Butterflieschildcare
Childminder in Birdwell
Usually responds within 3 hours
Female Member since Jul 2019 Last Updated Mar 2025 Last Login 09 Mar 2025
My Summary
About Me
Hello and welcome to ‘Butterflies’ childcare.
I became an Ofsted Registered Childminder in 2020 after many years of having a very rewarding childcare career. I live with my cats, fish and stick insects in a new build semi-detached property within a cul-de-sac off Sheffield Road (A61), near to the Dearne Valley Parkway (A6195) and Junction 36 of the M1 Motorway. There are regular bus services to Barnsley and Sheffield.
I endeavour to create a home from home environment where your child will be well cared for and become part of the family. Many of my friends work in childcare, and we regularly meet up, giving our little ones the opportunity to have 'play dates' where they meet new people and make new friends.
I am a friendly, reliable, trustworthy, and approachable individual who enjoys working with children. I believe the opportunities available in a child's early life have an impact and influence the rest of their lives.
Working with children is inspirational, and I am passionate about empowering children to develop socially, emotionally, and academically. I am dedicated and motivated to meeting children's individual holistic needs by providing stability within a fun, caring, nurturing, and stimulating environment.
I hope for children to be happy, safe, and healthy individuals, where they can make their own choices and are supported to be 'as safe as necessary', to enable them to participate in activities that will provide a challenge such as using scissors to cut play dough and paper, or climbing up a ladder or move along the monkey bars at the park etc. By providing these opportunities empowers children to develop valuable life skills such as independence, persistence, and resilience, encourages children's confidence, increases their experiences and awareness of their abilities, enabling them to progress, and thrive.
There will planned and spontaneous trips and outings such as visiting the library, play centres, playgroups and garden centres, going to our local parks, and saying hello to and feeding Stanley, and Barbara the goats, Wilma and Margot the pigs, Taff and Sidney the Ponies, Peanut, Glenda and Gordon the Donkey's, and the chickens, ducks and geese who live nearby. We also go to local nature reserves, saying hello to the animals at the pet store, farm or wildlife park, watch the vehicles at the nearby construction sites, go for woodland walks, splash in puddles and so on.
Although there is structure and routine within the setting as it helps children to feel safe and secure, there is flexibility within this for example we may go to the park on the way back from school, however if it is unsafe such as being icy or raining heavily, we wouldn't!
There is a variety of age and stage appropriate resources for children to use, and activities to participate in such as stories and story sacks, balls, beanbags and balance beams, sand, water and mud play, small world play such as dinosaurs and diggers, trains and train track, cars and garage, construction such as blocks, stacking cups and bricks, arts and crafts including painting, junk modelling, and play dough, baking, treasure baskets, sensory play, pretend play, singing and dancing, musical instruments, puzzles and games, building dens and creating obstacle courses, having picnics in the garden with our teddy bears, exploring ice, going on nature treasure hunts, looking for mini beasts and foraging for food such as strawberry picking or choosing pumpkins, and real life experiences such as writing a shopping list, going to the supermarket and having their own little trolley to push around the aisles, helping to tidy our toys away or set the table ready for meals.
Although we wear aprons, we may have food, drink, glue, glitter, paint, sand, mud, flour... on us after a busy day of playing and learning, so please don't send your littlies in their 'best' clothes.
Your littlies will need to wear practical clothing such as t-shirts, leggings, joggers, shorts, and socks, rather than dungarees, belts, dresses and tights as it can be very time consuming changing littlies nappies or when toilet training. Children will also need suitable clothing and footwear such as a coat, jumper, wooly hat, snood, sunhat, changes of clothes, trainers, canvas pumps, and welly boots. These can be brought in your child's bag and left at the setting for the duration of the time that they are in the setting that week.
Snacks and meals are included, water and milk are available throughout the day. However, please bring in own formula milk, nappies, wipes, cream and so on.
I have a full, clean driving licence that I have held for many years, and the necessary insurances, and certificates. I have references available, and I am registered with the DBS update service, and Information Commisioners Office for Data Protection.
I have written comprehensive policies and procedures that are adhered to, and risk assessments are in place that are reviewed on an annual basis or sooner if necessary.
As part of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) your child will have their own developmental journal full of observations, photos and artwork. Over time, this will become a keepsake of your child’s time in my care.
Your child will have their own 'Whats App' chat group. I'll send you photos of your child, so you can see what they are doing, and chat with them later about their day. You could also send me photos of your child in their home life such as baking, gardening, going to football practice, attending a celebration, or visiting family and friends, and I can put this into your child's journal.
Thanks a lot for reading.
Karen
My Experience
Before becoming a Childminder, I had worked in childcare for over twenty-five years in a variety of settings including private day nurseries, foundation units and school nurseries, crèches, primary schools, children's centres, pre-schools, and Out of School Clubs - I am extremely proud that we were nominated for and were successful in receiving awards.
I have previously worked in settings on a one-to-one and group basis where I gained experience and knowledge of working with children with a wide range of additional needs, and followed guidance from fellow professionals including speech and language and physio therapists, dietitians, social workers and family support.
I have been part of successful Ofsted, Social Services, Healthy Foundations and Environmental Health Inspections. I have completed the Food Standards Agency 'Safer food better business for Childminders' portfolio and awarded the Food Hygiene Rating of 5.
My Qualifications
I have continued with my professional development since I originally qualified, taking part in courses, and seminars, completing on-line and in-house training and attending local, regional and national conferences, undertaking independent study and research and networking with fellow professionals. I am in regular contact with Barnsley's Childcare Quality Improvement Team who update me with any government changes etc.
Some of the relevant training that I have attended:
2025 SENCO Training for Childminders Refresher
2025 Food Allergies and Intolerances Refresher
2025 Early Years Designated Lead in Safeguarding Refresher
2025 Food Safety and Hygiene for Early Years Settings Refresher
2025 Paediatric First Aid Refresher
2024 Female Gential Mutilation Refresher
2024 Prevent Refresher
2020 Working with Children, Young People and Families BA Hons Degree.
2019 Barnsley's Pre-Registration Course for Childminders.
2017 Working with Children, Young People and Families Foundation Degree
2009 NVQ Level 4 Childcare, Learning and Development
2000 NVQ Level 3 Play work
1999 NVQ Level 2 Play work
1993 NNEB Diploma in Nursery Nursing
1991 11 GCSE’s
My Availability
‘Butterflies’ childcare usually operates Monday to Friday between 7.30-17.30, but if your working pattern is outside of these hours, I am flexible and may be able to accommodate you, so please let me know by email or text message, and I will see if I am able to help.
The setting is closed on Bank Holidays, the last week in August, and between Christmas and New Year.
To adhere to the stardards as set by Ofsted, some training is mandatory such as Paediatric First Aid, Designated Lead in Safeguarding, and Food Hygiene that have to updated regularly. I try to book onto training on a weekend or evening, however, this is not always possible, and the setting will have to close. I would let you know as soon as possible to enable you to make alternative childcare arrangements.
Thank you.
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before School | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Morning | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Afternoon | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| After School | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Evening | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Overnight | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Last Updated: 09/03/2025 | |||||||
My Fees
- Childminding from £5.00 per hour
Fees:
£5.00 per hour per child Monday to Friday.
Your childcare fees will be documented on an invoice and sent by email. Payment can be made in cash or bank transfer by a mutually agreed date.
There may be an additional charge to cover the costs of admittance to play areas etc. These will be documented on your child's invoice.
Additional charges will be incurred if children are dropped off earlier, or collected later than their agreed booked in times (you wouldn't knock on the supermarket doors before they opened).
There are funding places available for eligible families, however you will need to be registered and be in receipt of funded Early Years entitlment codes. Please visit the 'Childcare Choices' website as there may be some information from the Government about funding available to you.
My Local Schools
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at Birdwell Primary 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
- DBS Check (added 28/08/2020)
- Ofsted Certificate (added 25/08/2020)
- Training Certificate (added 25/06/2022)
- Training Certificate: Early Years Designated Safeguarding Lead (added 25/08/2020)
- Training Certificate: Childminder Pre-registration course (added 25/08/2020)
- Training Certificate: SENCO for Childminders (added 25/08/2020)
- Training Certificate: Fire Safety (added 25/08/2020)
- Training Certificate: Food Safety and Hygiene for Catering (added 25/08/2020)
- First Aid Certificate (added 25/08/2020)
Reviews
4 out of 5
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for ButterfliesChildcare. 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.
Would not recommend. Very unprofessional. I arranged summer childcare cover in April for this 6 weeks summer holidays. arranged the home visit, filled in all the paperwork which I have copies of, multiple text messages and Facebook messages regarding to the summer holiday cover, the kids even went during a half term for thr week to get used to it.. 3 days before the sunmer holidays last week... (after ignoring messages) let me know she did not put my kids down for the summer holidays... 3 days before I needed to work with full medical clinics all week with patients. I felt sick to my stomach. I still have all the messages and paperwork that ensured my kids places for the summer but she didn't book them in then ignored my further 2 text messages to gather and understanding om what had happened leaving me in the lurch. what good is paperwork signed if its not honored. I wouldn't be able to trust her ever again.
when the kids went during half term I showed up 2x to collect the kids from her house on time and she wasn't home and hadn't told me she would be late and left me waiting 20 mins infront of her home and didn't answer her phone so I had no idea where my kids were. I don't want to get into more specifics but there were other issues. my main upset was the summer holiday cover or lack there of.. but I found this a very upsetting experience and I wouldn't recommend her services after what I have went through with it all.
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by
C A W
on 25/07/2023
Response by
ButterfliesChildcare
on 29/07/2023:
I am sorry that you feel this way. As you can see I have some fantastic reviews from past and present families, my parents and children are very happy with the service that I provide, as are Ofsted and the Quality Improvement Team at Barnsley Council.
Unfortunately, there seems to be a bit of miscommunication and misunderstanding on both parts as I did explain that I needed the contracts back ASAP to secure your children's places, which you did not return. In your message on the Thursday, the day before the children broke up for the summer holiday, you were checking to see if they were booked in for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of the following week, you then let me know that one of your children would be picked up about 12-2 as they have a dance exam, (but didn't say which day) and that you would let me know what other dates and times you wanted for the summer holiday ASAP. It does state in the contract that I need at least four weeks' notice for bookings and making changes to bookings. I did reply to you, explaining that you did not confirm the days you wanted, and as such there weren't any places available the following week, but I gave you details of other childcare settings who had availability to try to help you.
It has been pointed out to me that if anyone felt that they had such a bad experience with childcare in the spring bank holiday, why would they make further contact to arrange childcare for the schools training day, and when the teachers were on strike, and want to book children in for the summer holiday. Instead of finding out about what other childcare options are available.
I have followed my complaints procedure and have contacted Ofsted, my Quality Improvement Officer, and LADO (the Local Authority Designated Lead) who have all said the same thing, that I have nothing to be accountable for. Nonetheless, I would also like to address your other comments. I did explain to you that we do go out, especially if the sun is shining, and I take note of when children are due to be collected, so that we are back for the time that they are booked in for. However, if parents turn up early, without notice, we may not be in, and parents would have to wait for our return. You must not have noticed that my car was not on the drive, or you would not have been knocking on my door for ten minutes like you said you were in your message. On the other occasion, when we were a few minutes late back, I had text you before setting off to say where we were, and that we would be late, you then replied asking where we were. I try to take into account how long our journey will take, but due to unforseen circumstances, such as traffic lights stuck on red, following a tractor, road works, etc. also I have young children who are toilet training, so we may need to make a 'pitstop', so there could be delays. I do not answer the phone when I am driving, nor do I reply to messages, especially abusive messages. I do send messages before setting off apologising to parents if I know that we are going to be late back.
I am sad that you felt that you had such a bad experience when your children attended during the spring bank holiday, so it is best that you go to somewhere else. I hope that you do not let this bad experience put you off other childcare settings.
Karen is the best childminder a parent could ask for. She is very caring and understanding and will always go above and beyond. Especially as my little boy has some additional needs, Karen happily accommodates him and includes him in all activities. They spend lots of time out and about exploring and meeting new people at playgroups or visiting parks and animals which he absolutely loves. We get regular photos showing us what he's got upto and a daily record book detailing what's hes eaten, done or achieved that day.
Leo absolutely loves going to Karen's and is very fond of her.
I would highly recommend Karen as a childminder for a child of any age
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by
Mama_Leo
on 13/07/2022
Response by
ButterfliesChildcare
on 17/07/2022:
Thank you so much for the review, and for picking me to care for Leo, and being a part of your lives. Leo is a joy to have, and I look forward to our time together.
Karen has looked after my son since around his 1st birthday, Tommy looks forward to going and always has so much fun. I love receiving the photos of what he’s been up to and that they’re always out and about somewhere. He spends time with a range of different aged children and always has stories to tell me when he comes home. We have a book that is updated and sent backwards and forwards between us to give us updates on what Tommy has been doing, eating and a key achievement he may have had that day.
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by
Tamsin
on 30/06/2022
Response by
ButterfliesChildcare
on 02/07/2022:
Thank you so much for the review. Thank you for choosing me to be a part of your lives. It has been a pleasure to have him this last year, watching him grow from a baby into a little boy and look forward to our time together in the future.
Karen is amazing with my daughter who adores her. Karen has looked after my daughter since she was 9 months old, first in her previous job role and now as her childminder. Karen will go above and beyond her role for the children and has proven to be very flexible when I have had to change.my shift at work. Karen provides amazing, simulating learning opportunities that my daughter loves to tell me all about, she especially loves her trips the park. I would highly recommend Karen to take care of yr little ones of any age.
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by
Jo R
on 29/08/2020
Response by
ButterfliesChildcare
on 01/11/2020:
Thank you so much. A pleasure to have her, watching her grow and developing her personality 🙂
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