Tinysteps
Childminder in Kettering (also available for babysitting)
Usually responds within 3 days
Female Member since May 2010 Last Updated Jan 2025 Last Login 23 Jan 2025
My Summary
About Me
QUALITY CHILDCARE
ONE FULL TIME SPACE AVAILABLE UNDER 5s
With over 30 years experience working with children, I pride myself on offering the very best in childcare. I am a fully ofsted registered and insured childminder . I live with my husband ,three children and our two Labrador dogs . As a very experienced childcare provider I offer a home from home setting and carry out many fun and educational activities each day as well as trips out to local parks and toddler groups. I have many toys for all different ages and plan activities to suit your childs needs. We have a fully enclosed garden equipped with sand, water, ride on cars and a 2 storey playhouse. We live opposite fields , a river and a small
Wood we use these daily for walks and exploring. You can rest assured that your child will be well looked after as well as having lots of fun whilst in my care.
My Experience
I first started work in a day nursery starting off in the baby room and working through to the rising 5s , I then became a nanny and I have now been child minding for 14 years.
My Qualifications
Level 3 Diploma in childcare
First aid qualified
Safeguarding children
Action kids
Introduction to counselling concepts
Nanny for 12 years
Both myself and my husband are CRB checked
Food hygiene
Equality and Diversity
My Availability
Space available Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
SPACES AVAILABLE for holidays everyday
I AM ABLE TO OFFER FUNDED PLACES FOR 2 AND 3 YEAR OLDS.
| 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 | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Overnight | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Last Updated: 07/01/2025 | |||||||
My Fees
- Childminding from £5.00 per hour
- Babysitting from £10.00 per hour
Please call me to ask about fees.
My Local Schools
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at Millbrook Infant School
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at Millbrook Junior School
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 20/04/2020)
Reviews
5 out of 5
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Tinysteps. 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.
I just wanted to add to my other review with some specifics that might help other parents! Donna has supported us with:
- cloth nappies
- an egg allergy
- a child-led sleep approach
- a gentle parenting approach
I also still breastfeed him and she's been very non-supportive and non-judgmental (as everyone should be, but sadly I've heard horror stories about other childcare providers). She's absolutely fab and willing to work with parents to provide a setting that works for them and their children. We love her!
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by
Elliholm
on 19/04/2023
My little boy has been with Donna for a few months now. We moved him from a nursery as he wasn’t sleeping there and also refused to eat. It’s a completely different story with Donna - he naps and eats well and he even reaches for her at drop off!
Donna has also been fab in terms of helping me worry less as a first time mum. She keeps me updated with his activities and he’s just so happy and comfortable with her. He gets out the house every day with her for walks and there’s also often. messy play which is lovely for him. I’m so glad we found her!
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by
Elliholm
on 17/09/2022
Ruby (2.8) has been with Donna since she was 9 months old. I saw 8 childminders before i found Donna and i instantly knew i'd found the right person to look after my child. She didn't bat an eye at the fact Ruby slept on me and fully supported the routine Ruby was in and more recently with a dairy intolerance and potty training!
Ruby really enjoys going and playing with the friends she's made there, she particularly loves Donnas own children, especially her youngest and oldest.
The main room for the children is always decorated with their current projects and the themes change throughout the year. There are toys for all ages groups and everything and everywhere is very clean and safe.
I have always been made aware of any issues and get great advice from Donna.
I was considering a nursery/preschool for Ruby next year but i feel she is thriving so well at Donna's that i don't want to take that away from her until its time for reception.
I have always found Donna to be very flexible with my changing work shifts and i am always well notified of the years holidays.
Highly recommended childminder.
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by
Parent
on 14/09/2016
My son Sebastian (now 2) has been attending Tiny Steps since December 2012.
From my very first visit I was struck by how cheerful and inviting I found Donna and her home. The children in her care were calm and playing together nicely. The garden in particular is a fantastic space for toddlers to explore.
During a couple of settling in sessions I was able to observe Donna and Emma interacting with the other children, listening and answering questions. I love that they include even the youngest charges in the activities, and the use of themes (currently “People that help us” so last week he learnt all about Firemen).
Donna & her assistant Emma (and in fact all the family) have been absolutely brilliant, even allowing me to use them as a sounding board to check if certain behaviours and reactions are normal. I am looking forward to Imogen joining her big brother next month!
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by
Parent
on 17/01/2014
The contents of this review are no longer available as the reviewer's account has been deleted.
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by
Parent
on 26/09/2012
I am really pleased that I came across Tinysteps. Both Donna and her assistant Becky are fantastic with my son Austin (12 months) I was dreading being away from Austin but its really put my mind at rest knowing he is in good hands and is so well cared for. As a mother herself Donna knows what its like leaving a child and she very much cared for 'mum' as well as baby. We had three settling sessions, but Donna was happy to do as many as required for us both to feel comfortable and happy. She also texted me on the first day to reassure me Austin was happy and gives us a daily log of what he has been up to, which is lovely to read.
It is definitely a home from home environment and they do some lovely activities. Austin has only been there just over a month but he has been to playgroups, been on walks, been to the park, done messy play, has stories and singing and is even going to the farm on an outing. He also loves playing with the other children. Donna goes out of her way to find out what the interests of the child are, so that they she can ensure they do activities they enjoy and have toys they love playing with. Each child is equally well cared and catered for and made to feel part of the family and important.
Donna and Becky are very flexible and accomodating and will work with established routines and with parents wishes etc. Austin had no problems settling and enjoys going to Tinysteps
Wouldn't hesitate to recommend
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by
Parent
on 28/07/2011
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