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Mary the childminder

Ofsted-registered childminder · Islington, N7 8RD

Your Islington childminder — forty years of love, learning and lunchtimes.

A safe, fun and educational home setting with home-cooked meals. Mary has 40 years of experience, four grown children of her own, and runs the local Westbourne toddler group.

5.0 from 5 parent reviews

Monday to Friday, 8am – 6pm · 15 & 30 funded hours accepted

Mary's playroom shed: wooden shelves stacked with toy storage boxes, dolls, a play kitchen and a baby activity centre
The reading corner — children's bookshelf labelled with the alphabet, two cushioned chairs and a road-mat play table in the foreground
A small-world dinosaur play tray with toy dinosaurs, autumn leaves and a 'Dinosaur Roar!' picture book
Mary smiling in her playroom, with shelves of toys and dolls behind her
Vacancy
available
Immediate start
  • Ofsted Registered
  • 40 Years Experience
  • Food Safety Certified
  • Safeguarding & Child Protection
  • 15 / 30 Hours Funded Places

Where we are

Islington N7 8RD — just off Caledonian Road.

We're a couple of minutes from Caledonian Road tube and a short walk to Holloway Road and Highbury & Islington — which matters when pickup windows are tight. The full street address is shared after your first visit, for safeguarding reasons.

  • Caledonian Road~2 min walk · Piccadilly line
  • Holloway Road~12 min walk · Piccadilly line
  • Highbury & Islington~15 min walk · Victoria / Overground / Rail
  • Local busesStops on Caledonian Road and Holloway Road
Get directions from your place

Opens Google Maps so you can check travel time from wherever you are.

Map of the Islington N7 8RD area, just off Caledonian Road

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Live availability

Current vacancies

Last updated 12 May 2026

Mary Timurlenkoglu

Meet Mary

Forty years of looking after Islington's little ones.

Mary Timurlenkoglu has been childminding for four decades and has raised four children of her own. She holds certifications in Food Safety, Safeguarding and Child Protection, and is the founder of the Westbourne Toddler Group that meets on Tuesdays & Thursdays at the Westbourne Community Centre.

Families come to Mary for the warmth and stay for the consistency. She knows the small things that matter — the favourite spoon, the bedtime story, the way a new word is just about to arrive.

Read Mary's story

A day with Mary

Safe, fun and full of small wonders

  • Safe play

    A risk-assessed home setting where children are free to explore, climb, build and rest in equal measure.

  • Nutritious food

    Freshly cooked meals and snacks every day, with allergies and dietary needs accommodated wherever possible.

  • Learning through play

    Story time, songs, mark-making, sensory play and quiet corners — all framed by the EYFS.

  • Outdoor adventures

    Daily fresh air — local parks, the garden and trips to the toddler group at Westbourne Community Centre.

Government funding

We accept 15 & 30 hours funded childcare

Working parents can claim up to 30 funded hours from when their child is 9 months old. All 3–4 year-olds can claim 15 universal hours. We'll help you check eligibility and apply.

In the community

Founder of the Westbourne Toddler Group

Mary started the toddler group at the Westbourne Community Centre so local families had a warm, free, weekly place to meet. It still runs every Tuesdays & Thursdays, and many of the children Mary minds attend together — building friendships that outlast the early years.

Toddler group

Tuesdays & Thursdays

Westbourne Community Centre

Free · all welcome

From parents

What families say

Verified five-star reviews from parents on Mary's Childcare.co.uk profile and Google.

  • We love Mary! She has been looking after our son for just under a year now and she already feels like family. Our son is always so happy to see her, and he loves the activities and outings she plans every day. She provides nutritious home cooked food and a wide variety of healthy snacks. We couldn't ask for anything more, and fully intend to place all our children in her very competent care.
    Kass · Google
  • Mary is such a great childminder! I dont fault her in any way. She has had my daughter since she was 9 months old and she couldn't of been in safer hands. Mary has always kept me updated on my daughters progress by sending me photos and updates every day down to the amazing profile and progress books. She has helped mould my daughter into a very confident, outgoing and clever little girl and has been a great help in preparing her for Nursey life. She also takes her to nursery now and that is such a big help! Mary I am forever grateful for what you have done for me and my family! Thank you xx
    Parent · Childcare.co.uk
  • Mary looked after my 14 month old son and he absolutely adored her! She has all the qualities that you would wish for — she is loving, caring and the kindest childminder you will ever find. She cooks beautiful home made meals and provides a detailed diary so I knew exactly what my son had eaten and done throughout the day. Mary also took the children out everyday and attended library story telling sessions as well as stay and play sessions at local children's centres — because of this, I saw a huge improvement in my son's social interaction skills with other children. We decided to leave London and were heartbroken to be loosing Mary as a childminder. My son still asks about Mary and all the children she cares for. We considered Mary and all the children like family members. We cannot recommend Mary enough! You and your baby/child will love her and most importantly she will love them and treat them like one of her own!
    Parent · Childcare.co.uk

Come and meet me

Visits are the best way to see if Mary is the right fit for your family. Book a Saturday morning slot, or send a message and I'll find a time.