Sarahs Sunbeams
Childminder in New Duston
Usually responds within 15 minutes
Female Member since Jun 2012 Last Updated Apr 2025 Last Login 09 May 2025
My Summary
Duston Childminder
About Me
I'm an Ofsted registered childminder with an honours degree in childhood and youth and have over 20 years experience. I live in New Duston in Northampton with my husband and two of my children. My children are 27, 18 and 8 and have all been brought up with childminding children coming in and out of the house, building up healthy relationships with each one of them. I pride myself on providing a friendly service and being as flexible and helpful as possible. I have always specialised in the early years and prefer to concentrate on the under 5's within my setting so don't do school drop offs or pick ups.
Please read my reviews from previous parents to get a feel for my setting.
My Experience
I have over 20 years of childminding experience and have had a 'good' ofsted rating throughout. I was last inspected in 2022 and have been graded 'good'. I was also a Homestart volunteer for 2 years, helping families within their own homes with children under the age of 5 in times of need. I have many excellent references from previous and current parents available to view.
My Qualifications
2001- British sign language, Stage 1
2001- Introducing childminding practice
2006- child protection awareness programme
2008- Understanding children course
2008- Introduction to the early years foundation stage for childminders
2008- Equality and inclusion training- level 2
2008- Safeguarding children
2010- Certificate in Health and Social care- level 4
2011- Adult health, social care and wellbeing
2011- Working with children, young people and families
2011- DIploma in Health and Social care
2012- Pathways to registration as a childminder
2012- Level 2 award in food safety in catering
2012- Understanding the autism spectrum
2012- First aid for child carers
2012- Early years common induction programme
2012- Training workshop about the revised EYFS
2012- Childhood course
2012- 5 rating for food hygiene
2013- Certificate in Early Years practice- level 4
2013- Diploma in childhood and youth studies
2014- Honours degree in childhood and youth studies
2015- paediatric first aid, Red Cross
2015- mental capacity, Educare
2015- first aid essentials, Educare
2015- data protection level 2, Educare
2015- child neglect, Educare
2015- Equality and diversity, Educare
2015- Child protection
2015- child protection level 3
2015- delivering the EYFS, Pacey
2015- Expectations of behaviour, Pacey
2015- Schemas, Pacey
2015- Prevent Duty, Educare
2015- Promoting positive behaviour, Educare
2016- Reflective practice in the early years.
2017- child protection refresher
2017- Supporting early language development
2017- Channel general awareness.
2017- Improving children’s learning through play.
2017- Understanding children’s rights.
2018- Paediatric first aid, Tiger lily
2018- Safeguarding children, childminding uk
2018- Nutrition course, childminding uk.
2018- Data Protection GDPR, childminding uk
2018- Recording children's development, childminding uk
2018- Understanding behaviour, childminding uk
2018- Characterisitics of effective learning, childcare.co.uk
2019- Food Allergy training, Food standards agency
2019- Recognising and preventing FGM, Home Office
2019- Theories Underpinning the EYFS, Educare
2019- Supporting Early Language Development, Educare
2019- Understanding Asthma, Educare
2019- Promoting Positive behaviour, Educare
2019- Training workshop on the EIF, childminding uk
2019- Cultural Capital, childminding uk
2019- Teaching and learning in the early years (Pedagogy), childminding uk
2020- understanding and addressing behaviour, Educare.
2020- What children’s perspectives tell us about inclusion, OpenLearn.
2020- Prevent Covid-19, Virtual College.
2020- Treasure Baskets, Childminding UK
2020- Transitions and settling in, Pacey.
2020- An introduction to attachment theory, Pacey.
2020- Transitions and parents, Pacey.
2020- An introduction to supporting children through trauma, Pacey.
2020- Safeguarding Children, Childminding UK.
2021- Safeguarding Children, Childminding UK
2021- Prevent Duty and Fundamental British values, Childminding UK.
2021-Paediatric First Aid, TigerLily.
2021- Child development part 1, Childcare webinar.
2021- Curriculum in 2021, Childcare webinar.
2021- Child development part2, Childcare webinar.
2021- SEND Early indicators, Childminding UK.
2021- An introduction to mathematical development in the early years, Pacey.
2021- An introduction to speech, language and communication in the early years, Pacey.
2021- Inspection and you, Education Inspection Framework Jargon Busting, Pacey.
2021- Focus on…cultural capital, Pacey.
2021- supporting children’s emotional well-being, Pacey.
2021- Starting points, Childcare.
2021- Webinar for childminders: Ofsted update, Ofsted.
2021- EYFS and development matters reforms, Childminding UK.
2021- 30 days wild, The Wildlife Trusts.
2021- An introduction to mathematical development in the early years, Pacey.
2021- strategies to support families under pressure, Pacey.
2021- Water play…and the characteristics of effective learning, Pacey.
2021- Families under pressure; understanding factors which may adversely affect family relationships, Pacey.
2021- The seven key features of effective practice, Pacey.
2021- Strategies to support and promote mathematical development in the early years, Pacey.
2021- An introduction to supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, Pacey.
2021- Supporting the development of self-regulation skills, Pacey.
2021- The language of feelings; supporting the development of emotional literacy, Pacey.
2021- Quick Assessment Checks, Childcare webinar.
2021- Oral Health, Childcare webinar.
2021- Keep Them Safe- Protecting children from Child Sexual Exploitation, Virtual college.
2021- Female Genital Mutilation: Recognising and Preventing FGM, Virtual college.
2021- Gang Relates Issues and County Lines, Virtual College.
2021- Breast Ironing, Noodle now!
2021- Anti- Racism in Early Years, Noodle Now!
2021- Children’s Character, Interests and Talents, Childcare webinar.
2021- Core books for Early Years, Childcare webinar.
2021- Make time for Maths, Childcare webinar.
2021- Gender in the Early Years, Childcare webinar.
2022- An introduction to physical development in the early years, Pacey.
2022- Food and drink in the EYFS, Pacey.
2022- Supporting disadvantaged families in the promotion of physical development, Pacey.
2022- Supporting and promoting physical development in the early years, Pacey.
2022- Stories and safeguarding, Pacey.
2022- Promoting and supporting hand washing in your setting, Pacey.
2022- Dental hygiene and oral health in the early years, Pacey.
2022- Mealtimes and the EIF, Pacey.
My Availability
I am available Monday to Friday between the hours of 7am to 6pm.
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before School | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Morning | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Afternoon | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | 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: 14/04/2025 | |||||||
My Fees
- Childminding from £6.00 per hour
I charge £6.00 per hour
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 Driving Licence (added 19/01/2020)
- DBS Check (added 23/02/2019)
- Ofsted Certificate (added 12/01/2019)
- First Aid Certificate: first aid 2024 (added 27/04/2024)
- Inspection Report: ofsted report 2022 (added 09/01/2023)
- First Aid Certificate: First Aid 2021 (added 13/02/2022)
- Marriage Certificate (added 23/02/2019)
- Exam Certificate: The early years: developing practice level 4 (added 23/02/2019)
- Exam Certificate: Degree in childhood and youth (added 23/02/2019)
- First Aid Certificate: first aid (added 10/01/2019)
- Training Certificate: anaphylaxis training (added 10/01/2019)
- Inspection Report: ofsted report (added 10/01/2019)
Reviews
4.95 out of 5
Parents say
The childminder receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with parents praising her caring nature, professionalism, and dedication. Children are described as thriving in her care, enjoying a wide range of activities and learning opportunities. Parents appreciate the regular communication, flexible approach, and welcoming environment. Many express sadness at having to leave and highly recommend her services.
Summary generated by AI from the text of recent member reviews
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Sarahs Sunbeams. 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.
My son has been going to Sarah’s for 8 months and he has thrived there, his speech has come on so much and his understanding of things is so much better. He has made lovely friends who he talks about everyday. Sarah sends us daily photos of what they’ve been up to all day and my son talks about her all the time and can’t wait to go back. We’re now starting school nursery so unfortunately we have to leave sarah but she will always be my number 1 choice for any future children. Thank you for everything Sarah! X
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
Addison1
on 19/12/2024
My daughter absolutely loves going to Sarahs childminder she fantastic! In fact my child cried when I collected her as she didn't want to leave!
The facilities are amazing they do such an array of activities. Each one always working on their development. The information provided of their daily activities is always very detailed and pictures which is so nice to see. I am so happy my daughter loves it and I can recommend Sarah highly! It has been so amazing seeing my daughter so excited to attend and has loved every single day.
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
Amber
on 17/07/2024
Quick to respond and very professional.
-
Overall
by
Dorcas
on 06/08/2023
Writing a review for Sarah is so hard because we don't want to do her a disservice, there's not enough words to express how happy we are with her care. Our little girl is so content and loved - Sarah's family feels like an extension of our own. She has been attending since she was 11 months old and will continue until she goes to school. We actually booked our space with Sarah when I was 10 weeks pregnant because we had read so many amazing reviews!
Sarah is always there to reassure us and give advice and works tirelessly to take in to consideration all of the children's needs and interests. Sarah is a kind and compassionate, gentle child minder who you can ask anything! Sje also has a brilliant sense of humour.
She has gone out of her way to listen and understand what we value as a family and how we parent our daughter and somehow seamlessly alligns this with her own approach to nurturing and developing children.
We are blown away by the wide range of opportunities our daughter has had so far with Sarah. From weekly cookery classes, to dancing and trips to beautiful, scenic places. The children are always busy and spend lots of time enjoying being outside in nature, at local parks and countryparks, looking for wildlife etc. which we absolutely love.
Our daughter is really thriving and achieving so many amazing things- some achievements are years beyond her age development wise.
We recieve daily updates on the babydays app with photos of what they've been up to and any additional info we need to know and Sarah is always quick to respond via WhatsApp too as well as chat at the door at drop off / pick up.
Sarah is literally one of a kind and I am so so relieved that she is our childminder. We dread the day when our daughter has to leave for school becuase we love having her in our lives!
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
Donna
on 29/07/2023
We have been sending my 3 year old daughter to Sarah’s since she was 9 months old and it has been the best decision we ever made. My daughter has turned into such a lovely little girl and that is all down to Sarah and her home environment and the love and care she has for all the children.
Sarah communicates well with the parents and she’s flexible and always on hand to help with any last minute issues or if you need any advice.
My daughter has thrived being at Sarah’s and they regularly attend outside activities throughout the week, ranging from cooking classes to reading at the library.
Sarah goes above and beyond to help the children and the parents and I’m so glad we chose her as our childminder.
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
Amy
on 27/09/2022
Sarah is the best childminder we had, very caring, warm and professional. Sarah provides an excellent learning environment also provides loads of stimulating activities for each child.
If you are looking for an outstanding childminder, we would recommend her anytime.
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
Kat
on 13/03/2022
We have been using Sarah for over two years now and can honestly say she is incredible! My daughter absolutely adores her and is always excited to go. Everyday our little girl comes home and has learnt something new and it’s so wonderful to see what she gets up to whilst she is there. Sarah treats her like she is one of her own and we couldn’t ask for anything else!
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
Jhaugh
on 21/02/2020
We have been sending our little girl to Sarah for nearly two years now, since she was 4 months old. Cannot recommend her enough! Sarah cares for all of the children she has as if they were one of her own and we love to see what they have all been up to when we collect at the end of the day. Sarah’s communication through her app is amazing so it makes the worry and guilt of being at work all day that little bit easier to know our girl is in such good hands. The bond our little girl has with Sarahs youngest is so so lovely also. We will be very sad when the day comes that we are no longer able to send her.
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
VBudd
on 21/01/2020
Don’t really know we’re to start to say how amazing sarah is. The last year she has looked after my son and she has just been great, the things he has learnt and confidence he has he’s now ready for school. She has been through all stages with me and got me threw it!! Motherhood is hard but when I drop my son off and see Sarah in the mornings she makes me feel it’s okay and then reassures me!! My son adores her and the family,
I’ll be very sad the day we have to leave for our next chapter in life with school!! Thankyou so much sarah for all the support and love you give us!! Lost without you!! 😘💜
-
Overall
-
Setting
Cleanliness-
Food
-
Communication
by
Ursh1989
on 18/01/2020
My little girl was with Sarah for just under 4 months until we unfortunately moved away from the area. If I could have taken Sarah with me I would have!
In such a short time she bonded with my little one making drop offs incredibly easy as it was a challenge with other childminders. She is caring, honest and there was no doubt in my mind I chose the right childminder when I found her. Thank you for everything Sarah.
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
Sophie T
on 18/01/2020
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.
