Little Explorers
Childminder in London: Harrow (also available for babysitting)
Usually responds within 2 days
Female Member since Nov 2019 Last Updated Jul 2025 Last Login 13 Jul 2025
My Summary
Registered Qualified Childcare Educator
About Me
Welcome to Little Explorers Childcare & Education — a unique hybrid setting that brings together the nurturing atmosphere of a family home with the educational structure of a Montessori-inspired nursery. We offer the perfect balance of warmth, personal care, and high-quality early years education.
Who We Are
Little Explorers is a home-based, family-oriented childcare and educational setting that combines the personal attention of a childminder with the professional structure of a nursery and Montessori ethos. Our environment offers a calm, familiar, and stimulating space where children feel safe, valued, and excited to learn.
We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum — the government’s gold standard for care and education of children from birth to five. Our ethos is deeply inspired by Montessori principles, focusing on play-based, child-led learning that builds independence, curiosity, and confidence.
Meet the Founders:
Our setting is led by Mrs. Thushani Jayamaha, a childminder and a qualified and experienced Nursery Educator/Practitioner, supported by her husband Mr. Gayan Ranasinghe, a registered childcare provider and a Level 2 Cricket Coach certified by the England Cricket Board. Together, we are passionate about early childhood education and have created a setting we once dreamed of for our own children — a true “Home Away from Home.”
Thushani Jayamaha:
• BSc (Hons) – Queen Mary University of London
• 4 Years of MBBS (Medicine)
• Nursery Teacher/Practitioner (Level 3)
• Level 3 Diploma – Children & Young People’s Workforce
• Registered via Suffolk Childcare Agency registered with and inspected by Ofsted
• Paediatric First Aid, Safeguarding, Fire Safety, Equality & Diversity
• Former NHS professional at St Mark’s Hospital, Northwick Park
Gayan Ranasinghe:
• BEng (Hons 1st Class) – Kingston University
• Registered Childminder, currently reading Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management in Childcare
• EYFS Curriculum Trained
• Level 2 Cricket Coach – England Cricket Board
• Former Senior Engineering Project Manager to UK Major Supermarkets
Why Choose Little Explorers?
• Small group care with a 1:3 key person ratio
• Registered with OFSTED via Suffolk Childcare Agency and Harrow Council
• Member of PACEY and fully insured
• Experienced, qualified staff who regularly attend training and workshops
• Daily freshly prepared halal meals (vegetarian and non-vegetarian) included at no extra cost
• Tailored support for fussy eaters
• Secure digital parent app with daily updates (photos, meals, sleep, nappies, learning activities)
• Culturally inclusive — we celebrate all community and religious events
• Opportunities for gardening, park trips, nature walks, library visits, and museum outings
Our Vision & Philosophy:
At Little Explorers, we aim to raise happy, confident, and inquisitive learners in a nurturing, family-style environment. We believe children thrive when they feel secure and loved, and learn best through play, exploration, and discovery.
We’re proud to create a space where:
• Children are emotionally supported and socially confident
• Curiosity is encouraged and creativity is nurtured
• Early learning is woven seamlessly into everyday experiences
• Every milestone is celebrated, and every child is valued
We prepare children to start school not just with foundational skills in reading, writing, and numeracy, but with emotional resilience, social awareness, and a deep love for learning.
Curriculum & Learning Areas:
We follow the EYFS Framework, covering:
• Personal, Social & Emotional Development
• Communication & Language
• Physical Development
• Literacy & Numeracy
• Understanding the World
• Expressive Arts & Design
Our children also enjoy free weekly workshops in:
• Phonics, Reading, Writing, Maths
• French language sessions
• Music, Dance, and Yoga
• Sports (Cricket, Football)
• Gardening and Outdoor Play
• Creative Arts and Technology
• Educational walks and cultural outings
Our Facilities:
Our homely setting includes:
• Ladybird Room (3 months – 1.5 years)
• Caterpillar Room (1.5 – 3 years)
• Butterfly Room (3 – 5 years)
• A dedicated activity/dining space for dancing, music, yoga, meals
• A well-maintained garden with outdoor play zones
Your Child’s Day at Little Explorers:
From the moment your child arrives, they are welcomed into a calm and loving environment. Every day includes a mix of:
• Structured learning through play
• Outdoor exploration and physical activities
• Story time, music, and creative expression
• Social play and emotional bonding
• Nutritious meals and restful nap times
• Cultural celebrations and joyful discoveries
Health, Safety & Qualifications:
• Registered with OFSTED via Suffolk Childcare Agency
• Enhanced DBS Checks for all staff
• Paediatric First Aid & Safeguarding trained
• Training in Fire Safety, Infection Control, Mental Capacity, Equality & Diversity
• Clean and secure environment with rigorous hygiene and safety protocols
Thushani Jayamaha:
• BSc (Hons) – Queen Mary University of London
• 4 Years of MBBS (Medicine)
• Nursery Teacher/Practitioner (Level 3)
• Level 3 Diploma – Children & Young People’s Workforce
• Registered via OFSTED Suffolk Childcare Agency
• Paediatric First Aid, Safeguarding, Fire Safety, Equality & Diversity
• Former NHS professional at St Mark’s Hospital, Northwick Park
Gayan Ranasinghe:
• BEng (Hons 1st Class) – Kingston University
• Registered Childminder, currently studying Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management in Childcare
• EYFS Curriculum Trained
• Level 2 Cricket Coach registered with England Cricket Board
• Former Senior Engineering Project Manager to UK Supermarkets
Thank you for considering Little Explorers Childcare & Education. With a passionate team, a nurturing environment, and a strong educational foundation, we are here to help your child grow, explore, and flourish — one joyful step at a time.
My Experience
Caring is something that I have experienced in offering from a very young age since being the only child born to deaf and mute parents.
I am registered with Harrow Council as a Childcare provider which has allowed me to deliver Early Years Education. I am fully qualified as a Nursery teacher/practitioner and passionate to be with children with nearly 18 years of childcare experience. I am a mother of two gorgeous children.
My Qualifications
BSc(Hons) Degree at Queen Mary University of London
4 Years of MBBS Degree at Medical faculty of Charles University
Qualified Nursery/Montessori Educator with NCFE Diploma for the Early Years Workforce
Diploma for the Children and Young Peoples’ Workforce
Currently reading towards TQUK Level 5 diploma in Early Years Lead Practitioner, Leadership and Management
Included in two registers under Ofsted - Childcare Register and Early Years Register
Registered Childcare Provider at Harrow Council
Member of PACEY (Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years)
Fully covered with Insurance
CACHE Certificate in Childcare Service
Enhanced DBS Checked
Paediatric First Aid
Safeguarding Children
Training in Resuscitation
Health and Safety
Fire Safety
Infection Control
Equality Diversity and Human Rights
Mental Capacity Act
My Availability
We are flexible and available according to your requirements (full time or part time).
Please send me a message or call to discuss and arrange a meeting.
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before School | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Morning | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Afternoon | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| After School | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Evening | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Overnight | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Last Updated: 07/07/2025 | |||||||
My Fees
- Childminding from £7.00 per hour
- Babysitting from £15.00 per hour
Fee Structure and Inclusions:
Our childcare fees are determined based on the child’s age, the number of attending days per week, and the required daily hours. Discounts may be offered depending on the total number of days or hours booked.
Our fees include the following:
• Nutritious Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided (vegetarian or non-vegetarian, based on parental preference).
• Healthy Snacks: Fruits, yogurt, and milk served between main meals.
• Enrichment Workshops: A wide range of engaging activities including Phonics, Numeracy, Writing, Reading, Technology, Music, Dance, Creative Arts, Arts & Crafts, and more.
• Sports Workshops: Including Cricket and Football coaching, physical games, and movement-based activities to support physical development and teamwork.
• Digital Portal Access: Stay connected with daily updates and photos of your child through our mobile app.
• Birthday Celebrations: Every child’s birthday is celebrated to ensure they feel special and valued.
• Cultural Celebrations: We actively celebrate and learn about a variety of cultural events, including Christmas, Diwali, Easter, Eid, Chinese New Year, and many more.
My Local Schools
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at St Anselm's Catholic 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
- Ofsted Certificate (added 09/11/2019)
- DBS Check (added 09/11/2019)
- Training Certificate: Certificate in Safeguarding Children Level 2 (added 09/11/2019)
- Training Certificate: Cache Certficate in Setting Up A Childcare Service (added 09/11/2019)
- Training Certificate: Level 3 Diploma in Children and Young People’s Workforce (CYPOP5) (added 09/11/2019)
- First Aid Certificate: British Redcross Paediatric First Aid Certificate (added 09/11/2019)
Reviews
4.56 out of 5
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Little Explorers. 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.
Couldn't be happier, or recommend Little Explorers enough!
Our son has just started school but has been with Little Explorers for years. He has grown so much in terms of confidence, social skills, and learning. Thushani and the other "Aunties" as how my son calls them are so nurturing, engaging, and caring. I couldn't have been more happy with leaving my precious baby with them every day, knowing that he was in great hands.
He has learned so much from Little Explorers, and made so many good friends who will now stick together in their new school, which is such a big win!
Our son used to attend another nursery before, but he began to refuse to go there and cry when we would drop him off, however since going to Little Explorers, he didn't want to come home when we went to pick him up!
Auntie Thushani, Uncle Gayan, Aunti Nachiko, and the rest of the aunties are the best!
The food my son was eating every day was also amazing! so varied and full of nutrition.
Communication was really good too, and being able to see photos and info on what my son was doing every day was very reassuring.
I wish I went to such a great family when I was little
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Steven
on 18/09/2024
Little explorers have created a loving and unique environment for both my children to thrive in. Thushani and her staff continuously go above and beyond when it comes to the children's needs and development with their love and care which is invaluable. They are extremely accommodating which is reassuring as I work full-time. They also provide daily updates on the wonderful activities they have put together for the children including meals and nap times which is very helpful. The memories created over the last few years have been priceless. They have become family to us and can't thank them enough for everything they have done and continue to do for my girls.
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Priya
on 21/11/2023
I cannot express how grateful I am with the nursery setting and incredibly kind Thushani who took care of my child since he was 2 years old.
From the moment we walked through the doors, it was clear that this was a place filled with warmth, care, and a genuine dedication to a childs well-being.
Thushani’s nursery is a true haven for young minds and a very safe environment that encourages learning through play.
Thushani and her team are patient, nurturing, and incredibly attentive to each child's unique needs.
My son adores Thushani, and I have seen positive growth in him since starting at this nursery. I always felt informed and involved in my child's progress.
I am so thankful to have found such a wonderful place for my child to thrive.
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Anuja
on 10/10/2023
Thushani and her husband welcomed us into their childcare setting back in late 2019 when I was looking around the local area. I knew right there and then that this nursery would be the one for us!
My daughter was there from 18 months to just recently aged 4 where she graduated from Little Explorers. I can't express my thanks and gratitude enough for these people. Although when I met them, they had just started out, they were more professional, passionate and hard working than other places I have known that have been going for years.
Thushani has such a natural and loving way with kids which can only come from the heart and from being a mother herself. Her team are also fantastic and I loved seeing the daily/weekly updates and observations of my daughters learning journal.
Thushani is so helpful and accomodating and has gone above and beyond to help me and my partner at short notice over the years despite her business increasing and many more children attending. I have laughed, cried and smiled looking back at all of my daughters photos and her learning record. You can't always get the perfect childcare for children but Little Explorers is pretty much there.
We will truly truly miss this place and would say to any parent enquiring- this is the best childminder/nursery in Harrow!!
Thank you so much to Thushani for everything xx Layla and family
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EmJ90
on 28/08/2023
Met Thushani and discuss set up of planned childcare. She said she will send an invoice so I have an idea of the fees however she never did. I messaged her but still no response. It’s a shame bc my son seems to like her place.
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Mama
on 10/02/2023
Response by
Little Explorers
on 13/02/2023:
Thank you very much Pia for your review on Friday the 10th February. We replied immediately via Whatsapp to you to try and resolve the matter. Our understanding was that the fees were sent to you on the 10th December and we also did not receive any communication from you either as indicated in your response. It seems that communications from us to you and you to us were not received after the 10th December. Any issues would definitely have been sorted much earlier but unfortunately, it took you two months to let us know from the 10th December and we clearly understand that you might have been very busy to correspond with us earlier. I am glad that your son enjoyed his time here when you came to visit us on the 9th December and it is a shame that we were unable to meet the times that you required.
May we take this opportunity of wishing you and your son all the best.
Thushani on behalf of Little Explorers.
I highly recommend Little Explorers, Thushani helped us out at short notice and worked wonders with both of my children - my son learnt how to spell his name within a few short weeks and my daughter who can be really quite nervous around new people warmed to Thushani immediately. They were cooked fabulous meals and always came home telling me what a lovely day they had, the extra mile was always reached... My son even had his own birthday party and cake arranged for him, so much thought and care went into their time there and I was always kept updated (she takes absolutely lovely photos!) I will always be grateful to Thushani for their time at Little Explorers, my kids miss her lots and I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone.
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Harriet
on 12/07/2022
We needed a childminder urgently for a few weeks to take care of my little one who is exactly 1 year old. Thushani very kindly offered to help. It was incredible how quickly my daughter settled in with her. My daughter had never been outside our home much given that she was born during the pandemic and with all the lockdowns there was never much an opportunity for her to socialise.
Thushani took very good care of my daughter and went to great lengths to ensure she ate well and was properly engaged all day. She understood my anxiety with leaving my daughter for the first time and sent us pictures and videos of our little one regularly to reassure us that she was completely alright.
On the last day, my daughter even leapt to Thushani and that showed how fond she had gotten of her. This is truly the best care that she could've received. Thank you for helping us and little S out xx
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Saranya
on 17/08/2021
Our daughter has been with Little Explorers for just over a year and we couldn’t be happier. They always went above and beyond to support us as and when needed. We felt it was a home away from home for our daughter and she was very happy there. Little explorers offer a very caring, nurturing, reliable and professional environment which we would highly recommend.
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Shelini
on 09/07/2021
My boys attended Little explorers which is a home based setting; they immediatly felt comfortable with Thushani and they where in a relaxed enviroment. They had plenty of activites to do, Thushani kept me updated and was very proffesional in her approach. I highly reccomend Little explores.
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Mumoftwo
on 05/01/2020
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