Shells
Childminder in Houghton Regis
Usually responds within 4 hours
Female Member since Nov 2009 Last Updated Mar 2025 Last Login 11 May 2025
My Summary
About Me
Currently completely FULL - NO VACANCIES anticipated.
Welcome to Shelley's Childminding rated OUTSTANDING by Ofsted in July 2024.
I have been an Ofsted registered childminder since February 2009. I have over 20 years of childcare experience from working in schools , private nurseries & now childminding.
I am registered with Central Bedfordshire Nursery Education Funding therefore I can offer 2, 3 & 4 year old 15/30 hour’s funding for eligible parents. If you feel a home from home environment with lots of 1-1 attention is more suited to your child please get in contact.
I am also a community childminder & have vast experience in caring for children with a range of disabilities & additional needs.
I am able to provide OVERNIGHT CARE, FULL DAY CARE or PART TIME CHILDCARE.
OVER NIGHT CARE can be a one off if you just need a night out, or for parents who work night shifts.
I work from my own home and successfully deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. Our curriculum includes things such as academic, physical, creative, emotional and social areas, appropriate to the children's ages; counting, colours, shapes, enjoying books, developing language skills and communication, as well as how we look after ourselves and others. Learning to understand feelings, practical skills such as toilet training, putting coats and shoes on. The basis for literacy, numeracy, artistic and imaginative areas are developed within the setting, as i offer opportunities alongside all that a child is learning in their home environment from shared experiences with their family.
We have built our Curriculum around the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The reason for this is because it is a comprehensive and evolving system which fully understands what is age, stage and ability appropriate for individual children. Thereby guiding me towards suitable planning, and inclusivity, in all our activities for all the children in my care.
I am very much ‘child led’, so within a daily routine which does adhere to regular meal times, we do not stick to a strict timetable of activities which we have pre-planned.
Experience has led me to the conclusion that children learn best when they have autonomy over what they want to do, especially at these young ages, balanced by including a loose structure of things they are usually very keen to do.
We have a toy room with too many toys to list with a very safe AstroTurf outdoor play area. I live next to a wonderful, well maintained park which is a stones throw from my home.
Your child will always be busy out and about. We take trips to the farm, seaside, theatre, woodland, splash parks, adventure parks and other local parks during the school holidays.
Please contact me to discuss your childs individual needs.
My Experience
I currently hold a Foundation Degree in Early Years.
I have been childminding since February 2009. I have four wonderful & very sociable children of my own (19, 17, 10, & 2 years old) and I can provide glowing references from parents.
Please see the many reviews attached.
My Qualifications
On my last inspection I received an OUTSTANDING grade. Ofsted state “The provision is outstanding”. The childminder has exceptionally high expectations for all children and her excellent interactions with children help them to flourish. She has an excellent understanding of children's needs and abilities and enhances their learning through well thought out activities. For example, children are completely focused as they use their fingers and other tools to make marks in a salt tray. During this activity, the childminder actively supports and encourages children to make marks, commenting on the different shapes they are making. She role models how to draw lines, circles and letters and children become curious about what she is doing and begin to try themselves. The childminder links this to the different marks displayed in front of the tray and points out other examples they could try.The childminder is an excellent role model to all children. The childminder goes over and above to support her families. She accesses local food services to supply food and recipes to her families. She works closely with other local childminders, sharing good practice and offering a helping hand to new childminders. The childminders passion shines through the education and care she offers to all children.
I have a large portfolio of qualifications and certificates for you to look at during our initial meeting.
I always attend training as it helps to enhance my knowledge, skills & setting thus helping me to provide the best care for each & every child.
I am always updating my training especially FIRST AID and SAFEGUARDING.
Level 3 Safeguarding certificate & Safeguarding Disabled Children.
My Availability
At present i drop off and collect children from Hadrian Academy Dunstable & Willow Nursery Dunstable.
I am unable to accommodate collection or drops to any other schools at the present time.
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before School | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Morning | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Afternoon | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| After School | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Evening | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Overnight | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Last Updated: 17/03/2025 | |||||||
My Fees
- Childminding from £6.50 per hour
My fees include all food* which consists of healthy, nutritious and homemade dishes & soft play or playgroup fees during the term time*
Childcare vouchers & tax free childcare is accepted as full or part payments
I also offer 2, 3 & 4 year old funding for eligible children.
*soft play and playgroup fees are not included for those who are funded or during school holidays
*food is not included for those children that are funded- you can opt to pack your own food or for those over 3 years old during school holidays. I ask you to pack your child a healthy packed lunch at these times.
I look forward to hearing from you & if you have any questions at all please send me a message :)
Thank you so much
My Local Schools
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at Willow Nursery School
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at Hadrian Academy
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
- UK Driving Licence (added 19/01/2023)
- Ofsted Certificate (added 19/01/2023)
- DBS Check (added 06/05/2016)
- Proof of Covid-19 Vaccination (added 19/01/2023)
Reviews
4.8 out of 5
Parents say
This childminder receives overwhelmingly positive reviews from parents. They consistently praise her caring nature, professionalism, and ability to create a nurturing environment. Parents appreciate the variety of activities offered, including outings and educational experiences. The childminder is commended for her communication with parents and attention to children's individual needs. Many reviewers express gratitude for finding such a trusted caregiver for their children.
Summary generated by AI from the text of recent member reviews
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Shells. 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.
Shelley is amazing. My daughter started with her in September when she was 11 months old and has settles brilliantly. She loves Shelley and all the children already and is so happy to see them every morning, which has made leaving her that much easier knowing she is safe and happy.They do so much from outdoor play, arts and crafts to playgroups and parks.We have noticed such a positive change since being with Shelley and we cannot thank her enough for all she does for us and our daughter.
Thank you Shelley you are amazing.
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Abbie
on 18/10/2023
My daughter started with Shelley in June and since then she has come on leaps and bounds. As soon as Shelley opens the door, as massive smile goes across my daughters face, so I instantly know shes happy in her company. Shelley is so kind and gentle with her. I cannot recommend her enough to anyone looking for a safe space for your child to learn and grow.
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Danielle
on 24/08/2022
It has been nearly a year since my son started with Shelley. And he has been so happy. He absolutely loves going to Shelley's and it is beautiful to see how much he learns every day and most of all the fun he has (the variety of activities, play groups, crafts they do is incredible, they even have a cooking club!). Seriously Shelley is the best childminder ever. The communication has been great since day one. We feel so lucky we found Shelley. To trust someone with your baby is extremely hard but quickly we realised Shelley was the Childminder any parent would dream of. Everyday i drop my son at hers i know he is going to be very well looked after, loved and cared and i will pick him up well fed, clean and with a smile on his face. Couldn't ask for better.
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mafalda
on 24/03/2022
One of the best childminders I have had! I cannot rate her enough. Shelley is so patient, understanding, caring and goes above and beyond. My children absolutely love her and go to her with open arms.
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Dipi
on 10/02/2022
My little girl has been going to Shelley’s now since July and she has loved every minute she’s also learned so much while being there and has come out of her shell I couldn’t recommend Shelly enough x
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Paige
on 09/02/2022
My little boy started here at Shelley’s childminder end of December and I was extremely nervous as my little boy had only really known lockdown life, and hadn’t had much socialising with people outside the family or other children. Shelley was understanding of this and eased my little boy into it, as a parent herself she understood how nervous I was and reassured me by sending photos and messages with how the days were going. Shelley puts in so much effort to make the days there full of activities which are fun but also help the children learn new things, I honestly don’t know how she thinks of all these new creative things to do and bonus my little boy will always come back home with something to show me.
My boy settled in so quickly and that is all down to the caring and lovely environment Shelley creates at her home. I honestly am so lucky I found Shelley Childminders as it allows me to carry on with work without having to worry about my little boy as I know he’s having the best day and being looked after extremely well.
My partner and I work shifts and due to the demands at our work we sometimes have to change these around at not the best notice, and Shelley always accommodates which is a massive bonus.
I can not recommend Shelley Childminders enough.
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Sarah
on 01/04/2021
Shelley is a rare find, her attention to detail and care is amazing. My son has been going to her through the summer holidays and he has enjoyed every minute.
He has come home with the activities he has done during his day there and I have been really excited to see what he's been doing. He has absolutely loved his time there.
We will definitely be booking him in with Shelley again.
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Kaz
on 01/09/2020
Our son has been looked after by Shelley since 2017 when our son was 3 years old. It is a school holiday contract.
We have found her to be an excellent childminder in all ways. We feel that our son is well looked after and we have never had any need for concern. We are extremely happy with her approach to child care.
Our son loves going to Shelley so much that he is often asking if he can stay with her forever. We find that Shelley organises a wide range of activities for the kids which are both physically and mentally stimulating, which are fun and have an educational element to it. Some of the activities have included trips to the great outdoors, beautiful walks, cinema, cooking, local parks, crafts, indoor play and many others.
During lock down, Shelley kept in touch with us providing sunflower seeds that my son enjoyed planting and watching them grow. She sent video of her reading a bedtime story to the children and colouring activities. All of these helped my son at home as well as to know that Shelley continued to care even when he was not able to go to her.
In our opinion, Shelley encourages good behaviour in children, teaching them to be kind to others. She shows great care in what food she gives to the children, it has to be health and nutritious and is home made by herself and with the children helping. We have noted how Shelley ensures good hygiene encouraging children to wash their hands before food and after using the toilet. She has demonstrated her commitment to keep the children safe from Covid-19 by practising the correct precautions. Often, Shelley will send us pictures of what the children have been up to and/or samples of the activities they have been involved in. We have found that with Shelley's guidance and supervision our son interacts well and has made friends with the other children Shelley cares for, creating a positive and happy environment. Her communication is open and transparent. Shelley will take her time to explain and make sure we parents are happy too.
We are very happy with the level of care our son receives and will not hesitate to recommend Shelley as a great, reliable and committed childminder. We would say she is one of the best.
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JEC
on 21/08/2020
Shelley has been looking after my children since they were 3 and 1. They are now almost 8 and 6.
Shelley cares for them as if they are her own children and I couldn't be happier with their experience at Shelley's.
Shelley drops off and collects my children from school and will provide them with a healthy dinner. Healthy snacks and lunch are also provided in the school holidays.
Shelley offers a variety of activities and my children enjoy going to different places. They love that they have the park right on the doorstep too.
They have made some wonderful friendships with the children at Shelley's and I couldn't think of anyone better to look after them.
Thank you Shelley.
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Michelle
on 18/08/2020
Shelley has been our childminder since my daughter was 4 months old, my daughter is now almost 4 years old. Shelley has been a huge part of her life and my family’s life. I chose Shelley as my childcare provider as she is warm, kind and genuinely loves the children in her care.
Shelley attends lots of different groups with her preschool children and ensures that the children are challenged and stimulated to further their learning. Shelley’s home is clean and tidy with many toys and opportunities to further the children’s thinking and learning too. Shelley ensures that parents are updated with their children’s progress through the app, Tapestry. This shows you photos and links to the Early Years Foundation Stage profile, so you can see what your child’s next steps are and how you can support your child’s learning. There is also a daily diary telling what your child has been doing today, again linked to the EYFS profile.
Shelley provides high quality, healthy homemade lunches and dinners. My daughter’s favourite was Chilli con carne - when I try to recreate it at home - my daughter says “it’s not as good as Shelley’s!” 🤦🏻♀️
In short, Shelley’s Childminding has helped me build a confident and kind little girl, who is not afraid to take risks and enjoys celebrating her achievements. And has offered me guidance and advice and a safe, happy place for my little girl.
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nichola
on 18/08/2020
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This profile has been produced from information provided to us by the user. We have not verified or confirmed the accuracy of any of the information and members should undertake their own vigorous checks and references. Please ensure you read our Safety Advice and information on how to Check Childcare Provider Documents.
