Sarah
Childminder in Folkestone
Usually responds within 24 hours
Female Member since Feb 2011 Last Updated Feb 2025 Last Login 04 May 2025
My Summary
Cheriton Childminder 🍒
About Me
Ofsted Registered Childminder and mother of two children aged 14 and 11.
Following Inspection by Ofsted in May 2022. Our setting was graded as ‘Outstanding’.
We are passionate about supporting both children and their families in finding the best possible work / life balance.
We provide a family feel home based setting where each child can identify with being part of our large and diverse extended family.
All of the children, from tinies to teens know me as Auntie Sarah, my fabulous Assistants are Auntie Vanessa and Auntie Helen.
We work hard to form strong bonds and professional relationships with the whole family as this helps us to bring out the best in the children.
We enjoy music, dancing and games, going on lots of varied adventures and have a great sense of humour!
We love to see children develop with their language, skills, independence and confidence. We do this by having a variety of 'adventures' each week following the (sometimes random) interests of the children, then building on these experiences to meet the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum.
All our outings and adventures are planned with the development of strong and confident independence and social skills in mind, which the children can then use to access the wider curriculum through the choices of play and activities available to them.
We have lots of trips and outings with a good dose of fun, and lots of laughter within a structured routine.
If you hear about a couple of ladies with a large group of small children singing "The Wheels on the Bus" at top volume, complete with actions on the number 71.....it was probably us!
The setting is in Cheriton within a 5 minute walk of Folkestone West Train Station.
My Experience
I have worked and volunteered in education governance and schools since my children were born and have also had the privilege of working with vulnerable adults also.
I am also a Governor for a local popular Primary School.
Many, many children are regular visitors to my home both in a childminding and social capacity, the majority of children joining the setting come via the lovely reviews and recommendations of our existing parents and families.
I love the variety caring for children of all ages brings and love to be able to support my families when ask for advice including supporting them with breastfeeding, toilet training , behaviour and routines.
Many of the children I care for are bilingual and the children are exposed to a good level of cultural diversity.
I have a great understanding of safeguarding and the EYFS curriculum and like to deliver this in a fun and interactive, child led manner.
My Qualifications
Level 3 Early Years Educator
Paediatric First Aid
Prevent Duty
Safeguarding
Dysphagia Training
Breastfeeding Peer Support Training
My Availability
We are always happy to chat with potential new families about their needs and add children to our waiting list where appropriate.
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before School | yes | yes | yes | yes | 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: 18/02/2025 | |||||||
My Fees
- Childminding from £8.00 per hour
Government Funded spaces available for 9 months+, 2 year olds and 3/4 year olds.
Our funded offer is:
Termtime - 38 weeks:
15 hours per week - 2 days 8.30am-4.00pm
30 hours per week -4 days 8.30am-4.00pm
All year round - 46 weeks: ( limited spaces )
24.75 hours per week
3 days - 8.45am-5.00pm
Please Note:
We ask parents of Government Funded children for a weekly financial contribution to cover the costs of trips, outings, entrance fees, travel costs, ERF car seats, specialist classes, teaching and activities, nappies, snacks, special occasions activities and other sundries and consumable items.
Setting Opening Hours:
8.30am until 5.00pm
Monday - Thursday
£8.00 per hour - Private Hours Fees
We operate all year round and offer a combination of term-time only, full year and school holidays only contracts.
We also offer flexible options for shift workers, ad-hoc school holidays bookings for families wanting term-time plus a few days.
Spaces are always subject to ratio availability
The setting is open all year round apart from Childminders own holidays.
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 08/10/2019)
Reviews
5 out of 5
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Sarah. 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.
Both my children go to Cheriton childminding and I couldn't believe the change in them within their first week.
Their speech and confidence grew so much. They felt so welcome in Sarah's home, which is completely tailored to a childcare environment. It is safe and secure, a real home from home and the children love going.. they don't even say goodbye in the morning and always look forward to going.
Sarah and the aunties are so proactive with the time they spend with the children and the learning style encourages their creativity and thinking outside of the box. They do so many activities that stimulate exploration and learning. They adore forest school and the many trips out in the 'cherry bus'.
Sarah has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the children and is always on hand to offer support. You can tell that she really loves childminding and invests so much of her own time and energy into all the children aswel and her own training and development within the setting.
We love getting photos of what they've been up to in the day. Everyone at CC is lovely and I would highly recommend them 💗
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Bethm88
on 04/03/2023
Where to start! My experience with Sarah could not have been more wonderful. We started my 3 year old with her after his previous childminder closed down. We had heard of Sarah by reputation and were not disappointed. My 3 year old was struggling in many aspects of his development including toilet training. Within a few months at Sarah’s, his confidence, verbal skills and communication skills had improved dramatically, not to mention with Sarah’s support he was now using the toilet confidently. Sarah was always available for advice and support. Communication is fantastic. She has a wonderful bond with all the children she looks after along with her assistants who are also fantastic. It’s like a second family for your child, my child truly thrived under Sarah’s care and I will certainly use her again when my 8 month old needs a childminder. It’s no surprise she is rated outstanding by ofsted. She treats every child as an individual and then supports the need of that child with such professional care. Auntie Sarah is the best!
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Chels92
on 02/03/2023
We have been so lucky to find Sarah. Our daughter has been happy and settled from day one and talks about her adventures and setting friends all the time.
Sarah and her team are amazing. They organise fantastic activities and support our little one in her development and learning. As a family we are so happy to have made the decision to trust Sarah with our daughter!
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Liz
on 26/02/2023
Wish I had know about them with my previous two. Having come from a traditional nursery setting, we where looking for something a bit different with our youngest. It isn’t just a place he goes while we work, they truly make you feel like your child is part of their family. Due to that their approach they know him so well and have helped him grow so much. They do so many fun trips and activities that they can’t wait to go or tell you about their day. Couldn’t recommend them highly enough.
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Amy F
on 26/02/2023
Honestly... everyone needs an aunty sarah! Sarah came to the rescue during lockdown with the nursery closing and mummy and daddy still working. The difference within 3 days of my little man starting, was amazing! Sarah and I worked together and she managed to have him potty trained within 3 days! With more one to one time, my little boys speech came along way in such short time. Sarah would regularly send me pictures/videos of my little one joining in with activities or on fun days out which gave me reassurance. I can honestly say there is nobody else I could recommend apart from sarah, the only regret I have is not getting my little one started with her earlier.
Thankyou for everything aunty sarah!!
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Tanya90
on 01/10/2021
Our son is 2 and has been going to Sarah's for the last 6 months. Trying to find childcare after moving to a new area during lockdown was tough,and we were so lucky to find Sarah. From the beginning she has been caring, supportive and professional. She took so much time with us at the beginning to make sure we were happy with the setting she provided, with phone calls and videos as were unable to visit due to restrictions. And now we couldn't imagine our lives without her!
Ben walks into her house in the mornings without a second look back, and often has to be reminded to say goodbye to daddy! When I collect him he is beaming and full of enthusiasm for all of the exciting things he has been up to during the day. The activities provided for the children are brilliant, and he is learning so much. We love that he gets the opportunity to socialise with a variety of different aged children, and he has formed some beautiful friendships already. But mostly he love his 'aunties' Sarah, Becky, Helen, Vanessa and Courtney are all wonderful, and he talks about them all the time. In fact, when we ask him at the weekend, 'what do you want to do today Ben?' His reply.. 'Aunty Sarah's?'
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ljm
on 29/01/2021
Sarah has been looking after my 4 year old little princess twice a week for nearly a term now and will continue to look after her till she goes to reception.
My daughter Shreya absolutely loves Auntie Sarah and every time when it’s Auntie Sarah turn to look after her she very much looks forward to going on a adventure with her especially when she takes her in the bus. There is never a day my daughter goes into Sarah’s house with a big smile and leave home with a big smile hoping for a adventure next time again with her Auntie Sarah. Shreya tells me all the wonderful things she did with her Auntie Sarah and Sarah also updates me everyday with lovely pictures of their day together, Most amazing thing to me is that my daughter is independent now! I used to help her with doing toilet, wearing clothes and shoes, eating etc but now she wants to do it all by herself. She gets abit annoyed when I try to help her out and says she is a grown up now and she can do it all by herself proudly.
I cannot thank Sarah enough for looking after my daughter so well and not only does she look after her well she helps me too by dropping Shreya to Cheriton Primary where my son is at so I don’t need to travel 2 places to pick up my kids which saves me a bit of time and my car petrol too,
I highly recommend Sarah to anyone who needs a child VERY WELL looked after. She is a very positive, bubbly, kind, supportive, caring, lovely, honest ......... all the good personalities one should have and kids love.
Also Sarah has 2 amazing talented and helpful daughters Petra and Lydia which shows how great of a mother she is too.
So glad and beyond lucky to have found Sarah to look after my little girl. Thank you so much Sarah for being the perfect Auntie for my little girl Shreya. She absolutely loves you very much,
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Sajani
on 09/03/2020
Its very clear her passion lies in supporting families as well as caring for children. My son runs to the front door to get in everyday as he can’t wait to play with his Aunties!
I love that both my children have the opportunity to mix with a range of ages within the setting but also the variety of adventures Sarah creates for them are great.
The activities are always a conversation starter, knowing that Sarah is expanding their imagination and knowledge from their own experience for me is brilliant! My son often gives me a catch up on his day with Auntie Sarah and I’m just in awe with his new found ability to convey his experience! He has so much fun he often tells me he want to stay!
My daughter has only been with Sarah a short while but always has miles of smiles for her Auntie! Sarah is very relaxed with her and you can see my daughter really enjoys her time in the setting.
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jjjp
on 05/03/2020
Sarah is just what every working parent would want to leave their little one with. She has a genuine love for children; not surprising our children took her the way the proverbial duck takes to water. We feel lucky to have found her and we will recommend her 100%
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Lolo
on 18/01/2020
Finding sarah has been a God send to our little boy. Sarah is not a nanny sarah is auntie sarah.
Sarah treats our baby boy just like he is her nephew. Our boy took to sarah straight away from the moment they met. Sarah took our toddler under her wing took him for long walks different places were they had so much fun and excitement . Sarah made sure our boy was clean tidy well fed and had the best time in the world.
Sarah has been amazing even with short notice it is not a problem ,easy to talk to and always there to when even we have needed. if you are looking for the right nanny look no further you don't need to look for any one else. Sarah is not just a nanny sarah is family.. thank you so much sarah for everything you have done
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RUSS
on 16/08/2019
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