Oakfield Childcare

a wonderful setting where children are nurtured

Our son Otto attends Oakfield Childcare four days a week, and we couldn’t be happier with the care and education Sharlene provides. From the moment Otto arrives each morning, his excitement is clear—he leaps into Sharlene’s arms, eager to start his day, which speaks volumes about the warm and nurturing environment she has created.

The setting itself is fantastic: Sharlene’s space is clean, beautifully organised, and thoughtfully designed to engage young minds. The walls are bright and welcoming, adorned with colourful images and learning materials, while the play area is filled with toys and resources, including an incredible indoor climbing frame that Otto loves. The garden is equally impressive, offering a wonderful outdoor space where the children can explore and play. Sharlene makes the most of it, and when the weather allows, the children spend much of their day outside, which we really value.

Sharlene goes above and beyond to support Otto’s development through a range of age-appropriate, engaging activities. Since starting at Oakfield, we’ve seen significant progress in his learning: he is building his vocabulary, starting to count, and has developed lovely manners, often saying “please” and “thank you.” Each day is carefully planned with opportunities for both play and learning, ensuring a balance that keeps Otto engaged and thriving.

Communication is excellent. Sharlene shares daily updates, including photos, messages, and even details of what the children have eaten that day. Her menus are so well thought out and nutritious, they often make me wish I could have lunch there too!

Our son has a recurring respiratory illness, and Sharlene has been incredibly supportive and attentive in managing this. She is quick to inform us if Otto starts developing a wheeze, and we have provided her with a reliever inhaler, which she confidently uses to support him until we can get there. Her experience, care, and excellent communication in this matter give us total peace of mind, and we trust her completely to care for Otto’s needs.

We feel incredibly fortunate to have found Oakfield Childcare. Sharlene creates a safe, stimulating, and happy environment where Otto is flourishing. Her dedication to his well-being and development is evident in everything she does, and we are so grateful for the love, care, and expertise she brings to her work.

We couldn’t recommend Oakfield Childcare more highly—it truly is a wonderful setting where children are nurtured, encouraged, and inspired every day.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Lorna on 15/01/2025

Wonderful childminder!

Our son was looked after by Sharlene from when he was 1 year old until 2.5 years old when we decided to move him to a nursery. We cannot praise Sharlene and her team enough, our son still speaks so highly of her and his time there, it really seems like he felt at home in her care. Sharlene is a dedicated, flexible and caring individual, who really helped our son to flourish in confidence and he always seemed to have so much fun! We were very sad for him to leave and if we ever have another child, we will absolutely be asking for Sharlene to look after them! Thank you Sharlene

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by LSimm on 06/01/2025

Kind, loving, safe care!

Our daughter was with Sharlene from about 8 to 15 months of age. We were truly sad to leave her when we moved overseas. I always felt completely confident that our daughter would be well cared for in a fun and safe environment. Additionally, Sharlene was a huge help to us during a hard family time. We also felt comfortable bringing any questions or concerns to Sharlene knowing that she would be professional and honest with us. We recommended her to friends with a daughter a little younger than ours who is with her now. I would highly recommend Sharlene to everyone!

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by jb21 on 28/08/2024

Great local childminder, with good facilities

Oakfield childcare had availability at short notice. My daughter who attended from 1-2 years old settled in quickly and never had any complaints, always left smiling and happy. Regularly updated me with photos on secure system. A variety of activities and good provisions for vegetarian diet.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Michanes on 28/05/2024

Friendly, nurturing home from home.

We were so impressed from the first time we went to visit. The setting was homely, clean and had lots of toys and activities for the children. There is also a nice outside area. My 1 year old daughter currently attends and is so happy there, she walks back in at the end of the day at pick up! Initially she was upset but quickly became settled and loves seeing Sharlene every morning. Sharlene is great at working with you on your child’s routine and helping keep that structure in the day time but also being flexible as their needs change. Our daughter comes our daughter comes our full of smiles and often laughing which is lovely to see.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Carmen on 02/05/2023

Fantastic service!!

Oakfield childcare was fantastic in helping my family get my niece and my son into nursery. They accommodated the family greatly and was a comfortable and safe setting to have the children in. We are impressed with the amount and help they were able to provide.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Nicholas on 17/04/2023

Invaluable service

Our son was with Oakfield Childcare for almost 4 years they were an integral part of his early years and our family life. He still speaks of Sharlene and her family with fondness, even now that he is in school. The size of the setting is perfect -- not too big or small. I definitely recommend this place.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by sue_bd on 06/04/2023

Top quality and reliable childcare

My son Adnan has been with Sharlene since he was one. He is always happy and excited to be spending the day with her and loves seeing all his friends there. Sharlene provides a very caring, supportive and fun environment. I have no concerns when I am at work about my child because I know he is in good hands. I highly recommend her for anyone looking for reliable, caring childminding in Penge.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Beth on 27/03/2023

Great communication

I viewed this nursery setting for my little one and was welcomed by lovely staff members. The communication throughout the day is so great and I’m kept up to date on a daily basis with what my child is doing. I highly recommend are my child is always in safe hands

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Shareen on 23/03/2023

My son has attended Oakfield childcare for 3 years

I just want to say a big thank you to Sharlene @ Oakfield childcare. I was very sceptical about leaving my son with a child minder but as soon as i met with Sharlene my mind was put at ease, she is friendly and very professional her place is very clean and organised for the safety of the children. My mind is at peace when am at work because i know my baby is in safe hands. My Son often comes home singing new rhymes that he has learnt while with Oakfield childcare. 10/10 definitely recommend.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Camellia on 23/03/2023