exciting play experiences to enjoy. Children quickly develop a sense of belonging.
We’re Brian and Shelley, a warm, family run childcare setting in the heart of Billingshurst. If you’re looking for a cosy, homely environment where children are truly seen, heard, and loved, you’ve just found it.
Our days are filled with play, adventures, creativity and confidence building moments. We treat every child like part of our family — because that’s exactly how we believe childcare should feel.
Meet Shelley & Brian
We’re a husband and wife team who love what we do.
Shelley
Calm, nurturing, and wonderfully intuitive, Shelley has a natural gift for helping little ones feel safe, settled, and inspired. She brings warmth, creativity, and a gentle guiding hand to every day.
Brian
Patient, nurturing and highly attuned to children's emotional wellbeing, Brian combines fun, creativity and calm guidance. Following his first Ofsted inspection in September 2026, inspectors praised him as "a marvellous role model for showing kindness and care for others" and recognised the wonderfully supportive environment he provides. They also noted that "children behave brilliantly" and "thrive in the wonderfully supportive environment provided."
We’re both Ofsted registered childminders with full Paediatric First Aid, Safeguarding, Early Years qualifications, and enhanced DBS checks. Brian received his first Ofsted inspection in September 2026 and a full copy of the inspection report is available on request.
What Makes Sweet Beginnings Special
A Home from Home
A cosy, family-centred environment where children develop a strong sense of belonging, build secure relationships and gain confidence through nurturing care.
Play Based Learning
Messy play, crafts, stories, baking, outdoor fun, music, role play — learning through joy and curiosity.
Adventures Big & Small
We're always out exploring, from Fishers Farm and Amberley Museum to National Trust properties, beaches, toddler groups, parks and woodland walks. Every week brings something new, and we tailor our experiences to the interests and developmental needs of the children in our care.
Tailored Support
Every child is unique. We follow their interests, celebrate their strengths, and gently guide their next steps.
EYFS Led Development
We weave the EYFS into everything we do — building confidence, communication, independence, and curiosity.
Open, Honest Communication
Daily updates, photos, chats, and shared goals. You’ll always feel connected.
A Positive Male Role Model
Many families love having both a male and female practitioner. Brian brings calm, kindness, creativity, and emotional intelligence — helping children build secure, trusting relationships with adults of all genders.
Funding & Availability
We offer funded childcare places where eligible and are happy to discuss your individual requirements. Please get in touch for current availability.
Come and Visit Us
Whether you're looking for childcare for a baby taking their first steps, a toddler ready to explore the world, or a pre-schooler preparing for their next adventure, we'd love to welcome you to Sweet Beginnings Childcare.
Get in touch to arrange a visit and see first-hand why children thrive in our warm, supportive, home-from-home setting.
My Experience
Brian's Experience
• Ofsted registered childminder recognised by Ofsted as "a marvellous role model for showing kindness and care for others"
• Strong focus on children's emotional wellbeing, communication skills, confidence and positive relationships
• Skilled at creating calm, engaging environments where children feel safe, secure and valued
• Experienced in supporting learning through play, exploration, outdoor experiences and child-led activities
• Provides a positive, trusted male role model, helping children build confidence and secure relationships with adults of all genders
• Background in professional roles requiring organisation, responsibility, attention to detail and safeguarding awareness
Shelley's Experience
• Over 10 years' experience working with children across a wide range of ages and developmental stages
• Background in nursery settings supporting babies, toddlers and pre-school children
• Ofsted registered childminder since 2019
• Strong understanding of child development, emotional wellbeing and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
• Known for her calm, nurturing approach and ability to recognise and support each child's individual needs
• Experienced in planning engaging activities, supporting developmental milestones and building strong partnerships with families
Our Shared Experience
• Fully qualified Early Years practitioners
• Ofsted registered childminders
• Paediatric First Aid trained
• Safeguarding trained
• Enhanced DBS checked
• Experienced in planning exciting EYFS-led activities that support children's learning, confidence and independence
• Passionate about outdoor learning, local adventures and enriching experiences that broaden children's understanding of the world
• Strong partnership approach with parents, providing regular communication, updates and shared developmental goals
• Committed to creating a warm, inclusive and supportive environment where every child can thrive
My Qualifications
Both of us are qualified in Level 3 Early Years Home Based Childcare, Paediatric First aid and safeguarding. we both hold enhanced DBS certificates.
My Availability
We currently have one space immediately available and potential further spaces becoming available from January 27.
My Fees
- Childminding from £8.50 per hour
- Babysitting from £17.50 per hour
We charge £8.50 per hour between 7:30am and 5:30pm Monday to Thursday and 7.30am to 4.00pm on Fridays.
£17.50 per hour outside of these core times
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.
Latest Inspection Report Card
My Documents
This member has provided us with electronic copies of the following documents. These copies are held securely on file unless marked as removed. The documents have been certified by the member as being true and accurate. We recommend you ask to see original copies of the documents before you hire them in order verify the true accuracy for yourself. Find out more about checks & references.
- Enhanced DBS Check including Children's Barred List Issued 13/11/2024 Securely stored
- Ofsted Certificate Added 26/12/2025 Securely stored
- First Aid Certificate: First Aid Added 02/09/2025 Securely stored
- Inspection Report: Brian Ofsted Inspection Report 21/10/26 Added 21/10/2026 Securely stored
Reviews
5 out of 5
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Brian and Shelley. 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 found Shelley and Brian at the very last minute, and we honestly feel so lucky that we did! From the moment she started, our little girl absolutely loved going to their house and was always so excited to see them.
They gave her such a lovely, fun and varied experience, taking her on outings to pretty much every child-friendly place in the area, as well as trips to the beach, parks and lots of other adventures. She had plenty of opportunities to play with children her own age and younger children, which really helped her become more confident, sociable and independent.
They also played a huge part in getting her ready for school. Her communication and ability to express herself improved so much, and we could really see her confidence grow. She had also been going through a phase of hitting when she first started, which is apparently very normal at her age, but amazingly it stopped completely within a week of being with Shelley and Brian.
Most importantly, she was genuinely happy and cared for. We always knew she was having a wonderful time and being looked after with so much patience, kindness and understanding.
We couldn’t have asked for better childminders and feel incredibly grateful that we found them. They have been such a special part of her early years, and we will miss them enormously. ❤️
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by
Elena
on 28/08/2026
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This profile was last updated on 7th November 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.