Soniacarofalo
Childminder in Bedford
Usually responds within 12 hours
Female Member since May 2010 Last Updated May 2025 Last Login 13 May 2025
My Summary
Bright Stars Childminding
About Me
I am an Ofsted registed childminder located in the Goldington area in Bedford. I am married and have 3 grown children of my own.
I recently received another Outstanding grading in my latest Ofsted inspection in February 2023. I have completed a Level 5 qualification in Childcare and Leadership as well as achieving a degree in English Literature and Language. I have many lovely references and comments from parents that support the quality of care and learning that I provide to little ones attending my setting.
I offer a friendly and caring home environment for children where they feel safe and secure. Children are supported in my setting to learn through play and structured activities in a positive, enabling environment which allows for children to develop successfully in all areas of learning and development. I follow the EYFS accordingly, and along with the years of experience, knowledge and training I have gained throughout my time as a childminder, allows for me to provide an environment where children thrive whilst in my care.
I aim to be as flexible and as helpful as possible in order for me to meet the needs of parents as well as the children in my care.
My Experience
I have been childminding for over 25
years and my setting reflects the experience I have gained throughout that time. Children in my setting learn and develop through thoughtful planned individual play opportunities. I take pride in my practice and love my role as caregiver and educator to little ones. Children are supported emotionally, physically and socially whilst in my care with the routines, activities, play opportunities, and outings that are all organised according to each child's individual learning needs and requirements.
My Qualifications
I have gained many qualifications that support my childcare practise. I attend regular training courses to keep up to date and to offer best practice methods and procedures. I have an up to date First Aid certificate as well as a Safeguarding Children qualification and many additional certificates of training some including:
Speech and Language, Self Regulation, Regulating Behaviour, Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Early Years, Enabling Environments, Healthy Eating, Oral Health, Health, Safety and Hygiene, Risk Assessments, Children’s Schemas, Supporting Children with SEND, Continuous Development and certificates in the EYFS for all areas of learning and development. I additionally have a BA Hons degree, Level 3 Diploma in Home based Childcare and a Level 3 in Children's Care, Learning and Development and a Level 5 in Childcare and Leadership.
My Availability
I have a vacancy available
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before School | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Morning | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Afternoon | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | 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: 01/05/2025 | |||||||
My Fees
- Childminding from £7.00 per hour
Meals and snacks included in fees
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 21/04/2020)
Reviews
5 out of 5
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for SoniaCarofalo. 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.
Looking for someone to take care of your child is not an easy search but finding Sonia was the best decision we made. From day one Sonia has been organized, informative, caring, trustworthy and honest. Sonia is so easy to talk to and everyone is so comfortable around her.
My child loved being around Sonia from the moment he met her, he goes into her home with a smile and leaves giggling and laughing.
Our little boy has learnt so much in the time he's been with Sonia and it's amazing to see him learn, grow and bring home amazing arts and crafts. I love seeing pictures of him throughout the day learning and having fun.
Sonias passion and love for all the children is lovely to see, you just know your child is in the best care.
Sonia informs us of everything we need to know, and is happy to help where she can.
I look forward rest of the time my child has with Sonia and I know he is in one of his happy places when with Sonia and his friends.
Any child that goes to into Sonias care is so lucky to have her and definitely a childminder my family treasures.
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Roxanne
on 14/02/2021
Sonia looked after out two daughters (aged 13 and 7) in last 10 years.
As soon as we met she made a great impression on us and no doubt she did on our daughters too. Sonia’s professionalism and caring approach to our kids was always outstanding and never changed for all 10 years.
Our kids felt they were always welcome and would go to Sonia’s place with a smile on their faces, not mentioning the smiles on the way back home. Sonia was always organised and the rules she set up were always clear. She would always inform us in advance if there was any changes or circumstances if she could or she couldn’t look after children. There were many occasions where we needed her help(picking our kids up from school due to emergency) and she was always available to help. Sonia treats all kids equally.
One of the things that made the biggest impression on us was how Sonia approaches all the children she looks after and how the children respond to her. Seeing your child walking with Sonia with a smile is what gives you the assurance that your child is in the right hands. But the biggest thing that impressed us the most was Sonia’s approach to the children with regards to school. Sonia always said that she wanted all the children to be the best at school so she would spend extra time with them teaching/preparing them before they went to school so they could shine. Seeing your children buzzing how good they did at school thanks to Sonia when you pick them up is what you need after your long, exhausting day at work.
Sonia was always helpful and trustful. We recommended her to many of our friends and they were very pleased with the service Sonia provided. We would strongly recommend her to everyone.
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by
Parent
on 10/01/2019
Sonia is so much more than a childminder and I couldn’t ask for more from her! She minds my little girl who is 10 months and every time I go, my daughter beams at Sonia and wants to go straight in and play! Sonia not only treats my daughter like her own but is excellent help and gives excellent advice whenever you need it. She arranges lots of different activities and encourages my once shy daughter to get involved in group play, developing her more than I could have ever expected.
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Katie
on 25/09/2018
Sonia looks after our son who is under 2 years old and we are so glad that we found her.
Sonia provides outstanding care, she organises lots of fun and varied activities which has helped are little one’s development. Her house is clean, well maintained, and safe. Sonia provides healthy food. Sonia gives regular updates on outings and sends photos of our little one enjoying their day.
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by
Parent
on 05/09/2018
The contents of this review are no longer available as the reviewer's account has been deleted.
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by
Parent
on 24/05/2010
The contents of this review are no longer available as the reviewer's account has been deleted.
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by
Parent
on 21/05/2010
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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.
