Sarahh
Childminder in Solihull
Usually responds within 3 days
Female Member since Sep 2014 Last Updated Mar 2025 Last Login Apr 2025
My Summary
About Me
My name is Sarah Hughes, in my early 50s, and I am an Ofsted registered childcare provider based in Elmdon, Solihull, close to Valley Primary School and the very beautiful Elmdon Park. I have been providing a childcare service for over 18 years and offer high quality loving care in a safe home environment, where the children are treated as part of the family. I have a purpose built playroom at the front of the house, and we also make good use of the large open-plan kitchen and dining room for meals and messier craft activities. I have a large landscaped garden with artificial lawn laid in the front section, and a dedicated play area at the rear of the garden, with recycled tyre ISO safety play surface, perfect for scooters and sit-on-rides, lots of space to learn and play.
I am married, and have an adult son and daughter who live at home. We also have a handsome English Springer Spaniel in our family who we rescued 9 years ago. He "works from home" with my husband (who since Covid, now works from home in an office at the bottom of the garden), so has occasional supervised access to those children who wish to interact with him at differenttimesof the day.
My Experience
I have been childminding for over 18 years, graded "Good" in all Ofsted Inspections. I work from home, and make good use of what the local community has to offer, with lots of variety including park visits, toddler groups and library sessions to benefit the children's understanding of our local environment.
Over the past 18 years I have gained lots of valuable experience, and believe everyone (including myself) should learn something new every day. I enjoy sharing best practice with other childminders in my local community and via social media sites, with schools or nurseries my minded children may attend. I undertake all statutory training course and additionally various information courses in a desire to keep my childcare knowledge up to date, so everything stays fresh, focused and engaging. I am a member of childcare.co.uk (fully insuranced), all over 16s in my home DBS checked, Ofsted approved. I am also registered with the ICO as a Date Control Handler (for all photographs taken for Business use and individual children’s Learning Journals) and have business insurance for my car.
Prior to Childminding I served in the RAF and then worked administratively for the Civil Service, then for an international company, and finally with the NHS so have strong work ethics, high standards, am both trustworthy and reliable, and still take pride in these qualities.
My Qualifications
I keep all statutory training fully up to date, as well as attend other non essential training to keep current.
Certified training includes:
Children's Care, Learning and Development NVQ Level 2 and 3
Safeguarding Level
Paediatric First Aid
Health and Safety
Food Handling
My Availability
I work Monday to Friday, and each day involves school runs to drop off and collect from Valley Primary school (currently on two sites). I offer term time only or all-year-round contracts, and flexibility wherever possible in my hours. I am also available for school holiday cover if short term help is all that is needed.
| 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: 05/03/2025 | |||||||
My Fees
- Childminding from £5.00 per hour
Preschool fees are contracted as Full day or half day sessions.
School wrap-around is charged hourly, with a minimum 2hr booking.
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 19/04/2023)
Reviews
5 out of 5
Parents say
This childminder offers a welcoming, home-like environment with a well-equipped playroom and outdoor area. Children enjoy diverse activities, including educational trips and playgroups. The caregiver provides clear learning objectives and regular updates to parents. The setting prepares children for school and fosters independence. Parents consistently praise the childminder's professionalism, experience, and caring nature, often recommending her services to others.
Summary generated by AI from the text of recent member reviews
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for SarahH. 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.
Sarah is like a home away from home with a welcoming set up, with playroom and wonderful outdoor play area for the children. We love that our son gets to experience different playgroups and days out each week. Sarah always has clear learning objectives and keeps us up to date on current topics. Our son has enjoyed his time with Sarah so much that we are sending his little sister this September. We are certain she will thrive in this setting like her brother.
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
Fayeb
on 25/04/2025
I sent eldest to Sarah before she attended preschool and youngest is still with Sarah, she provides fantastic preparation to get ready for a school environment. Sarah house is set up for a lovely playing and learning environment for the children, she has a well equipped garden better than most nurseries. My children have been on numerous days out, to Hatton Country World, Legoland Discovery and explored several local parks/soft play in the area. I highly recommend, both my children talk very fondly of their time with Sarah.
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Communication
by
Natalie
on 22/03/2025
Response by
SarahH
on 23/03/2025:
Thank you Natalie, much appreciated.
When looking for a childminder in the area for our 1st born son I was a little worried about leaving him, but after visiting Sarah we felt right at ease. Sarah’s morals and professionalism along with years of experience made us feel right at home. Her house is beautifully set out for the children, with a fantastic and very clean playroom and somewhere for children to hang / put their belongings. A toilet room is just across from the play room where the children are always encouraged to wash their hands and is also perfect for when children are learning to use the toilet as well as becoming more independent. The garden is huge with plenty to do, especially in the summer months. Sarah will often send updates via WhatsApp with pictures or videos which is a added bonus :)
We appreciate that the children go out most days.. whether it be for some fresh air, somewhere to socialise or a educational / fun day trip. Sarah has been a huge part of both our boys lives and they love her dearly, we are very grateful and will forever call her our friend :)
100% would recommend!
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
Paige
on 15/03/2025
Response by
SarahH
on 16/03/2025:
Thank you for such lovely comments xx
Both of my children have been to Sarah over the last 6 years and have absolutely thrived in her care. Each day Sarah has an activity planned from toddler groups to library days, trips to many different parks, educational trips such as the Thinktank museum and much more and I loved receiving the updates/pictures of there adventures. Sarah’s has a lovely playroom at her home for the kids and a huge garden for the kids to play and explore. My kids loved going to Sarah’s and most importantly I knew my kids were safe in her care. I would 100% recommend Sarah.
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
Jessica
on 05/03/2025
Response by
SarahH
on 15/03/2025:
Hi Jess
Thank you so much for the fabulous review. Very much appreciated x
Both of my girls went to Sarah my 1st from 6months old and my 2nd from 9 months old, I chose a childminder as I wanted the home from home comfy for my children, and a smaller setting than a nursery.
Sarah has cared for my children for the last 7 years. she’s helped them progress and grow in so many ways, she always has the best days planned out no matter the weather.
This included trips to the zoo, forest school, play groups, bus rides, the cinema, the park and many more! Each trip the children were learning whilst having fun.
I also used to get updates through the day which I loved.
Her home is set up is great, the playroom was always changed around frequently and decorated differently which kept the children interested in new doing new things, the garden is fabulous, plenty for the children to learn play and have lots of fun.
Sarah also gave lots of hugs when needed.
It felt like Sarah was part of our family and girls absolutely loved going there.
I honestly couldn’t recommend Sarah enough
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
Kim
on 05/03/2025
Response by
SarahH
on 05/03/2025:
Ahh thank you Kim. Much appreciated and miss you all. Must meet up again soon xx
You must be a registered parent and logged in to leave a review.
If you don't have an account then Register Free now.
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.
