Claire_B
Childminder in Burgess Hill
Usually responds within 24 hours
Female Member since Feb 2014 Last Updated Apr 2025 Last Login 01 May 2025
My Summary
Passionate To Explore Children's Creativity Through Fun Learning Experiences
About Me
Hello, my name is Claire Briggs. I have two children; Oliver and Sophie aged twenty-one and seventeen. I am a highly skilled childcare professional and have worked with children all of my working life, with over 20 years experience caring for children from birth to twelve. I registered as a childminder with Ofsted in 2008 and enjoy caring for children ranging between one and eleven years. We live in a large detached property that comprises of four bedrooms and four reception rooms. There is a safe enclosed garden with lawn and a large undercover decking area for outdoor play in all weathers. Children benefit from a wide variety of resources and inclusive play opportunities utilising equipment both indoors and outside to include a large playhouse, swings, ride-ons, sandpit, balls, tents and hoop games, alongside creative opportunities for children to engage in mark making with the painting easel, chalk board and mounted white boards. In addition, there are opportunities for the children to learn about growing vegetables and caring for plants in the garden. We regularly visit play settings including toddler groups, local parks and attend childminder play dates.
In addition, I am an enthusiastic music teacher and enjoy playing the piano and drums. Each week, I take the children with me to a local pre-school whereby I teach music to a group of children aged 3-5 years. This provides an invaluable introduction to music as children gain confidence in participating within the security of a fun and interactive environment, alongside social opportunities for the children to interact with peers. The children are introduced to musical concepts such as pitch, rhythm and dynamics through a range of action songs and fun games involving percussion instruments, puppets, coloured scarves and parachutes. Children in my care are encouraged to become directors of their play through careful utilising of observations to engage children's interests with balanced adult-child interactions to support their learning and development. I aim to nurture a close working relationship with parents to support children to reach their full potential and provide play opportunities and experiences to meet children's unique and individual needs. Moreover, I offer a home from home experience, and work to ensure that every child feels safe, valued and cared for so that they are fully able to enjoy their learning and play experience and create happy and fun childhood memories within our family setting.
My Experience
I have worked across a range of settings including nurseries and primary schools both abroad and in the UK. I have gained experiences in different roles, for example as a music teacher in several primary schools, speech and language support at a children's hospital and supervising in a nursery. I have had experience working on an individual basis with children with multiple learning needs, for example, cerebral palsy, visual impairments and English as a second language. In addition, I have gained a wide base of experiences through my own role as mother to my two beautiful children, Oliver and Sophie.
My Qualifications
I studied with the Open University for six years and was awarded a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Years with First class honours in 2017 (level 6). In addition, I hold the Foundation Degree in Early Years with Distinction (level 5) and the Certificate in Early Years Practice (level 4). Previously to this, I gained my NNEB Diploma in Nursery Nursing (Level 3) and a GNVQ in Health and Social care (Level 2) many years ago!
I thoroughly enjoy extending my professional development as it enables me to explore new concepts and challenge my assumptions which ultimately benefit the children’s experiences in my care.
I am currently studying the Early Years Professional Development Practice course (EYPDP) and have plans to work towards gaining my Early Years Teacher status in the future.
I keep all of my Childminding qualifications up-to-date and attend training sessions whenever possible. Some of these include:
* Introduction to Childcare Practice (home-based)
* Child Protection for the Designated Person Level 3
* Online Safety Level 2
* The Prevent Duty Level 2 and British Values
* FGM Awareness Level 2
* Paediatric Infant and Child First Aid Level 3
* Risk Assessment
* Food Safety and Hygiene Level 2
* Makaton training
* The Revised EYFS
* Parents as partners
* Speech and early language development
* Equality and Inclusion in Early Years Settings Level 2
* Music for the Early Years
* Development Matters: observation, assessment and record keeping
* Business Support
* An Introduction to children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder
* Oxford Learning Solutions training in reading difficulties
* Working with Children with Disabilities
* Understanding Children's Rights
* The SEND Code of Practice Level 2
* Communication and the EYFS
* Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) training
The Open University modules that I have achieved with distinction to date are as follows:
* E100: The Early Years, Developing Practice
* E105: Professional Practice in the Early Years
* E214: Equality, Participation and Inclusion: learning from each other
* E210: Extending Professional Practice in the Early Years
* EK313: Issues in Research with Children and Young People
* KE312: Working Together for Children and Families
Ofsted inspection graded: 'OUTSTANDING' in September 2018
My Availability
I currently work on a term-time only basis from Monday to Friday. My working hours are from 7:30am to 6pm, however I can be flexible if you require an earlier start or a later finish.
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before School | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Morning | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Afternoon | no | no | no | no | 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: 23/04/2025 | |||||||
My Fees
- Childminding from £7.00 per hour
Extra charges
7am - 7:30am - £4.50
6pm-7pm - £8/hour per child
My Local Schools
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at Birchwood Grove Community Primary School, Burgess Hill
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 04/07/2017)
- Training Certificate: Early Years Professional Development Programme 2024 (added 29/04/2025)
- First Aid Certificate: Full Paediatric First Aid Certificate (added 29/04/2025)
- First Aid Certificate: Full Paediactric First Aid - Blended Learning (added 10/06/2022)
- Inspection Report: Ofsted Inspection Report (added 07/05/2019)
- Exam Certificate: BA (Hons) Degree in Early Years (added 02/03/2018)
Reviews
5 out of 5
Parents say
The childminder provides a warm, welcoming environment with a variety of activities and toys. Parents consistently praise her for her flexibility, caring nature, and ability to create a home-like atmosphere. Children form strong bonds with her and enjoy their time in her care. The childminder is described as professional, supportive, and attentive to each child's individual needs.
Summary generated by AI from the text of recent member reviews
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Claire_B. 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.
Claire provides a warm and welcome home from home environment. She’s has a variety of toys and a large outside space for the children to play. My oldest has been with Claire for 3 years and my youngest (who also had extra needs) started in September. Both settled in immediately and Claire has become like one of the family to us.
Her first priority is always the children’s needs and she always has plenty of snacks on hand for when they come out of school and of course there’s always time to hear all stories each child has for her.
Claire is always flexible and accommodating to my ever changing schedules and will always go above and beyond to help me out.
My two have made lasting friendships from the after school groups and they love going to Claire’s for the holidays clubs as Claire will always put on a special activity and get everyone involved!
She deserves an award for remembering all the names :-) x
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LockeT
on 17/06/2024
M has is with Claire 4 mornings a week and 3 days afterschool, we started in September. We increased our days at Christmas as I was so pleased with Claire‘s provision and stopped pioneer club as I felt her setting was more suitable for my childs first year at school. As both busy working teachers, I feel very comfortable with Claire’s activities, care and environment she provides. She has built such an enriching experience and home from home. I love the personalised updates she sends to me and my husband-her home is set up to enhance her early years experience. She gets to play with other children of all ages from her school too. She is also incredibly flexible and is such a kind lady, M loves her and excited to go to everytime. They have built up a great relationship! Thank you for everything you do and I hope to use Claire for many years to come.
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Helen
on 14/06/2024
My Daughter absolutely loves being with Claire, She has been going to Claire for three days a week for nearly 3 years now and we are so happy. we feel Claire makes it a home from home for the kids and she is extremely comfortable with her and the other children.
Claire is always extremely helpful and accommodating when we are in need of extra time and days and will be with her as long as we can. We could not ask for more with Claire X
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eloise
on 12/06/2024
My son has been with Claire for 3 years. She is very kind and caring and the kids have lots of fun. She really knows each child's individual needs and does her best to make sure they always have something to do that they enjoy. When the weather is good they always visit the park on the way home and she has a lovely garden for them to play in.
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RWinners
on 07/06/2024
Highly recommended, thanks Claire.
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Gustavo
on 31/05/2024
Claire is an outstanding childminder who creates a secure, welcoming and fun environment.
Our son started with Claire in September and initially was very shy and anxious about being left. Claire found out his interests, created a visual timetable, was very supportive and patient. It has been amazing to see his confidence grow and how happy he is now to be left.
Claire is fantastic at keeping us informed about his progress.
Claire and the children have a wonderful relationship together and are more like a family; who all support and look out for one another.
We are so pleased that we found Claire and highly recommend her.
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Gemma
on 28/05/2024
Claire is wonderful with our son, he struggled at an after school club and has been with her for over two years now and loves going to her house. She's great at cultivating a family atmosphere for her group of children and they've all formed lovely friendships together. She takes the time to find out what interests him, and knows him really well. She's great at keeping us informed on what they've been doing and has been flexible and goes over and above to be helpful. We are so glad we found her!
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Rachel19
on 28/05/2024
Claire is the best childminder. Our 4 year old absolutely adores her. So glad we found her. The care she provides is outstanding. Highly recommend. She is very clean, very loving and just an absolute star. Thank you Claire!
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kymmieb
on 04/04/2022
Claire is a caring and professional childminder. My daughter looks forward to going to Claire before and after school. Claire is kind and flexible. She has many toys and takes my daughter to the parks and other outdoor activities. My daughter has a story to tell me every day of how much fun she has had with other children at Claire's. Her house is clean and tidy. Nice and friendly family members. I am happy to have her as she has been a blessing to me and my family. I highly recommend her.
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Lola
on 21/05/2021
Claire has looked after our four year old son before and after school since September. She has always been professional, friendly and flexible: this was especially true during lockdown. She quickly got to know our son and earned his trust immediately. Claire has dedicated most of her downstairs and garden to play. I don't think it would be possible for a child to ever get bored at her house! Our son has made firm friendships with many of the other children Claire looks after. In fact, our main concern is that he never wants to come home! I highly recommend Claire.
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JAS81
on 17/05/2021
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This profile has been produced from information provided to us by the user. We have not verified or confirmed the accuracy of any of the information and members should undertake their own vigorous checks and references. Please ensure you read our Safety Advice and information on how to Check Childcare Provider Documents.
