Helens Happy Home
Childminder in Shoreham By Sea
Usually responds within 24 hours
Female Member since Oct 2011 Last Updated Jan 2025 Last Login 26 Jan 2025
My Summary
Outstanding Term Time Care
About Me
Hello there!
I'm Helen and I'm a Term Time Only Ofsted registered childminder, with an Outstanding Inspection. I'm based in central Shoreham (Queens Place) and Helen's Happy Home is a two minute walk from Shoreham Train Station or a quick drive to jump on the A27. Our Victorian Terrace House has a wonderful large kitchen/ diner space used for childcare, with a lovely garden for children to play in and do various activities!
I provide a homelike environment so children have all the comforts and security of home, as well as other children to play and socialise with. I aim to motivate and enthuse children by offering a stimulating and challenging, yet safe environment.
Working with you to develop a good two way communication flow helps me to provide the appropriate care for your child, and ensure consistency. Children feel a sense of belonging when they see us working together, which helps to re-enforces your child's trust in me and to feel secure. I use an online system to share information with you such as activities, outings, WOW moments, observations etc and I share daily photos to support the days events. I love to hear parents feedback!
I offer each child a close and supportive relationship and pay attention to their needs to help them thrive. I do lots of talking and eye contact and I listen to what they are trying to say, whether its verbal or non-verbal and respond accordingly. I offer warm, responsive care to help them feel confident and valued in order to help them settle and become a secure member of our little team!
We play with a wide range of quality, multicultural and diverse toys, posters, educational games, puzzles & books, where children are encouraged to help themselves. A favourite activity tends to be when we dance and sing songs, and listen to music from all around the world whilst playing percussion. We also sing nursery rhymes with actions/ puppets/ percussion which children really enjoy, especially when they get to hold the puppet and lead the rhyme!
We do lots of walking, running, crawling, climbing, yoga, exploring and talk about exercise and its benefits. We also make time to relax on the sofa, or amongst cushions and blankets on the floor and read fictional stories together - we sometimes use story sacks and props to bring the stories to life, and sometimes we read stories from inside a den! We also read factual books with specific topics such as celebrations, seasons, "people who help us" or if a child has shown an interest (such as shadows or water) we will select a relevant book from the library to explore this interest further.
Every day I offer mark making opportunities with various tools and materials to develop physical skills - we mould, paint, stick, stamp, draw, write and cut. Our artwork is often part of a theme, however mostly we just love to create and see what happens! I encourage the older children to practice writing letters, numbers and eventually to write their name. We have an artwork display board for children to proudly display their works of art, and show their parents when they come to collect them.
To understand the importance of recycling we use recycled rubbish to create artwork that can be taken home to be admired by the rest of the family. We also enjoy participating in putting the recycling out in the relevant bins.
We talk about healthy eating when a relevant situation arises, and do cooking or food smell/tasting activities based around healthy eating (like making hummus) or with foods from different cultures to help develop their tastes.
Each week we attend various groups with other childminder friends and our little teams can mix with each other and form friendships. They will participate in seasonal and celebration themed activities and enjoy child-led play with all sorts of toys and activities. We also visit museums, libraries, farms, animal sanctuary's, paddling pools, soft play and much more!
We spend time outside every day whether its in the garden or at one of the numerous parks we go to, a walk in the woods or maybe along the seafront to find treasures or even rock pooling! We often take an activity with us such as a ball to practise kicking, throwing and catching, a parachute, or maybe small world animals or trucks to play in the sand. On our journeys we discuss keeping safe, and we try to learn as much about the world as we can and embrace the local community.
Most afternoons we look at the photos we have taken during the day and talk about what we are doing in the photos - I find it helps the children to feel part of a team, as well as the important individual that they are!
My Experience
I opened Helens Happy Home in 2011 when my daughter was 6 months old and have been childminding ever since.
My Qualifications
I have undergone the following training, and continue to attend new seminars and online courses to keep my knowledge and skills up-to-date:
Paediatric First Aid Certificate
Safeguarding Children
Promoting Positive Behaviour in the EYFS (0-3)
Exploring Outdoor Provision for Babies in their First Year (0-1)
Sustained Shared Thinking with children in the EYFS (0-3)
Child Development (0-5)
Creative Storytelling (0-3)
Makaton for Professionals
Its Cool to be Creative
Discovery Boxes, Treasure Baskets and Heuristic Play (0-3)
Babies’ Brains are Amazing! (0-3)
Observation, Assessment and Planning (0-5)
Running, Developing & Marketing a Childminding Business
Introduction to Childcare Practice – (Pass) part of CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Home-based Childcare
Next steps from observation (ages 0-5)
Deserving the best, meeting the needs of two and early three year olds (ages 0-3)
All training is approved by the local authority and follows guidelines set out in the Ofsted Early Years Foundation Stage.
My Availability
Please contact me to discuss current availability.
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before School | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Morning | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Afternoon | no | yes | yes | yes | 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: 05/01/2025 | |||||||
My Fees
- Childminding from £7.00 per hour
Care Per Child is £7 per hour - your fees could mostly be covered by FE Funding.
My Local Schools
This childminder has not yet informed us whether or not they provide any drop off or pick up services at local schools.
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 24/02/2024)
- First Aid Certificate: Full Paediatric First Aid 12hr (added 13/03/2023)
- DBS Check (added 13/03/2023)
- UK Passport (added 13/03/2023)
Reviews
5 out of 5
Parents say
The childminder receives glowing reviews from parents. They praise her nurturing, caring approach and the stimulating, educational activities she provides. Children flourish in her care, developing social skills and independence. Parents appreciate the varied outings, creative learning, and updates on their child's day. Many describe it as a happy, home-like environment where children feel safe and excited to attend.
Summary generated by AI from the text of most recent member reviews
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Helens Happy Home. 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.
I found Helen’s happy home by chance on a recommendation on a mothers group online when my child was just under a year old. By far the best chance I’ve taken in my parenting life to date!
The level of nurturing and encouragement is honestly impeccable! So far in my 7 years of experience as a parent Helen is by far the most loving understanding and nurturing childminder that I have ever known! My child flourished under her care, learned to walk. Learned to climb like a big kid. Could count to 14 some how by age 2! There’s been so many wonderful experiences and days out that have happened. Helen is so great we decided to stay right up until we had to leave! We only wish we could carry on and Helen be our child’s teacher.
We will surely miss you when our time comes.
I would give 1000 stars if I could.
Thanks you so much
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Millicen
on 26/01/2025
Our daughter has been with Helen for the last 18 months and we can't recommend her enough. Our daughter looks forward to her time there every week and comes back happy and full stories from the day. They do a large range of stimulating activities and games and visits about the local area. Helen develops a tremendous rapport with the kids and we look forward to her updates from the day.
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Ben
on 26/01/2025
Response by
Helens Happy Home
on 26/01/2025:
Thanks Ben - it’s great working with your family too!
We feel extremely lucky to have come across Helen when she moved her childcare from Hove to Shoreham. Our daughter settled in quickly and it was never too traumatic at drop off. Helen made it easy by being jolly on the door and very empathetic towards the child and the parent. Helen led us as parents on the best way to manage drop off in the beginning.
Helen always has plans for the children - buckets of fun, paradise park and the local old people’s home to name just a few.
Helen spends lots of time supporting our daughters Progress with her speech and language. Lots of the games and toys she has at her house are very educational.
Helen is accommodating for times and dinners. This was helpful to us for our busy work schedules.
Helen keeps her numbers low, lower than others - this is so good as we know our daughter gets really good care and time spent with Helen. The others that go are all so lovely and our child has the absolute best time and has made some great friends.
Helen was very accommodating with naps when she was younger. Really trying to meet our wants and desires for nap environment and timings and length. All whilst juggling other people’s demands too 😆.
I highlight recommend Helen. It’s fantastic when you find someone you 100% trust with your child , no question.
Her house is lush too.
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Faye
on 13/01/2025
Response by
Helens Happy Home
on 26/01/2025:
Thanks for your lovely review Faye 😊
Erika was with Helen a little over a year and we were sad to have to leave, Helen has been very caring and kind. Helen takes the children on wonderful day trips where they can learn, explore and play. She has a lovely homely environment that’s calm and relaxing allowing the children to sing, dance and get creative.
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Hazel
on 05/01/2025
Response by
Helens Happy Home
on 05/01/2025:
Thanks so much Hazel, it’s been so lovely to work with your family ☺️
We’ve been working with Helen for over a year now and we are thrilled with the care our son has received (from 10ths old) and adventures he has been on.
Helen is thoroughly organised, communicative and thoughtful. Our son enjoys a wide variety of excursions (indoor and outdoor) in Shoreham and beyond. At home, Helen’s space is perfect for our boy and his pals to learn through play, dancing, singing, role play…
We know that we have struck gold with Helen’s Happy Home and we would not hesitate to recommend!
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Sally
on 17/09/2024
Response by
Helens Happy Home
on 21/12/2024:
Ahh thanks Sally ❤️
Elwen started going to Helens Happy Home in January 2015 at the age of 12 months and it was definitely a big step for me, leaving her with someone other than immediate family. I didn't feel ready to put her in a nursery and HHH seemed closer to her home environment and seemed less daunting somehow. After meeting Helen, I knew straight away that Elwen would be happy there. She started going once a week, and quickly went up to 2 days in and she loves her time there. Elwen settled in very quickly and now runs in, often not looking back. She has made great progress and has learnt so many things with Helen and her development has been incredible. Helen provides a great variety of activities, including plenty of outdoor exercise as well as time in her lovely home. There are lots of fun outings to play parks, museums and play groups as well as downtime at her home. She has a great range of toys available and encourages messy play. There is also a lot of imaginative role play, from making dens to dressing up, which we always encourage at home too. Living in a city, its important for us that Elwen also explores the outdoors and wildlife around her and this is something Helen certainly introduces into their daily routine. They might go walking through leaves in the park, or talk about the weather outside or collect specimens like twigs and mint for their nature bag to examine back at Helens home. I really like Helens creative approach to learning. It may be counting through number pebbles or leaves for example. She encourages child led play and to be independent whilst always maintaining a happy and safe environment. I could not believe it when Elwen could put her coat on by herself. Helen had taught them how to do this along with counting to 10, repeating days of the week. It is brilliant. Helen encourages good behaviour, sharing and kindness to others which are important values to us at home as well. I love going onto the Baby Day site after Elwen has been there to see all the fun activities they have been up to and the photos that Helen has taken of their adventures. I get a complete picture, including how long she has slept and eaten. This helps me to feel involved with her care and something I can talk to Elwen about when she gets home and throughout the week. She gets so excited about her next visit and playing with her little friends there, including Helens daughter Ionie, who Elwen loves. She chats so much when I pick her up in the evening and I often have to sing all their names for her to fall asleep at night. Helen is kind, patient and conscientious, as well as being understanding of every childs needs and I love her fun and creative approach. I would highly recommend her to anyone as a great and reliable childminder. Sending Elwen to Helens Happy Home has been one of the best choices I have made.
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tonwen
on 26/03/2023
Response by
Helens Happy Home
on 27/03/2023:
Thanks so much for your lovely review Ton x
My daughter Elektra, who is now four years old, has been looked after by Helen for almost two years. Helen has been simply amazing and a joy to work with. She is nurturing and caring whilst allowing kids to take (reasonable) risks. She is a natural teacher with a knack for communication. She is considerate and thoughtful, and able to work with each of her childrens' sensibilities. I have learned so much from her on how to deal with tantrums, fussy eating etc.
Many thanks, Helen.
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Evb
on 20/03/2023
Response by
Helens Happy Home
on 21/03/2023:
Thank you so much Evangelia x
Everyone in our family looks forward to Thursdays, when Cleo spends a day at Helens Happy Home and us parents get some time to ourselves.. Cleo loves Helen and her daughter, and gets to do lots of activities that we probably don‘t do at home. She loves playing with Helen‘s daughter and the variety of children at different ages and selection of activities means that Cleo gets a really interesting day in a place where she feels very at home and secure. When your child talks about and looks forward to seeing their childminder you know you are on the right track.
Alix, Newtimber
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Alix
on 20/03/2023
Response by
Helens Happy Home
on 20/03/2023:
Thanks Alix, lovely review x
Helen and her very Happy Home were absolutely brilliant in looking after our rather shy 2 year old.
We were very apprehensive as to how he would behave but we needn't have worried at all. Helen was brilliant at getting him settled in and interacting with the other children straight away. The activities and day trips Helen organises are fantastic.
Thank you for everything!
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Charlott
on 19/03/2023
Response by
Helens Happy Home
on 20/03/2023:
Thanks for your lovely Review x
We feel so lucky to have Zeb at Helen's Happy Home 3 days a week when we are at work. It was so easy to go back to work because Zeb loves it there and I totally trust Helen to care for Zeb brilliantly. Helen provides so many opportunities for playing and learning. From day trips we could never go on because we don't have a car, to trying new toys from the library, to art and crafts to getting involved in everyday activities like cooking. There is so much variety to what they do in a day. Getting updates on Baby Days is an exciting. Especially the photos- Helen manages to capture activities and moments which is heartwarming and reassuring. I think the best thing about Helen's happy home is that it is just that: a happy home environment. I'm impressed with how Helen handles conflict between children and I've learnt a lot from her. For example, Zeb went through a phase of hitting and kicking (like all toddlers). I was horrified, but Helen reassured me that it was normal and said we should just take him to a quiet place to explain that hitting and kicking hurts and it's not nice, and let him think about it. The behaviour soon resolved. Zeb has built excellent relationships with the other children, talking about them when he is at home and looking forward to seeing them. Zeb never had any trouble napping at Helen's- she incorporated Zeb's daily routine into the days he attends. He feels at home there. Helen goes out of her way to cater to special diets and provide nutritious food at meal times. For example, when Zeb was quite new I saw on babydays that they'd made pizzas, and I reminded Helen that Zeb doesn't eat dairy. Helen said she had got vegan cheese in especially.
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TanyaA
on 19/03/2023
Response by
Helens Happy Home
on 19/03/2023:
Thanks so much for your lovely review! Lovely family to work with 💜
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