Shells's Reviews

Childminder

4.8 stars 4.8 out of 5
20 ratings

Parent 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.

  • 5 stars Overall
  • 5 stars Setting
  • 5 stars Cleanliness
  • 5 stars Food
  • 5 stars Communication

by Avatar for Abbie 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.

  • 5 stars Overall
  • 5 stars Setting
  • 5 stars Cleanliness
  • 5 stars Food
  • 5 stars Communication

by Avatar for Danielle 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.

  • 5 stars Overall
  • 5 stars Setting
  • 5 stars Cleanliness
  • 5 stars Food
  • 5 stars Communication

by Avatar for mafalda 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.

  • 5 stars Overall
  • 5 stars Setting
  • 5 stars Cleanliness
  • 5 stars Food
  • 5 stars Communication

by Avatar for Dipi 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

  • 5 stars Overall
  • 5 stars Setting
  • 5 stars Cleanliness
  • 5 stars Food
  • 5 stars Communication

by Avatar for Paige 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.

  • 5 stars Overall

by Avatar for Sarah 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.

  • 5 stars Overall
  • 5 stars Setting
  • 5 stars Cleanliness
  • 5 stars Food
  • 5 stars Communication

by Avatar for Kaz 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.

  • 5 stars Overall
  • 5 stars Setting
  • 5 stars Cleanliness
  • 5 stars Food
  • 5 stars Communication

by Avatar for JEC 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.

  • 5 stars Overall
  • 5 stars Setting
  • 5 stars Cleanliness
  • 5 stars Food
  • 5 stars Communication

by Avatar for Michelle 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.

  • 5 stars Overall
  • 5 stars Setting
  • 5 stars Cleanliness
  • 5 stars Food
  • 5 stars Communication

by Avatar for nichola nichola on 18/08/2020

Shelley has been looking after my Daughter since June this year! And what can I say. She already has come on so much, Leaving your child with anyone can be so so daunting, Shelley put my mind at ease the first time meeting her! Isabella didn’t want to leave the first ever time we went to visit her house and that just said it all to me! I knew Isabella would be so happy coming to stay with Shelley while mummy has to work.

I never really thought about having a childminder before, but meeting Shelley and seeing how she is with the children just made me change my perspective straight away.. My little girl is so happy coming here and I’m so lucky to have found someone like Shelley. She truly is amazing and I would highly recommend her!

  • 5 stars Overall
  • 5 stars Setting
  • 5 stars Cleanliness
  • 5 stars Food
  • 5 stars Communication

by Avatar for Mangan28 Mangan28 on 19/07/2018

I cannot begin so say how fantastic Shelley is .
My daughter Savannah who has now just turned 11 has been under Shelleys care for 3 and a half years . We sadly said good bye last week as Savannah will be going to high school in September.
From the start with Shelley I felt really confident about Savannah going to Shelley .
Shelley was very approachable, answered all my questions , catered for Savannah's needs, had a great routine structure (which we love at home to ).
Good communication with Savannah, but most of all Savannah felt at ease .
The learning that took place while she was there was very good . And we really liked and appreciated the monthly news letters.
Some of the personal touches from Shelley for Savannah were so lovely (birthdays and Christmas)
I also witnessed first hand sometimes the elder children encouraging and helping the younger children at meal times (the food looked great ).I thought how fantastic , before their treat or dessert was given .
When school holidays approached I never worried about Savannah going (thinking would she be sat in front of the tv all day ) because she wasn't . Shelley always arranged trips out on a daily basis and us parents were given a full schedule prior to this .
As 2 and half years past Savannah's needs changed , she was a very medically an unwell child who is now under Great Ormond Street (none of us were expecting this).
In my darkest hours not knowing what was going to happen Shelley was really there for us ...
As 8 months went on we managed to get Savannah stabilised. Back to school and back to Shelleys .
Nothing was to much for Shelley , we communicated a lot about Savannah's extra needs and I have to say Shelley went above and beyond for Savannah and myself .
Savannah was really sad to say goodbye but we know if we need Shelley she will always be there .
I cannot explain how amazing she really is ....
The children are all well and truly cared for.
Thank you Shelley

  • 5 stars Overall
  • 5 stars Setting
  • 5 stars Cleanliness
  • 5 stars Food
  • 5 stars Communication

by Avatar for Parent Parent on 18/06/2017

Had Shelley as my childminder felt forced into a previous review. Shelley took my girls after school on a Tuesday. On this occasion she made my girls eat there dinner outside in a particular cold day. One of the girls did not have any coat on an told Shelley they were cold and wanted to cone inside.. there were other children out too. It was 25th april and 6 degrees outside a particularly cold day. I wasn't happy after my children told they were cold and Shelley did not let them back inside. But suggested they played outside. Shelley has sent threats of payments I have the letter as proof if anyone would like to see it. Have contacted ofstead. Was told by Shelley that her whole family was out when they were not. They were not and when asked where her boys was told that it their home and they could do what they wanted. But I thought it wa a gone to home experience. Shelley stated she was out too but this wasn't the case. Shelley told me the girls played on their iPads lol only if you let them. Was very upset will Shelley as stated have reported her to ofstead. Small portion sizes. Poor food quality. The girls often said they were left to watch baby tv with the younger kids. I was told by Shelley if she got a bad review she would go to the police. Found her very cold but was stuck with childcare issues due t work commitments but my children come first. No apologies from Shelley but threats regarding payment. And notice. Very unhappy with service. Have lettters and messages for anyone to read. Bad experience. My children never want to go to her again. Have changed my hours to suit my children. Good luck.

  • 1 stars Overall
  • 2 stars Setting
  • 3 stars Cleanliness
  • 1 stars Food
  • 1 stars Communication

by Avatar for Parent Parent on 07/06/2017


Response by Avatar for Shells Shells on 08/06/2017:

Thank you.
Firstly I would just like to ask how you felt 'forced' into your previous review? On 7th February 2017 you previously said you would 'highly recommend' my service. On the 25th April everyone played in the garden after school for about an hour. Your children who are 11 years old played in the garden for about 15 minutes on the slide, swings and trampoline before eating dinner then choosing to go inside. We often eat in the garden and the weather was 10 degrees. I have a free flow setting so children are able to go inside or outside if they choose too. Your children are 11 years old and if they wanted to go inside they could at any point. They wanted to play in the garden and enjoyed using the swings, slide and large trampoline.
I was in the garden helping the younger children to eat their dinner and yes what my older children who are 9 & 11 choose to do is up to them because it is their home. I like the childminding children & my youngest son who's 2 to eat together because it's nice for everyone to talk to each other about their day etc. I am encouraged by my framework for outdoor play time and for all childrens play & to be outside for at least 1 - 2 hours per day. Children spend far too long inside on gadgets etc & it's not healthy for them.

You failed to follow my complaints procedure and instead you have sent threats to reporting me to 'Ofsted, the local paper and your local MP'.

I welcome feedback & suggestions for improvement & regularly review my setting and practice. I'm a very approachable person. I am a professional. If you had concerns you should have spoken to me at any time.

I've been childminding for nearly 10 years & have NEVER had a complaint and for everything you have said to have just come out of the blue and write malicious reviews like this above is very unfair.

I have had extensive training in food planning and preparation including adequate portion control & always provide food that is nutritionally balanced, home cooked from scratch and healthy. I can only apologise that your childrens palate are not used to such foods.

I refused to be intimidated by you into not pursuing outstanding fees.

When this did not work, bad reviews were left.

We have been very happy with the care our son has received from Shelley during the past six months. Shelley has a whole child approach and strives to help the children thrive in every area. Our son took her into his heart very quickly and this was one of the most important things for us. He always enjoys attending and is excited when we tell him it's a 'Shelley day'. Shelley keeps us well informed about upcoming plans and our sons development, including detailed menus, daily reports etc. She has fully supported his toilet training and is big on celebrating the children's achievements through verbal praise, communication to parents, and stickers. We couldn't be happier!

  • 5 stars Overall
  • 5 stars Setting
  • 5 stars Cleanliness
  • 5 stars Food
  • 5 stars Communication

by Avatar for Lois Lois on 19/03/2017

Shelley has been looking after our 6 month old son since the beginning of January and we have nothing but great things to say (most of which has already been said in others reviews!) we get regular pictures of our sons day and a daily update via a book that Shelley has created with details of his feeds, times he sleeps, activity he's done and more importantly which ones he's enjoyed! But what we love the most is that our son is being cared for in a very homely and nurturing environment almost identical to our home. If you are considering Shelley as a carer for your child we highly recommend her and her services ??

  • 5 stars Overall
  • 5 stars Cleanliness
  • 5 stars Food
  • 5 stars Communication

by Avatar for Parent Parent on 28/01/2017

I highly recommend Shelley. I found her on childcare.co.uk and I messaged her then we met in person, she showed me around the setting where the children play and have their lunch and where they sleep if they require a sleep/nap. Then I decided I loved it here and now my daughter goes here she loves Shelley and the other children that go here to, it feels and is such a friendly/positive environment for the children to be in. They eat healthy when they are here and I love all the recipes.
All their activities, sleeps, lunches, snacks and even nappy changes get written in a book so you know what your child has been up to.
I also love that they don't just sit in the house they go out on wed they go to mini gym and other days they go out to.
Shelley always seems positive and happy, if she wasn't in the mood one day you wouldn't be able to tell she keeps a positive and happy attitude for the children as I can tell she will put her all in to doing the best she can, i also tell she is very passionate about her job and loves the children and will put her all in to making them happy, to have fun and even learn!!
I love my daughter going here and highly highly recommend her.

  • 5 stars Overall

by Avatar for Parent Parent on 26/01/2017

I found Shelley on childcare.co.uk and after reading so many positive reviews about her , i decided to contact her and we met. I was highly impressed with her professional attitude, transparency and her setting (very clean) and full of interactive material for the children.

She showed me all her qualifications and DBS for her and her partner from when she started up until now.I have a three year old boy and a one year old girl who both love Shelley to bits.They go to hers on Tuesday and Wednesday.One thing i like is that they just dont stay in the house, on Tuesdays they go to a play group in Dunstable and on Wednedays they have a gymnastic class in the morning.

Overall, i highly recommend Shelley and iam very happy with the brilliant service that she provides!

  • 5 stars Overall
  • 5 stars Setting
  • 5 stars Cleanliness
  • 5 stars Food
  • 5 stars Communication

by Avatar for Caroline Caroline on 26/01/2017

We are so glad and happy we sent our son to Shelleys after a friends recommendation. Shelley is wonderful! She does her job so well and makes both parent and child feel at ease, which for me, and most mums, is very important. if you are unsure of who to send your child to then look no further, give shelley a try :-)

  • 5 stars Overall

by Avatar for Parent Parent on 13/12/2015

I'm a dad to a 15 month old girl.
Shelley is a very professional childminder.
She writes a daily log of what they've been doing, which is great to read.
She does all and even more than you would expect from a childminder.
She organises variety of different activities and provides healthy and varied food.
Shelley very well understands the needs of young children and does her best to accommodate any special needs, like dairy free diet.
She does the occasional overtime as well as emergency childcare which is great as you never know when you might be in need of it.

Would highly recommend, you will not regret picking Shelley!

  • 5 stars Overall

by Avatar for Parent Parent on 10/12/2015

The contents of this review are no longer available as the reviewer's account has been deleted.

  • 5 stars Overall

by Avatar for Parent Parent on 18/09/2010

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