About us

Award Winning Midget Gems Childcare is a home based childcare facility based in Richmond, North Yorkshire. Sarah Butler founded Midget Gems Childcare in May 2006 and has been a registered childminder at this address since May 2006.

Rebecca Smart has joined the team. They both have many years experience in education and childcare, all strive to provide a unique, dynamic setting where all children have the freedom to learn through play.

Midget Gems has two fantastic purpose built playrooms, in total 35 square metres, where the children can safely play with a diverse range of resources. Each room has plenty of natural light and fresh air ventilation. There are separate bedrooms for sleep or quiet time.

Outside there is lots of space for your child, in our Christmas Tree Garden or Street Play in the cul de sac.

We also have access to the beautiful adjacent ancient woodland, through our Gate of Opportunity. Here we experience our Forest School activities and visit local ponds and enjoy all aspects of nature.

The children also love to go out for bike rides on their balance bikes, an excellent way to learn about road safety. 

We love to go on very regular trips and visits to nearby attractions and find this highly motivating and educational for the children.   

Sarah and Rebecca each  have a passion for fun and encourage all children to  experience new places, activities and people. Play and talk is child led, everyday day, topics snowball into experiences that couldn't have been planned ! 

You can even view your child's development on our well established secure On-line Learning Journal, Tapestry,viewing up to the minute photographs and development stages achieved all linked to the Early Years Foundation Stage. We value our partnership with parents and have now enabled our online system so that you can respond with feedback and  have your own facility to add photos/videos . 

 Sarah Butler - Founder.

I founded Midget Gems Childcare on 18th May 2006. 

I have attended over 100 training courses in 18 years. I have also achieved a NVQ Level 3 in Children's Care, Learning and Development. I have up to date Paediatric First Aid, Child Protection, SENCO, Health and Safety and Food Hygiene, and I have attended Forest School training at Howsham Mill, just north east of York. I also have a current DBS  Check.

I have attended training on raising the awareness of children and young people who have a sensory impairment or physical development.

I am registered with NYCC for the purpose of delivering early years funding for 2, 3 and 4 year olds.

Most importantly, I became an Early Years Educator  because I wanted to make a difference to how children spend their days whilst their primary carers were occupied, and I find this job highly rewarding.  

I support the team, and always work to the highest possible standards, whilst enjoying my days with the children !

Rebecca Smart.

Rebeeca Smart started with us on 1st July 2021 on a work experience basis and we are delighted to say that she passed her NCFE Cache Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner in July 2022. Then in July 2024, Rebecca has officially now achieved her Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma. This two year course saw Becca complete 179 written assignments, a six week longitudinal study two tutor observational visits and numerous professional discussions. All whilst working full time at Midget Gems.

Becca will continue improving alongside Midget Gems' own in house training and professional webinars.

Rebecca also holds an International Tourism Management Degree and is Mum to two girls, Daisy and Rosie who have both attended Midget Gems since 2014 !