Sonia
Childminder in Three Rivers
5.0
My Summary
About Me
Hi, I’m Sonia! I’m a qualified Ofsted-registered childminder with 13 years of experience, alongside 20 years teaching in secondary schools. I live with my husband James, our two sons (17 and 15), and our two lovely working cocker spaniels, Nugget (12) and Pickles (9 months).
We have a clean, spacious home with plenty of room for children to play and learn. There’s an open-plan downstairs area and a great garden with a climbing frame, so there’s lots of opportunity for both indoor and outdoor fun.
My aim is to provide a warm, relaxed environment where children can learn through play. I offer a mix of activities that support development, encourage independence, and help children get ready for school—all while having fun and building confidence with a real “give it a go” attitude.
I care for children from babies up to 4 years old, supporting them right up until they start their reception year at school.
We’re based on the Byewaters Estate, close to Croxley and Watford Business Parks, and right next to Croxley Common Moor—perfect for walks, exploring nature, and taking learning outdoors.
My Experience
As a former Head of Geography with many years of teaching experience, I have a strong understanding of the education system and can offer tuition for older children up to GCSE and A level.
For younger children, I focus on making learning fun, creative, and engaging, with activities linked to the Early Years Foundation Stage to support their development.
I’m also part of the local childminding community in Croxley Green. We regularly get together for group activities and organise trips for the children—whether that’s visiting local parks or heading a bit further out to places like the National Trust, zoos, and soft play centres.
My Qualifications
Level 3 Home-based Childcare 2013
Paediatric First Aid 2023
Safe guarding 2024
20 Years Teaching experience KS3-5
Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and Silver leader
PGCE Geography
Degree Geography BSc Hons
Grade 8 piano
My Availability
I offer both all-year-round and term-time childcare. My hours are Monday to Thursday, 7:30am–5:30pm, with an earlier finish on Fridays at 4pm.
Please feel free to get in touch if you’re interested or would like to chat more.
Current availability: I have one full-time space available from September 2026 for a child aged 9 months to 3 years.
My Fees
- Childminding from £8.50 per hour
I will speak to you directly about these during your enquiries but are similar to those in the local area.
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.
My Documents
- UK Passport [DELETED] (added 18/12/2022)
Reviews
5 out of 5
Parents say
This childminder offers exceptional care in a home-like setting. Children thrive with varied activities, including outings and educational experiences. Parents praise the carer's nurturing approach, noting significant developmental progress in their children. The environment is described as safe, stimulating, and fun, fostering confidence and social skills.
Summary generated by AI from the text of recent member reviews
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Sonia. 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.
Our son is flourishing and we rest assured that he is getting fun, varied experiences that are both stimulating and educational.
The biggest thing for us was the transition from being at home, being looked after by family and moving on to a childcare setting where he could make friends. Sonia made the whole thing so easy. We never had a problem with settling in and handing over our child; I think largely because of the home environment.
Sonia is a kind, decisive and proactive carer, providing new experiences often. He quickly came home talking more and engaging in focused play, that flowed much easier even without other children around. He doesn’t use his dummy at Sonia’s only for nap time.
We don’t doubt we found the right setting for our little one and so grateful for Sonia’s support. She’s part of ‘our village’, for sure!
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Rachelle
on 29/03/2026
We feel incredibly fortunate to have found Sonia as our son Charlie’s childminder. She is exceptional, always putting the children’s best interests at the heart of everything she does. Each day is thoughtfully planned with a variety of engaging activities, from zoo trips and soft play to outdoor adventures, visiting the local care home or local meet ups with other childminders. This has given Charlie the opportunity to socialise and mix with a wide range of peers.
All of the activities Sonia provides are educational and carefully tailored to support each child’s individual development. Since starting with her, Charlie has come on in leaps and bounds. His confidence has grown enormously, and it’s been amazing to watch his progress.
Sonia is incredibly nurturing, approachable, and knowledgeable. I always feel comfortable asking her for advice, and her insight is invaluable. Charlie is always excited to go, and it truly feels like a second family to him.
I feel so lucky to have found Sonia, and only wish I’d found her sooner!
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Louisa
on 27/03/2026
As a first time mum I was incredibly anxious about leaving my son and had previously tried a local nursery which I wasn’t happy with.
From the moment I met Sonia and visited her beautiful house I knew this was the type of environment I wanted my son to spend his days at. I love the home away from home environment and my son has thrived being under Sonia’s care. More language! More confidence! Happier overall!
Sonia is extremely knowledgable within the Early years and child care sector. She personalises all learning to each child.
Sonia will do all the things you may be nervous to do with your child - trips every week. Dylan has visited the zoo, nature reserves, museums and so much more! I much prefer this to him being stuck in one room every day in a nursery.
With Sonia you get the best of both a childminder and a nursery as she spends some time meeting with other childminders in the local area and creating a nursery style morning in a church hall and other times they’re out on trips and learning in other various ways.
I could go on FOREVER about how amazing she is and what she has done for my son in such a short amount of time we have known her.
Shaleena x
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Shaleena
on 27/03/2026
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This profile was last updated on 27th 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.