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Didsbury Childminding Services

Ofsted: Good
(Feb 2023)
·
4.9(29 parent reviews) ·8 Gawsworth Avenue, MANCHESTER, M20 5NF · Manchester
Number of places
55 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Feb 2023
Local authority
Manchester

About this day nursery

Didsbury Childminding Services, established by Michelle Whitehead, began as a home-based childminding service before expanding into dedicated nursery settings, with the addition of DCM@Broadoak in September 2024. The nursery is deeply influenced by the Curiosity Approach, fostering a natural and homely environment where children are encouraged to thrive through child-led learning and engagement with open-ended, natural resources.

They strongly emphasise outdoor play, incorporating elements of the forest school concept to promote creativity, physical health, and an appreciation for nature. The nursery offers frequent excursions to local attractions such as museums, Fletcher Moss, the library, and Didsbury Park, providing children with opportunities to explore the wider community.

Upholding high standards of care, the team consists of DBS-checked and qualified professionals in paediatric first aid, mental health first aid, and child development, with a teacher-led approach ensuring quality learning experiences. Didsbury Childminding is committed to transparent communication with parents, providing regular updates and photos, and aims to create a supportive community for families.

Our ethos

Didsbury Childminding Services is deeply influenced by the Curiosity Approach, fostering a natural and homely environment with child-led learning and open-ended resources. They incorporate forest school concepts, emphasising outdoor play and community exploration. The nursery is committed to high standards of care, professional development, and transparent parent communication.

What it's like

Children enjoy days of fun and adventure in this home-from-home setting. They arrive happily and settle quickly, showing that they feel safe as they are greeted by the welcoming staff team. Children develop a love of reading and respect for books, looking at them independently or having them read to them by staff.

Curiosity ApproachForest School inspiredTeacher-led approachCommunity focusedOutdoor play emphasis

Pricing & funding

Pricing on request

This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.

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Key facts

Opening hours

7.30am - 18:00 Monday to Friday

Term time / All Year

All Year

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Didsbury Childminding Services

Last inspected 1 February 2023 · Richard Sutcliffe

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good

What it's like to attend

Children enjoy days of fun and adventure in this home-from-home setting. They arrive happily and settle quickly, showing that they feel safe as they are greeted by the welcoming staff team. Children develop a love of reading and respect for books, looking at them independently or having them read to them by staff.

Inspector highlights

  • Leaders have a precise and appropriate understanding of what children need to learn, and why.
  • Staff assess children soon after they start attending the nursery, to accurately identify children's level of development.
  • Staff help children to develop strategies to manage their own emotions in a positive manner.
  • Children make rapid progress in their communication skills, and become fluent speakers.
  • Staff members speak positively about the supportive culture at the nursery.

Areas to develop

  • 1help staff to consider how to better support children to develop their independence skills throughout the nursery day.
Inspection #10275931 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents say they value the quality communication they receive from the nursery about how their children are progressing.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Staff assess children soon after they start attending the nursery to accurately identify children's level of development. Should additional support be needed, particularly in relation to communication, this is sought without delay.

Outdoor space

Children benefit from regular outings in the local community and beyond. Trips out to parks, forest school and the library are a part of the regular routine, helping children become familiar with their local area and develop road safety knowledge.

Parent Reviews of Didsbury Childminding Services

4.9
(29)
Jessamy Haskins
10 months ago

Didsbury Childminding at Broadoak is amazing, Couldn’t recommend them highly enough. Michelle, Anna, Katie and the team are phenomenal, the setting is fab with a mud kitchen and forest school, the care the staff show is second to known, they have great communication, are super organised, do lovely activities with the children. Margaux has loved her time there and has thrived in the brilliant environment. Thank you again

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Ell Louise
a year ago

Don’t know where to start!! Michelle and her staff truly are the best!! They go above and beyond for the children. My daughter really loved her time at in toddler room then moved on to pre school now has graduated ready for her next chapter. My daughter is school ready thanks to Michelle and her team. We are going to miss everyone at Didsbury childminding. We will certainly keep in touch! Thankyou for everything!! 🩷🩷

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Lauren Reform Radio
11 months ago

We have had the pleasure of working with Michelle on a couple of occasions now for our unique parent and baby events, and we couldn't be more impressed. Each time Michelle has communicated well and her staff are exemplary. They were professional, friendly and adaptable to our needs and the needs of the room. I highly recommend Michelle and her team to anyone looking for skilled, caring, and dedicated childminders. We’re so grateful for their support and can’t wait to work with them again!

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Dany de Almeida
2 years ago

Brilliant nursery, amazing team, and Michelle have always been amazingly helpful! My daughter enjoyed everything at DCM, so much to do and learn! I am thankful I found this special place to my little girl. It's like my daughter's second home, where she felt safe and loved! I definitely recommend DCM! Now we are ready for the new chapter at Reception! Thank you so much to everyone at DCM, Leah will miss you all!

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Emily Hunter
10 months ago

My daughter has been attending since she was just 6 months old. We originally started at another nursery in the area, but I didn’t get a great feeling there, so I moved her to Didsbury Childminding when the new Broad Oak site opened. I honestly can’t praise them enough. I immediately felt so much more at ease knowing she was in such good hands. She goes in every day with a smile, happily waving goodbye at the door. She has come on in leaps and bounds since starting. It’s such a big deal to trust others with your child, but the team at Broad Oak are amazing. Thank you all so much!

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Didsbury Childminding Services. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: March 2017

  • February 2023Good
  • August 2018Good
  • September 2017Good
  • March 2017Inadequate

Frequently asked about Didsbury Childminding Services

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