Raquel
Childminder in Colchester
Usually responds within 12 hours
Female Member since Jun 2018 Last Updated Jul 2025 Last Login 15 Jul 2025
My Summary
About Me
My name is Raquel Loridana Da Maia-Hawkey, I am originally from South Africa and have both Portuguese and Italian in me, I am 40 years old.
I completed my Ofsted childminding registration September 2018.
I immigrated to the UK in 2015, I have lived in the UK before for a couple of years, I worked as a child carer for various families. I then moved back to South Africa where I married and had my kids.
I have 3 sons and a step son who lives with us.
Jayden my step son is 21 years, Tiago 13 years and twins 10 years.
I was a stay at home mom for a few years before starting my childminding business and before becoming a mom I worked for various families as a sole charge nanny.
Children have always been a great passion of mine, I enjoy stimulating their little minds with fun and creative activities while educating them on all stages of the early year’s foundation stage framework.
Watching them grow through every developmental stage is an amazing reward and achievement.
I encourage healthy eating and healthy choices when preparing meals, I also love to bake and allow children to participate while learning at the same time. Children are taught good manners through out the day and encouraged to share and be kind to one another.
I am a patient person with a calming attitude, I make each child feel comfortable and able to be them self while praising each child as an individual expressing diversity within my setting and when around others.
My setting is a very homely setting, which creates children to feel very loved and happy.
My setting is in a quiet residential area
The house is detached.
I have a spacious playroom situated at the front of the house filled with many toys for all children of different age groups, the playroom also has role play dress up costumes, puzzles, blocks, cogs, Lego, books, toys and lots lots more.
There is a lot of space downstairs in my home as well as a good size garden for outdoor play and the woods at the back for great adventures.
Garden area is completely secured, we have a swing set, toddler slides, many push car’s, play house and outside toys.
My setting will only take place down stairs and no child will be taken/allowed upstairs.
Few things that we will do:
play dough, magnetic sand, colouring and drawing, arts and craft, learning shapes, colours and numbers using fun methods (shaving cream, sand, finding objects)
Many toys to play with
Creative play
Sports
Garden play
Trips out to the animal farms, beach (in good weather), parks and playgrounds, forest walks, library, play groups and play centres and more.
Please feel free to message be for further information, I am able to email through a welcome pack which will give you more information about my setting.
*January 2026 - x2 spaces available *
30 hours funding accepted
Term time only
Thank you
My Experience
Before having my own children, I worked for various families as a nanny (child carer) sole charge on full time basis.
I have 4 children of my own, 2 being twins.
I have been a childminder for many years and have experience with children from 4 months up.
My Qualifications
I have a paediatric first aid, NCFE CACHE level 3 award in home based child care and I have also done a safeguarding course through Pacey
My Availability
I am available Monday - Friday
Times: 7:30 - 17:30
Open term only
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before School | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Morning | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Afternoon | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| After School | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Evening | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Overnight | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Last Updated: 15/07/2025 | |||||||
My Fees
- Childminding from £7.00 per hour
I accept all funding and childcare tax payments.
I offer funding sessions
Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm
Before and after hours is at normal hourly rate.
My Local Schools
- I provide pick ups at Lexden Primary School with Unit for Hearing Impaired Pupils
- I provide pick ups at Home Farm 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 26/09/2018)
- DBS Check (added 26/09/2018)
- First Aid Certificate (added 22/05/2023)
- Exam Certificate (added 26/09/2018)
Reviews
5 out of 5
Parents say
The childminder receives glowing praise for exceptional care and dedication. Parents highlight the nurturing environment, educational activities, and personal growth of their children. The childminder is commended for fostering independence, confidence, and social skills. Parents appreciate the regular updates and personalised attention provided.
Summary generated by AI from the text of recent member reviews
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Raquel. 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.
Well where to begin!
I was recommended Raquel by a work colleague as I was looking for someone to have my daughter while I started back to work part time.
I instantly messaged Raquel about my daughter and we had a little meeting before my daughter started. Well let’s just say my daughter fell asleep in Raquel’s arms as she was so comfortable and relaxed with her, it immediately put my mind at rest and the rest is history!
My daughter has been with Raquel since 9 months till now and I can honestly say that she has helped not just her but myself and my partner grow and understand everything as we are first time parents ourselves!
We have had guidance, advice and our daughter has grown into such a confident, sassy little girl and we would not have been able to do it with Raquel! She loves being at Raquel’s as I know I can leave my daughter in safe hands and know she is going to be okay!
I could have never asked for anyone better than Raquel and we are so sad she will be leaving and going to nursery in September, we have nothing but praise and love for Raquel and everything she has done for our daughter!
I would highly highly highly recommend Raquel to any friends or family members who need child care as again I know they will be well looked after and cared for!
The difference from 9 months to now is amazing and again we can’t thank Raquel enough!
Thank you so so so much! We will miss you and thank you again for all the hard work and dedication you have put into our daughter! We will treasure this forever!
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Shawna
on 13/07/2025
Where do we even start with even trying to explain how amazing Raquel is?! She has essentially been like a second mum to our little boy who has learned and developed so much thanks to her. We had initially put him into a nursery at about 9 months old, but found that the environment wasn’t quite right for him and he benefited more from being in a home from home setting with fewer children. I found Raquel through the Childcare website and contacted her to explain our situation - she immediately made me feel at ease and like we were in such capable hands, especially with her being a mum to 4 boys herself so she had already first hand experience alongside being a childminder (something we personally felt the nursery staff lacked). She understood our need for a certain nap routine at that point and was determined to make sure our son felt settled as well as making sure we felt assured. She texted us regular updates with pictures, videos and voice notes throughout the day so we knew he was happy and it didn’t take him long before he was settled in. He is now about to turn 3 and I’m pretty sure he thinks he’s part of Raquel’s family!
She goes above and beyond expectations. When we told Raquel we were experiencing difficulty at mealtimes, she introduced a weekly home cooked meal for all the children to help encourage him to eat better and he’s now eating foods we didn’t think he even liked. She had toilet trained him by the time he was 2 and I genuinely don’t think we would have done it without her. If he’s been ill or on holiday, it’s not unusual to get a text from Raquel checking in to see how your little one is. That’s just the type of person she is - she treats her mindees like her own. She takes them on so many little outings and experiences that he wouldn’t have been able to do if he had been in a nursery and I honestly believe what he’s learned from Raquel, her children and the other mindees has really shaped who he is as a person. Whether that’s counting, colours, manners, vocabulary - and even some Zulu!
We couldn’t be more grateful to have found Raquel when we did and only wish he could stay forever! Thank you Raquel!
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Gemma
on 06/07/2025
My daughter has been with Raquel for the last 2 years. In that time she has grown and learnt so much at this wonderful setting. Raquel is just brilliant with the children and always goes the extra mile in everything she does. She has been amazing teaching Tilly and building her fine motor skills. She was even amazing during potty training. I'm sure Tilly picked it up so quickly because of Raquels effort. Raquel always arranges lovely days out for the children and extra special days during Christmas etc. I especially love the little photo shoots she does during the terms. I will be so sad to see Tilly finish as she loves spending her time at Raquels. She has the best time and often asks when she is next going. Tilly is really going to miss Raquels and I will be eternally grateful for all the time she has spent here.
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by
Katie
on 17/07/2024
Response by
Raquel
on 17/07/2024:
Thank you so much! It's been an absolute pleasure looking after tilly the past 2 years. To watch her grow in confidence and develope her beautiful personality has been brilliant. We will all miss her terribly. Wishing her all the best with her next step in nursery. She is going to make so many friends and absolutely love it.
Raquel is simply the very best childminder in the area! I wholeheartedly would recommend her to anyone, infact I recommended her to a friend who has since put not only one child but will be putting 2 children with her, which is testament to how incredible she is. There are no words to describe how amazing she is, she has 4 children of her own, so understands children both through her studies and being a mother herself and always puts the welfare of the children first. My little girl has had problems with asthma and some other respiratory issues, but Raquel is quick to spot signs, let's me know and takes really good care of her. My daughter has been with Raquel since she was around 6 months old, she took her first steps, tried her first foods and has been exposed to a variety of experiences that you simply wouldn't get in a nursery setting. Raquel loves taking the children out on fun adventures, learning is interactive and fun, my little girl always comes home full of exciting tales about her day. Raquel encourages independence and respect for one another, which has really moulded my daughter to be a very confident, outgoing and respectful character, which I really do feel has been influenced by Raquel and her childcare settings. If you are lucky enough to have Raquel look after your child, Raquel becomes an extension of your family, she is like a second mother and goes above and beyond not just for your child, but for you too, providing the most incredible support, I can't recommend her enough!
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by
Lydia
on 04/08/2023
Response by
Raquel
on 04/08/2023:
My heart! This is so beautiful. Thank you so much. 💓
Raquel has been amazing with my daughter, who she has looked after for over a year. My daughter has been welcomed into her setting and family and absolutely loves going there.
Raquel has helped with nappy training her, teaching her loads and building her confidence, and has offered guidance to me to in next steps, etc.
Apart from being a great childminder, she’s an amazing lady who always tries her best to help us with change of plans, situations, etc.
Definitely recommend ✅
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Natalie
on 02/01/2023
Raquel is an absolute gift from god!
She has a way with my son the astounds me. She knows him inside and out, and brings out the best in him.
Raquel always goes above and beyond to accommodate my specific needs, without hesitation!
I can’t recommend her services enough. My only regret was not finding her sooner.
Thank you for all that you done for AJ Raquel, I am eternally indebted to you!
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Tarryn
on 16/01/2022
My daughter, Molly was 9 months old when we decided to take her to a childminder. I searched on this page and she was the very first one I found. Usually I look through all the recommendations but after reading her introduction I thought I shall look no further. I messaged her and in half an hour I’ve got response.
She helped me with literally everything. Being a first time mother she gave me the tools how to teach her for important matters. She walked by the age of 14 months, loves music, she is potty trained since she was about 24 months old, she counts to 10, knows all the colours, putting together sentences, and she’s not even 2 and a half. Molly loves Raquel so much, she calls her Mommy and I don’t mind at all, this means to me that she is in a good place when she’s at hers. Raquel takes them out to playgrounds, animal farms, at Christmas time to Santa’s grotto and the list is still going on. She is a genuinely lovely person, we are so happy and blessed having her in our lives. A truly God sent Angel, fully recommend.
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Orsh
on 21/04/2021
Raquel has been looking after my little girl since she was 1 years old and she is fast approaching 4 now. Alice absolutely adores Raquel and her whole family! I can’t thank her enough for how much she has done for Alice, she has taught her soo much! Numbers, phonics and so much more, she always goes above and beyond. Trips to the beach, park ect it’s always a fun day with Raquel and her family. I feel so lucky that we found her, she really is the best! She is always flexible where she can be and helps out with extra days/hours if she can. 11 out of 10
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Helen
on 21/04/2021
My son has been going to Raquel’s since November 2018 and is treated as part of the family. He learns so much while there but also has so much fun and gets to go out to farms, parks, walks etc. Raquel’s whole family is so welcoming and I trust her 100% and never have to worry while he is there. I honestly couldn’t have asked for anyone better to be part of my sons life and so grateful I found her.
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Natalie
on 21/04/2021
I can never thank Raquel enough for loving my baby, who is now a big and independent girl. Raquel looked after her for more than a year. Her whole family embraced her. My daughter always looked forward to going to Raquel's and I know she enjoyed every minute she was with her and the other kids.
Although I didn't really meet other childminders, I am pretty sure Raquel is the best one out there. She is loving, caring, fun, considerate and very flexible. She has a pure heart and she treated my daughter as her own. I'm so glad I met her and I know I couldn't have found a better childminder.
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by
Sofia
on 09/09/2020
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