Gemma
Childminder in Dunstable
Usually responds within 2 days
Female Member since Jan 2017 Last Updated Apr 2025 Last Login 08 May 2025
My Summary
Full Steam Ahead Childcare
About Me
Hi there! Thank you for taking the time to visit my page, my name is Gemma Abbott and I am the owner of Full Steam Ahead Childcare services. I am a very easy going and bubbly person, I have always loved working with children and will treat others as my own. I started my childminding business 8 years ago from my home, in which I have adapted to create a “playroom” for those that attend my setting. I have a large garden area for play time, including various resources such as a trampoline, goals for football and bikes/trikes (to name a few). Indoors, I hold many resources and equipment including a large storage unit containing more than 30 boxes of toys ranging from plastic, to wooden, to sensory. I have a bathroom and nappy facilities to cater for your child’s toileting needs and potty’s to aid in transitioning your child out of nappies! We have a highchair for little ones to eat at and a small table for older children to eat at, including cutlery for your child to use to support independence. We enjoy outings when we have the opportunities to go on them and will travel to many locations such as the park, library and zoo. I have 4 children myself ranging between 5-16 years of age. Two of which attend Priory Academy, and one at Slipend Village school. I have 2 small dogs and 2 cats, who are extremely friendly and used to having children around them. My family and I own steam engines and tractors (hence the name of Full Steam ahead). We love spending time as a family in the outdoor environment, exploring the world we live in, which I implement into my childcare practice. I have three brilliant assistants called Trish, Emma and Hayley who thoroughly enjoy working with children. Hayley has had 9 years of childcare experience ranging from nursery’s to schools. Hayley currently holds her level 3 childcare early educator diploma and is continuing to support her growth through constant training. Trish has started to focus on gaining her level 3 qualification also and has had one years previous work experience within ‘Beavers’ and a nursery setting. Emma has been with me since the beginning of my adventure working along side me with her own 6 children, Trish is enjoying learning about children through her practice and applying this knowledge to her ongoing course. Hayley, Emma and Trish are both very bubbly characters who hold a lot of enthusiasm and show a lot of care and love to the children who come to the setting, which is why we work so well as a team support each other. We are all first aid trained and registered with ofsted and hold various certificates that we are happy to show you if you would like to know what further training we have all undertaken. We’re currently based south of the town in Dunstable. Our last Ofsted inspection was rated “good” and we consistently strive to hit “outstanding”. I provide all the cooked meals and snacks, with staff (and myself) all holding Food and hygiene training to appropriately handle the food given. I strive to offer a nursery setting with a home natural feeling (this being a smoke free household). I hope you have enjoyed visiting my page and reading about the environment provided. If you are interested in my setting please drop us a message and I will let you know of any availability, Thank you! Gemma and the team.
My Experience
I have previously worked in a private school for 15 years, from when I was aged 16 years old to 32 years old. I started as a midday supervisor, supporting children with mealtimes and playtime. I completed this for two years before then becoming an after school carer for two years from the age of 18 years old to 21 years old. Following on, I then overtook the afterschool club and managed this myself for 11 years from the age of 21 years old to 32 years old. In this position I cared for the children, providing learning opportunities in various ways, supporting and guiding staff and planning enjoyable activities. These roles had led to my interest in becoming a childminder as I had loved working with children and realised it was my passion. Through this passion, I ventured into owning my own childminding business, in which I have now done so over the past 7 years. I have cared for and looked after children ranging from as young as 4 months to 15 years of age. Overall, I have had 22 fantastic years worth of experience working with children in many settings.
My Qualifications
Art degree at Central Bedfordshire College (16- 19 years old).
Teaching assistant level 3 qualification with Central Bedfordshire College (21-22 years old).
First aid training (Tiger Lilly First Aid Courses)
Food and Hygiene (Central Bedfordshire Virtual College)
So many more, to be shown on request if wanted.
My Availability
I currently have 2-3 spaces for 4 days available, being Monday’s Tuesday’s, Wednesday’s and Thursday’s. These are only available as full day slots, requiring your child to attend for 8 hours per available day.
I do not work Fridays.
| 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 | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Overnight | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Last Updated: 22/04/2025 | |||||||
My Fees
- Childminding from £6.50 per hour
10% discount on siblings
I except funding hours
I except care to learn
I except work vouchers
I do not charge for my holidays or bank holidays.
Please contact for further information
My Local Schools
- I provide pick ups at Dunstable Icknield Lower School
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at Watling Lower School
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at Slip End Lower 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 26/01/2020)
- Exam Certificate: supporting early language development (added 04/02/2021)
- Exam Certificate: promoting positive behaviour (added 04/02/2021)
- Exam Certificate: improving children’s learning though play (added 04/02/2021)
- Exam Certificate: early child development (added 04/02/2021)
- Exam Certificate: supporting teacher and learning in schools (added 04/02/2021)
Reviews
5 out of 5
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Gemma. 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.
This is the first time I have used a child minder and the level of care my two boys ( aged 5 + 9 ) have received is excellent. Gemma and Zoe welcomed the boys in and the boys adjusted to there new surroundings easily. My boys love going. They work with the boys to build a good relationship and strive to improve there development. Communication and feedback is great with some pointers to aid you as a parent. Don't hesitate, just call Gemma.
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Delboy
on 04/01/2023
I found Gemma very caring, efficient and friendly person. My son was very happy, safe, and well looked after while was with Gemma, we couldn't find a better place. My son settled very quickly, her assistant Zoe mentain the all day long entertainment with the children, she appears very compassionate about her job. I highly recommend them, kids have so much fun and they look always happy 😊.
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F Stoica
on 23/10/2022
We feel so, so lucky to have found Vicky, our prayers were answered at just the right time. Our little boy has settled so well here and loves going to play with the other children & animals. There are so many toys for him to play with, a massive garden for him to play in, with food & drink provided throughout the day. Vicky & Zoe are very professional and so approachable. They're both lovely, kind, caring & down to earth individuals. A big thank you from us ✨️ 💛
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Helen
on 15/09/2022
I contacted Gemma to see if she was able to help me as my daughter sadly hadn’t settled very well at the previous minder and I needed to sort out new childcare quickly. Gemma instantly put me at ease and after meeting her and looking round her lovely setting my daughter started with her - that was 2 weeks ago and she’s now such a happy baby and I don’t have to worry anymore. I get loads of updates, there’s lots of things for her to play with and keep her interested and she loves playing with the other children. Gemma is very friendly, has been so helpful and I would definitely recommend her to anyone looking for a childminder.
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Louise
on 17/07/2022
I recommend Gemma with all my heart 😍 My little girl is so happy to be in her place ♥️♥️♥️ Gemma is very kind and very professional person. She is doing a lot of activities and kids are very happy in her place. Our daughter can't wait to see her every time. Gemma is like 2nd mummy 😃😍
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Estera
on 17/02/2021
Currently use Gemma for before school care to cover my shifts, however Gemma is reliable/flexible and can offer after school/half term hours too. Its great to find a local childminder who I can trust and most importantly somewhere my girls enjoy going. Quite often my girls refuse breakfast before we leave the house as we leave early; but Gemma gives them breakfast and ensures they get to school each day. I have complete peace of mind knowing that Gemma looks after my girls! Her home is filled with toys and children and more importantly love! 10/10
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Shelley
on 04/01/2021
I’ve been using Gemma for quite a few months now. My son whose nearly 4, settled in with her straight away. He’s really enjoys going to her house, the activities she plans, and mixing with other children. Gemma is very professional and friendly, she’s easy to talk to and I feel very comfortable leaving my son in her care
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Parent
on 09/08/2018
Gemma has been a lifesaver! Lovely approachable person who’s adaptable to your child’s needs. Offers lots of trips,activities and games to do with a wide selection of inside and outdoor toys. Love the way she treats every child individually my daughter has always loved her visits to Gemma.
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Hminards
on 03/08/2018
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