Sarahs Play Days
Childminder in Bourne End (also available for babysitting)
Usually responds within 2 days
Female Member since May 2010 Last Updated Jan 2025 Last Login 14 Jan 2025
My Summary
About Me
Please note that if I don’t reply within 24hrs (usually a lot quicker) it will be because I am not working. Weekends and holidays are precious family time.
Please contact me for latest availability and any other information you may require.
I am ofsted registered, who do all our suitability checks, my registration certificate can be viewed on visiting my setting.
Just a little about us.
We are a family run setting with my mum, Frances or better known as Grandma and myself as childminders with our own registration with Ofsted.
My partner James has now joined us as our assistant. James works when required or joining us on outings.
When my oldest son is around he will play with the children especially outside in the garden, playing ball.
James and I also have our own son who loves having friends to play with every day.
Our other companions are Pippa and Shadow our dogs and occasionally our cat Jess, when she comes home from sleeping next door.
We offer:
Monday - Thursday 8am-6pm
Friday - 8am - 4:30pm
Part time (minimum 9am- 3pm)
Term time care
If you would like further information please contact me or please take a look at website thats linked.
Sarah
My Experience
Sarah's experience
Parent to two boys 11/2019 & 02/2005
Girl Guiding 20 years
Class Room Assistant
Co-owner of a Day Nursery 10years
Nanny 10 years
Opened an after school club
Registered as a childminder since I was 18 years old.
Frances' Experience
Guiding and Scouting 40+ years
Co- owner of Day Nursery 10 years
Registered childminder for 35+ years
Parent to 2 children and Grandma to 4 children
James' Experience
Parent to 3 children and step dad to 1
Cared for may nieces and nephew's
For the last 5 years has been a friend to the children at Sarah's Play Day's
My Qualifications
Sarah's qualifications
Btec national level 3 in childcare
Cache Level 4, care and education
First Aid
Safeguarding
Many more courses attended
Frances' qualifications
Level three childcare and education
First aid
Safeguarding
Plus others.
Parent and grandparent.
40+ years in childcare
My Availability
Monday - Thursday
8am - 6.00pm
Open 46 weeks a year.
Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Before School | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
Morning | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
Afternoon | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
After School | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
Evening | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
Overnight | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
Last Updated: 06/01/2025 |
My Fees
- Childminding from £6.50 per hour
- Babysitting from £15.00 per hour
Please contact me for fees.
Fees include,
Lunch and snacks
Activities
Outings (Large outings we pay the first £5.00, limited to holidays)
I accept Childcare Vouchers
Funding for all ages
Tax free childcare
Tax credits/universal credits
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.
This member has chosen not to display their Ofsted inspection ratings on their profile. We recommend you check their current registration status and read their latest inspection report before using them.
My Documents
- DBS Check [DELETED] (added 16/10/2023)
Reviews
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Sarahs Play Days. 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.
Ella started going to Sarah's when she was 11mo, she is now 2yo and I can't recommend Sarah's Play Days enough.
Sarah not only looks after children in her care, she encourages development (physical, emotional and intellectual) and constantly teaches them through play - which is 100% inline with my approach.
The kids are singing, dancing, listening to stories, visiting various places, climbing, jumping, drawing, painting and playing with amazing choice of toys (all very clean and in working condition). They are also getting involved in baking, gardening and whatever Sarah has planned for them each week.
The setting includes two spacious rooms within the house (with an access to separate art corner) and beautiful garden with beach house, climbing frame, mud kitchen, maze and many more. Sarah really looks after the place and makes sure that there is a great variety of equipment constantly investing in more and more pieces.
Home made meals are well balanced and look amazing - we get to see the meals and also what children were up to during the day on photos Sarah and Frances publish on BabyDays App and Facebook group. We also get a Daily Note summarising activities and achievements of the day.
What's also important to me, having my family so far way, is the fact that I can always ask Sarah a question and seek her advice - it my be toddler related, but not necessarily.
I had an opportunity to spend some time with Sarah and the children and I was very impressed with the way children speak to each other, play and just look after one and another.
When I leave my daughter in the morning with Sarah and Frances I know she is in good hands and I can focus on my day at work - and that's just a blessing.
by Ania on 10/11/2021
Response by Sarahs Play Days on 10/11/2021:
Thank you Ania for a lovely review. We have enjoyed our year with your daughter and to witness her development from a baby to a toddler. We look forward to seeing her grow and learn for a few more years to come. We are glad you feel supported as a family and not just in the day to day care for your daughter. Sarah and Frances.
Absolutely fantastic after school care provided by Sarah. My son, George, was extremely happy at Sarah’s after school twice a week and settled in quickly. Whenever I went to pick him up, he didn’t want to leave as he was having so much fun. Such a lovely environment and I would 100% recommend Sarah for after school care.
by Alice on 08/11/2021
Response by Sarahs Play Days on 08/11/2021:
Thank you Alice for such a lovely review. It has been a pleasure to have cared for George. He has been so chatty, made friends not just with the other school children but with the little ones that we care for.. We wish you well for the future and I am sure we will see you around the village. Sarah and Frances.
My son has been at Sarah's for a month now and I couldn't be happier with the service. Sarah and Frances treat all the children like part of the family and this family setting is exactly what I was looking for for my just turned 1 year old. The setting is very well provided for and the outdoor space is fabulous. Communication is brilliant via the app and handover at the end of the day is thorough. My little one is so happy there and so am I. Thank you Sarah and Frances!
by Ms4g on 02/11/2021
Response by Sarahs Play Days on 07/11/2021:
Thank you Mary for the lovely review. Your son may have only been here for a very short time, but he is a delight to have as are you and your family are. Look forward to many more years of care for your son and to watch him grow. Sarah and Frances
My daughter started at Sarah's Playdays when she was 11 months old and was with her right through until she started reception class last year.
The service recieved at Sarah's playdays over the years went above and beyond what was necessary. Always friendly, professional and putting Avi's needs first. From the moment Avi stepped through the door in Sept 2015 she grew & developed. The way that Sarah's playdays work with the parents to assist with parental tasks is second to none. Nothing is too much trouble. From potty training to ensuring that she had certain preparations in place ready for school. There was always a vast array of activities to do in a safe and well managed environment. I always knew Avi was safe. I would definitely use Sarah's services again. 100% recommend.
by Gemma on 30/09/2020
Response by Sarahs Play Days on 30/09/2020:
Thank you Gemma.
It was a pleasure to look after Avi (and the family) and lovely that we are still able to be 1st contact for emergency now she is at school. It’s been a pleasure to see her grow from a baby to a young girl and looking forward to seeing her grow and develop in the future.
Sarah
I had both my girls growing up actually with Sarah & Frances, from 6 weeks old. They are not “just” childminders, they offer affection, teach & educate your children. You should see them all going food shopping in supermarket. There is a very nice bond between all the children, of course, thanks to Sarah & Frances’ efforts. The advantage of having a child with them and not a nursery, is that more groups of age are playing often together, and the little ones are learning from the older ones. Also the older ones learn that they are an example and they push out the best. Every morning they were waiting for children with different activities / games, organised on age groups. Very nice playing area outdoors, when in the summer days is like a child paradise. They do lots of walks in the woods and I think I forgot the best: children don’t get to watch TV. Healthy meals and all what you need to know about your child while there, will be on their online platform.
by AndreeaC on 22/04/2020
Response by Sarahs Play Days on 22/04/2020:
Thank you. We have loved having the girls, they are part of the family and always will be. They have grown from tiny babies to a toddler and a little girl ready for school. We will miss there smiley faces and wish them well for the future. Sarah and Frances x
Sarah introduces me to my current childminder so I feel she deserves a shout out too!
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Sarah & Francis due to my current childminder regularly meeting together and as such my son is comfortable at Sarah’s house & playing along side all the children in her care.
Together they provide a clean settling with great patience towards the children in a loving and nurturing environment. The toys are in great condition and often rotated so never boring for the children. The animals are well behaved and adore the children with a calm temperament they’ve been trained well.
My son will miss his play time at Sarah’s house but I know friendships and bonds have been made to continue meeting up!
by Mrs Prit on 29/08/2019
Response by Sarahs Play Days on 31/08/2019:
Thank you so much for the lovely review. It has been a pleasure watching your son grow from a toddler into a confident child who is now ready for school. He has built up friendships with the others here and hope that maybe be able to keep in contact. We wish you all the best for the future.
Sarah is an excellent childminder. She has a very comfortable, nurturing and professional personality. My son was with Sarah when he was 6 months old and also when 16 months old. He always comes back happy and well taken care of. I am also very pleased with Sarah's set up as she works in a clean and homely environment. My son also enjoys with her dogs. Due to financial reasons, my son could not be with Sarah consistently but I wish he could. I would highly recommend her!
by Tamnam on 30/09/2014
Response by Sarahs Play Days on 01/10/2014:
Thank you for your kind words.
Your little one is such a joy to have around, so full of life.
Sarah
I have 2 children looked after by Sarah and Frances, one for over 3 years now and the other for about 8 months. Sarah and Frances provide a nurturing and caring environment for my children. There's always activities planned into the children's days to keep them entertained, no one day is like another and there's more toys (for all ages) than I would like in my house for their enjoyment.
The food provided is fanastic, a great balance of meals and encouragement for children to try new things and of course eat all their vegetables! I cannot recommended them enough, they understand children and respect each and every one is different. They provide love, support and guidance to those they care for and their parents too! I have always be comfortable and confident my children are in the best possible place when I go to work, thank you for that.
by Parent on 26/09/2014
Response by Sarahs Play Days on 01/10/2014:
Your oldest is developing into a little person now and is always willing to try new things, and the conversations they now have is just wonderful.
The little one is just so cute and I love their little wet kisses.
Sarah
Sarah and Frances have been looking after my two children after school for the last year (starting when they were 4 and 6). My children enjoy themselves very much and I am very confident in the care they receive. When I pick them up they are calm and relaxed having done a range of activities and had tea. Sarah and Frances provide a caring, family environment and my children really enjoy being with the other children under their care as well as having pets around. In good weather they have a great garden, set-up for children's play. A real bonus for me is that my son is now eating a wide range of fruit and vegetables due to Sarah and Frances' consistent encouragement.
by Parent on 24/09/2014
Response by Sarahs Play Days on 01/10/2014:
It's been lovely to see the development of your two over the year especially with the fruit & vegetables.
I know the children love to be in the garden and summerhouse, they "throw" their bags in the back door and go straight up to play can't get there fast enough. The echo of giggles that come down the garden are lovely to listen to. They only come in when call for tea.
Sarah
My son has been with Sarah and Frances for the past couple of years and I cannot recommend them highly enough. They have helped him through many changes (moving house, the birth of a baby sister) and he has thrived in their care. A few key points that I want to highlight:
1. They are passionate about what they do, they genuinely want to know and understand your child; they have often picked up on little things that I have missed.
2. They have so much experience but are aways looking for ways to improve their service. For example, they have recently started with a new version of an electronic diary which is very interactive..
3. They provide a safe environment where children can learn and discover through play.There is always a change of toys/activities in the indoor play area and the outdoor play area is simply wonderful, with a playhouse, slide and lots of interesting little play areas. There's a perfect balance between free play, indoor and outdoor activities, and outings.
4. Communication is excellent, they are always available to discuss anything and they have always been supportive. I have often asked them for help if parenthood threw something at me that I could not quite manage!
5. They are flexible, and taylor care according to the child's needs, for example we do not use English as a first language in our house, and they have put in extra effort to help develop his language skills.
But most important of all, my little boy loves going to Sarah and Frances and he has formed a strong and secure attachment with both of them. And for me, that is the most important of all.
by Lizette4 on 27/08/2014
Response by Sarahs Play Days on 28/08/2014:
Your son has developed and changed in leaps and bounds over the last couple of years, and his laugh is infectious. It has been a privilege to know him and the rest of the family. He will be missed by us and the other children, and we hope you will visit often. Love Sarah and Frances xxxx
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