Barbara
Childminder in Orpington
Usually responds within 2 hours
Female Member since Sep 2012 Last Updated Oct 2025 Last Login 29 Oct 2025
My Summary
About Me
**** full time place in September 2026 ****
Hello my name is Barbara, I am a registered childminder with 24 years childminding experience.
My qualifications :
CEYP level 4
(certificate in early years practice)
NVQ level 3 in childcare and education.
My latest Paediatric First Aid Training was in March 2024.
Graded Good in latest Ofsted inspection August 2024.
I can provide funded places for children from 9 months and the Early Years Education for
3 &4 year olds with the 15 & 30 hours government funding the same as preschools and nurseries.
I specialise in the under 5's age range so do not do school drop off or collections and have a maximum of 4 children at any time which enables me to focus on each child's individual needs and learning.
I provide a stimulating, caring and fun homely environment, where children learn through play following the EYFS framework. I attend local playgroups where children learn to socialise and form friendships with other children. I also incorporate cooking, art and crafts, music and outdoor play into our daily/weekly routine. I live very close to a large woodland which we visit regularly promoting physical skills and to explore and learn about nature. I also organise outings in our local area to parks, playgrounds, library, farm, and museums to provide experiences and opportunities that will enhance children's learning and understanding of the world around them.
I am located close to St Pauls Wood Hill, and St Peter & St Pauls primary school.
Nearest train stations are St Marys Cray , Chislehurst and Petts Wood and close to local bus routes R1 R11 B14 273 & 61
I have excellent references and a portfolio available to view which includes my latest OFSTED report.
My Experience
I have cared for babies from 10 weeks old as well as siblings . I have had previous experience of children with allergies, asthma , ASD and speech/language delay/difficulties.
My previous employment was in the banking industry and I used childminders myself so understand how important it is to find the right person to entrust the care of your little one too.
I have raised 2 children of my own and had children placed with me for up to 5 years.
I have attended a wide range of training courses during my 24 years of childminding and continue to update and refresh my knowledge and skills as part of my continued profession development.
My Qualifications
Certificate in Early Years Practice Level 4
NVQ Early years care and education Level 3
Paediatric First Aid certified March 2024
Food safety & hygiene Level 2
Member of CORAM (formally PACEY )
And courses covering the following areas :
Safeguarding children
Behaviour Management
Early Years Foundation Stage
Child development
Healthy eating
Observation, planning and tracking children's development
Learning through play
My Availability
Current availability -
Full time place September 2026
My hours of availability are :
Monday - Thursday 7.30 - 6.00pm
Friday - 7.30 - 5.00pm
*** please note that I do not offer school or preschool/nursery drop-off or collections.***
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before School | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Morning | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Afternoon | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| After School | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Evening | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Overnight | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Last Updated: 21/10/2025 | |||||||
My Fees
- Childminding from £7.00 per hour
I am registered on the government Tax-Free scheme
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
- Ofsted Certificate (added 16/08/2018)
Reviews
5 out of 5
Parents say
The childminder is highly praised for providing exceptional care and nurturing children's development. Parents appreciate the warm, caring environment and diverse activities offered, including outdoor adventures, crafts, and educational games. The childminder's dedication, patience, and ability to foster learning are consistently highlighted. Children form strong bonds and thrive under her care.
Summary generated by AI from the text of recent member reviews
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Barbara. 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.
Barbara has looked after our daughter for almost 4.5 years, since she was a tiny 6 month old. We couldn’t think of anyone else that we would feel as comfortable leaving our baby with. Right from the start, Barbara has made us all feel comfortable, and she has worked so well with us to make sure our daughter had the best possible start. Our daughter is happy, chatty and eager to learn everything, and we put most of this down to Barbara’s early years care. She is not a childminder to us, she is part of our family, and we couldn’t recommend her enough. She is patient, caring and calm, and everything you could ask for. She has helped us to instil in our daughter everything from manners to early education and so much more. She truly is amazing at her job, and you really do not need to look no further! Thank you for everything you do Barbara, you really are one of a kind!!
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by
Carli
on 05/09/2025
We honestly don’t know what we’d do without Barbara. Our son, Jaxson, has been going to her since he was just 10 months old, and from the very beginning, he has absolutely loved it. As parents, it gave us so much peace of mind knowing he was in such a safe, caring, and nurturing environment.
We chose Barbara because it was immediately clear how much she genuinely loves looking after children. She’s incredibly kind, patient, and completely dedicated to what she does – and it shows in everything. The bond she has with the children in her care is truly special. You can see how much they all adore her, and it's obvious that she deeply cares for each and every one of them.
Jaxson looks forward to going to Barbara’s every single time. He loves the variety of activities she plans – from creative play and crafts to fun educational games. One of his absolute favourite things is the time they spend outdoors. He especially enjoys the little adventures they go on in the woods, exploring nature and getting fresh air – it’s such a lovely way for him to learn and play. He also really enjoys baking with Barbara – he always comes home excited to tell us what he’s made (and usually can’t wait to share a bite!).
Barbara has created such a warm and welcoming space where children can truly thrive, and we feel so lucky to have found her. We can’t recommend her highly enough – she’s an absolute gem.
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by
Jess
on 10/04/2025
I couldn’t be more grateful for Barbara and the incredible care she provides for my son, Kai. From the moment I entrusted him to her, it was clear that Barbara is not just a childminder but a truly caring and dedicated professional who has a natural gift with children. Kai started when he was around 13 months and was extremely clingy with myself at the time- honestly I thought it would be impossible to send him to a childminder/nursery but she sprinkled her magic and eased Kai into it and after a few tears from both sides, he settled and I can honestly say he adores her!
Barbara’s approach to childcare is warm, nurturing, and full of enthusiasm. She creates an environment where Kai feels safe, valued, and excited to learn every day. Whether it's through imaginative play, fun learning activities, or outdoor adventures, Barbara always knows how to make each day special and engaging. Her ability to tailor activities to Kai’s interests and developmental needs is impressive. It's clear she really takes the time to understand him, and this personalised approach has made a huge difference in his confidence and growth.
What sets Barbara apart is not only her experience and expertise but the genuine love and care she shows. Kai looks forward to his time with her, and it’s heartwarming to see the positive impact she’s had on his social skills, learning, and overall well-being. I truly consider myself lucky to have found Barbara, and we couldn’t recommend her highly enough to any parent seeking a caring, capable, and compassionate childminder.
Thank you Mary Poppins aka Barbara, for everything you do for Kai!
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by
Rebecca
on 10/04/2025
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This profile 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.
