Debbie Hunter
Childminder in Southampton
Usually responds within 12 hours
Female Member since Mar 2009 Last Updated Apr 2025 Last Login 08 May 2025
My Summary
About Me
*** Tuesday availability for immediate start for child of two years or older ***
***Immediate availability for before and after school care for children attending Moorlands Primary School ***
****Vacancies becoming available September 2025 for early years children please make contact now to discuss ****
2016 & 2020 graded Outstanding by Ofsted .
We enjoy the natural world and spend each morning exploring.
Funding can be used as payment as nursery funding accepted. Voucher payment taken too.
I am an Ofsted registered, Outstanding (Ofsted 2016 and 2020) Accredited childminder (I'm able to offer "free" funded nursery places (15 hours of free childcare per week-30 hours if you fulfil Government set criteria) to parents for children of pre school age) with many years experience of caring for children.
I live in Bitterne, off West End Road. I take and pick up children from Moorlands Primary (2 mins walk away with no roads to cross)
I have two boys of my own. I currently am busy with a variety of school aged children from Moorlands Primary School in my care and have worked out of this school for the past 20 years.
I offer a professional service to both parent and child by providing a service that caters for all childcare needs and am flexible in suiting individual family's needs. This includes being available for early morning cover and late afternoons and shift patterns.
As already mentioned, I am an Accredited Childminder and am able to offer nursery funded places.
My most recent Ofsted inspection had me being awarded the highest grade which is Outstanding.
My Experience
Having had the need, and used, childcare myself I appreciate and understand the anxiety faced when handing over your child to someone else. I understand the need to have trust in whomever you choose and place great importance in face to face meetings with parents and child to ensure that all parties are happy and content with each other before contracts and paperwork are considered.
Whilst being professional, I am an open, caring, honest person who truly believes in treating people how you wish to be treated yourself. I am firm, but fair when required to be and always have the wellbeing of the child foremost in mind.
Although I say so myself, I am a good mum who has two boys of my own of which I am proud to say are a credit to me. This, I feel, goes a long way in showing my values and my expectations of children in my care as I am enthusiastic about their talents and nurturing and understanding of their needs. Rest assured, I treat all children with respect, appreciating everyones' differences and all are treated equally.
I work extremely hard to maintain my good relationships with both child and parent by communicating on a regular basis with regards to child's progress and having a generally relaxed, approachable attitude.
Your child's individual needs are taken into account on starting with me and planned for and nurtured throughout their time with me. I follow the Early Years Foundation Stage's guidance and plan for your child activities on their own individual level, taking into account what stage of development they are at and plan their next steps. Your child would be encouraged to participate and made to feel welcome by his peers in my home.
I have procedures and policies in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of your child and numerous amounts of activities and resources in place to enhance your child's time with me.
Outdoor play is actively encouraged and daily trips to parks and woods, etc take place, weather permitting.
I own my own allotment and make regular visits with the children in my care to plant, weed and water our "crops" so allowing the children the experience of growing their own food and understanding where it comes from.
Time is set aside each day for homework and reading to take place if required.
I could continue typing but feel I have provided an outline of me as a person and the service I offer. I have hard copy references to confirm the above which would be made available for you to see upon meeting with you.
If you feel I could be of assistance to you please do not hesitate to contact me for an informal chat to arrange a meeting.
Kind regards
Debbie
My Qualifications
Registered with Ofsted as a Childminder on the Early Years Register, compulsory part of the Childcare Register and voluntary part of the Childcare Register
Accredited to provide pre school funding
Qualified in paediatric First Aid
Trained and practice the Early Years Foundation Stage
Level 3 NVQ equivalent qualification obtained as a Diploma in Home Based Childminder with an overall Grade A obtained in this qualification.
Both myself and husband have taken enhanced CRB checks.
Member of Pacey
Have full Public Liability Insurance
Driving licence with Class 1 Business Insurance
'O' Levels in various but most importantly Mathemetics and English
Professional development continually taking place with courses being undertaken regularly to update knowledge and changes in legislation etc. Qualifications and certificates for numerous courses available at first meeting.
My Availability
Availability throughout the year currently from 7 to 5.30pm, but am flexible to suit most individual needs.
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before School | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Morning | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Afternoon | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| After School | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Evening | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Overnight | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Last Updated: 11/04/2025 | |||||||
My Fees
- Childminding from £5.00 per hour
Please call for details
My Local Schools
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at Moorlands 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 22/08/2023)
Reviews
5 out of 5
Parents say
The childminder is highly praised for providing excellent care in a welcoming environment. Parents appreciate the varied activities, outdoor time, and educational experiences offered. Children are described as happy, thriving, and developing well under the childminder's care. The provider is commended for being professional, reliable, caring, and communicative with parents about their children's progress.
Summary generated by AI from the text of recent member reviews
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Debbie Hunter. 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.
As a former childminder and nursery owner, I was very diligent when looking for childcare for my own child.
I had known Debbie through our profession for years and always noticed her great work ethic and caring nature.
Debbie has been an amazing childminder for my daughter, Rosie. Rosie attended four days a week until she went to school and was full of smiles every one of those days.
Rosie had so much fun. They spent a lot of time outdoors in nature, which I thoroughly endorse.
I was really impressed with how much Rosie learned and grew while she was with Debbie. I felt completely at ease knowing that Rosie was safe and happy with her. If you're looking for a reliable and dedicated childcare provider, I highly recommend Debbie.
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Samantha
on 11/11/2024
Debbie had my son after school two days a week for two terms he settled really well he is only reception and really enjoyed his time with Debbie. The only reason he has stopped going is due to me being on maternity leave. I would really recommend Debbie to anyone needing childcare if I needed care again I wouldn’t hesitate to contact Debbie. On a Friday they would often go to the local park after school which Toby loved. Childcare with peace of mind makes life so much easier for working parents.
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Emily
on 02/05/2023
Debbie is a fantastic person, she is very caring. Our daughter loves spending time with Debbie and the other children. She always comes back happy, never bored. I am very grateful to Debbie for the care and great organization of time for children and I highly recommend.
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Marta
on 31/03/2023
I am very glad to have met Debbie. Debbie is a wonderful person and super professional!!!
My son loved going to her place and playing with the children after school. They spent time outdoors and often went to the park. My son didn't speak English so I was a bit worried but Debbie well done she got along with him. I will definitely call Debbie again when I need help
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Anna
on 04/02/2023
Response by
Debbie Hunter
on 06/02/2023:
Thanks ever so much Anna and would love to have him back here one day x
My daughter was looked after in Debbie's care and she loved her time with Debbie. She enjoyed her days with Debbie exploring nature, playing with Debbie's pet and playing with the rest of the children. I was very glad and pleased to find Debbie, she is super professional!
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Natalia
on 19/10/2022
Debbie was our childminder since 2010, for my eldest for wrap around school care, followed my second child once she started primary, and were there for the full 7 years. Then we had a little one, and as soon as I found out I was pregnant I reserved a space with Debbie, for when I returned to work when little one was 9 month. She Debbie’s until she was almost 8. Sadly we moved.
Debbie is a fabulous - for babies and pre schoolers, they are taken out almost every day, to various outdoor places, or groups, or to other childminders. That’s the huge benefit to a childminders. Our youngest thrived in Debbie’s care!
We had no question that our child would continue with Debbie for school with wrap around care. They still go out after school to local parks and woods, along with playing before pick up.
We are just sad we are no longer in the area, as we the little one would be at Debbie’s! She misses Debbie very much, but keeps in touch.
I highly recommend Debbie whether for little ones or school kids! She’s genuinely amazing at what she does and deserves her outstanding ofsted.
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Bonnie
on 11/10/2022
Response by
Debbie Hunter
on 12/10/2022:
I miss her too x thank you for your lovely review x
I moved my son from another childminder as I saw Debbie advertise a place and I had heard lots of great reviews. I could not believe the difference in my son when I moved him. He settled in so well and loved going to Debbie’s. Debbie has taught my son so much, he is so confident and is interested in nature. We are so grateful for all of the experiences and days out that Debbie has given my son. Debbie’s communication throughout my son’s time in her care has been brilliant, the record keeping is second to none- if my son had an accident there was always a form filled out and text home. Debbie has journaled my sons time and we will treasure this forever. If you are looking for a childminder I urge you to go and meet Debbie in her lovely welcoming home.
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Charjoe
on 02/10/2022
Response by
Debbie Hunter
on 02/10/2022:
Thank you so much for your review he made a huge difference in my life too ... we all miss him x
I sent my Son to Debbie for a year whilst I worked and he absolutely loved it. He always felt safe and cared for and learnt so many new things whilst in Debbie's care. He was always excited to go and play with the friends he made and had so much to tell me when he came home. I saw him flourish whilst in the care of Debbie and I couldn't be more grateful. I felt completely comfortable leaving him with Debbie and always knew she would keep him safe and that he would be cared for exceptionally. Very approachable and an all round amazing, positive person. Thank you for teaching him so much and keeping him safe!
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Alanah
on 12/09/2022
Debbie looked after my pre-school daughter for 5 days a week for almost 2 years. She loved attending Debbies setting and made really good friends with the other children and had a strong bond with Debbie too. She was challenged and entertained everyday by the activities Debbie offered and always had plenty of time outside, learning about nature, numbers and the world around her. My daughter started school having a very solid understanding of letters and numbers after her time spent with Debbie. Debbie is a lovely helpful and kind childminder and I am pleased we are still able to see her on the school run. I wouldn’t hesitate in asking Debbie to have either of my daughters if the need arises in the future. 😊
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HannahHo
on 11/10/2021
Debbie is a wonderful person and we were very lucky to have her looking after our children.
Debbie looked after our children for many years - my son throughout primary school and my daughter from age two until the end of primary school.
Children were very happy with Debbie, as she always offered a wide range of activities, and this ensured that they were never bored.
Communication between us was perfect, daily we received updates about what happened and on every term a report with pictures of the children's progress.
When my children were in Debbie's care, I always knew they were safe and well looked after. In all these years I have never had any complaints about Debbie's work, she has always been very professional and organised.
Debbie, thank you for everything you have done for us. You are amazing!
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Magda
on 21/06/2021
Response by
Debbie Hunter
on 21/06/2021:
Thanks Magda for such kind words. You're children were a pleasure to look after. Thanks so much for trusting me with their care ❤
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