Little Explorers's 5 Star Reviews

Childminder

5 stars 5 out of 5
36 ratings

Showing only 5 star reviews

Below are the 5 star reviews for Little Explorers. 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.

I couldn't ask for a better childminder! My eldest boy was looked after by Marcelle before he was due to start preschool and my youngest now goes to her each week. They both really enjoy their days with Marcelle and are always so happy to be dropped off. I really love how many outings the children go on, exploring new places and being sent the loveliest photos of how much fun they're having. They come home with lovely handmade crafts made for different seasons/occasions and she has really helped assist In their learning and development. Would definitely recommend Marcelle to anyone looking for a childminder, thank you Marcelle!

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by Avatar for Zoe Zoe on 07/01/2025

We are so lucky to have found Marcelle! Our little boy wasn’t enjoying nursery so decided to switch to a childminder. Best decision we made!
He absolutely loves going to Little Explorers! His days are filled with fun and something new each time he goes! Marcelle is so unbelievably caring and gives us all the reassurance we need as parents.
We can see how much happier he is and we couldn’t be more grateful!

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by Avatar for Sarah Sarah on 25/11/2024

We are so happy we found Marcelle. I actually wasn't intentionally looking for a childminder at the time but met her at the library and loved how she was with the children. So much so I snapped up her last availability for our 2 year old. He has been with her one day a week for 9 months now and he absolutely loves his time with her, he is so exited on Monday mornings and runs in with bearly and goodbye some mornings. I really like her too and trust her completely. Marcelle is so aproachable and professional, her experience and knowledge of child care is exceptional. Her room and garden are fantastic and they're always going out on amazing adventures or creating something great. She has helped us both transition really easily, her communication is wonderful. I'd enthusiastically recommend Marcelle if you're looking for a childminder or even if you're not!

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by Avatar for Amy Amy on 23/02/2024

When I was choosing who was going to look after my toddler, I was beside myself with worry. Going back to work was stressful enough, after having had over a year off with my little boy, then I had to decide who was going to look after him?! My new baby boy, who I love with all my heart, more than anything else in the world and he couldn't even talk yet?!

From the moment I made contact with Marcelle, she was nothing short of AMAZING! She understood my worry, my guilt of having to leave him, my fear of something happening to him. Understandably, she was booked up, given her reputation, further to reading her reviews but she reassured me of a space that might be available in just 4 months! I thought I'd won the lottery!

We went to numerous nurseries and a few childminders. Marcelle made the choice so easy. Harlan instantly took to Marcelle. He bonded and interacted with her straight away!

I was worried about him not being outside and not having the interaction with lots of children like at a nursery but he has interacted and formed bonds with all of the children she looks after and having only a hand full of children to care for, has made the experience much more personal and enabled him to have one on one time with Marcelle, whom has proved herself to be a fantastic teacher too. Not only that but Marcelle takes them out everyday to places that a nursery would never have been able to take them regularly. Come rain or shine, whether it be a trip to the zoo or feeding pigs at the farm, Marcelle will ensure the children live their best life when they are with her.

Marcelle's home is clean and tidy but the children still have messy play and fun! I honestly don't know how she juggles everything, she's like a magician!

Marcelle doesn't just look after your child for the day, she cares about your child, she listens to your child and she helps your child understand everyday challenges as they grow.

I cannot recommend her enough so much so it's taken me months to sit down and write this review, to find the right words to explain just how much I feel, so incredibly lucky to have found Little Explorers and secured a spot with her and her child minding family.

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by Avatar for JoJoNick JoJoNick on 02/02/2024


Response by Avatar for Little Explorers Little Explorers on 02/02/2024:

Aww this is so so lovely, thank you so so much xx

Our Marcelle is simply the best and has been providing childcare for both of my children for the last 6 (nearly 7) years. Throughout this time, Marcelle has been nothing but professional, reliable, trustworthy, kind and supportive. Her communication is fantastic and responsive and I have never had to worry once about school pick ups when working - it just happens like magic. Every parents dream.
Both of my children have always been very happy and settled and have been exceptionally well cared for either in Marcelle’s beautiful home setting or out and about (farm, parks, beach, pumpkin picking to name a few). I enjoy Marcelle's regular picture updates of the things they get up to (rain or shine). A good mix of activities are provided to meet a variety of children’s ages and needs with a suitable purpose built outdoor play area at home too. Marcelle is flexible and provides care both in term time and school holidays when needed. Genuinely, I could not recommend Marcelle enough and have no hesitation in doing so. The past 6 years have been all the better for having Marcelle in our lives. I will be very sad for my LO to leave Marcelle as she will now be 11 years old and moving to senior school. We thank you Marcelle from the bottom of our hearts, you have made my journey through parenthood so much easier knowing how much my LOs love you and knowing they have always been happy, safe and well cared for and what a fabulous role model you are. If you are looking for a childminder for the first time, I highly recommend Marcelle 😊

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by Avatar for Jemima Jemima on 10/11/2023

Marcelle has been brilliant. She’s so kind and patient and really seems to enjoy what she does. My child loves going there and always brings home fun things he’s made and comes home in a great mood. She’s great at taking them out to local places and sending update photos and is very considerate and I just don’t have a bad word to say. Thank you for being so great with him.

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by Avatar for Carolina Carolina on 01/11/2023

I am so happy I found Marcella, my daughter loves her and always has a great time. I would highly recommend.

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by Avatar for Nicki Nicki on 27/10/2023

I’ve known and used Marcelle for many years for my childcare. She looked after both of my children who are 4 and 9.

Marcelle provided an excellent early years service when I needed it and now she does pickups and after school club for my girls.

She’s always very accommodating and friendly and my children absolutely love going to her. Would highly recommend.

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by Avatar for ZennaMH ZennaMH on 14/03/2023


Response by Avatar for Little Explorers Little Explorers on 15/03/2023:

Thank you so so much!

If someone asked me what advice I’d give to a new mum, I’d say get yourself a Marcelle! She is honestly a childminder dreams are made of. She looked after my 7 year old and now has my 2 year old & my 7 year old is not impressed that he has to go to school instead of exploring with his ‘Marcelley’ :-)

She is so kind and so patient with the children. I go to work knowing that they are happy and well cared for & she just makes life a whole lot easier for a busy working mum. She is so genuine and it is easy to see that really loves working with the children she cares for.

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by Avatar for Bryony19 Bryony19 on 23/02/2023


Response by Avatar for Little Explorers Little Explorers on 24/02/2023:

Aw thank you so so much!
Such lovely words, means the world to me!

I have known Marcelle for 5 years now and she has cared for all 3 of my children. I have full trust in her judgement and can't express how fortunate we feel that our children get to spend time with her and the activities/trips and learning they experience.
She is kind and calm in her communication, and sends plenty of updates and photos of what the children have been up to throughout the day.
When I say we feel lucky to have had our children spend their preschool years with Marcelle, I really mean it. The children adore their time with her and I would encourage (and have) anyone to get in touch. If you want a childminder who feels more like family then look no further. Marcelle, thank you so much for being so wonderful

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by Avatar for KatieG KatieG on 23/02/2023


Response by Avatar for Little Explorers Little Explorers on 23/02/2023:

Aw thank you so so much!! Xx

I’m glad that I found Marcelle. I was so happy to hear that she will take my daughter out to parks, zoo, farms, etc. when she has holidays. She sent me pictures with my child so I knew she’s fine and enjoying her days. Already I booked my place for next holidays. I recommend her :) Thank you!

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by Avatar for Andra Andra on 23/02/2023


Response by Avatar for Little Explorers Little Explorers on 23/02/2023:

Thank you so much!

Marcelle was the first childminder my children ever knew! The youngest will be 8 in few months and she was so attached to Marcelle when she was little. Marcelle is very professional and though there was no Covid-19 then, she took cleanliness seriously! She is kind, fun and communicates well with parents. I will definitely recommend her if she's got the space😊

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by Avatar for priwill priwill on 12/09/2022


Response by Avatar for Little Explorers Little Explorers on 12/09/2022:

Thank you.

That’s very kind x

We were fortunate enough to find Marcelle for childcare for our son! Every week he would get to do amazing and fun activities with her and the rest of the children. Lots of outdoor play which is great!
She was wonderful with his development.
We would have video and photo updates throughout the day so we always knew what fun was being had.
We will definitely be returning when our next baby is old enough :)
Thank you so much Marcelle!

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by Avatar for JLCannon JLCannon on 16/12/2020

I was struggling to find a childminder that suited what I needed with my daughter, but Marcelle ticked all the boxes she was accommodating to what we needed and my little girl adores her, I get reassured throughout the day when she’s with Marcelle with pictures and comments on how her days going which makes me relaxed and reassured, my daughter now sees Marcelle as a second mummy she has such a nice bond with her she also won’t nap on her own so enjoys cuddling up to Marcelle and going to sleep, my daughter doesn’t give me a second glance when I drop her of because she is so content and happy being there, her speech and language has came on massively and she enjoys lots of activities that they do together, when I have my second baby she is defiantly going to Marcelle i don’t think I would be able to trust anyone else now with my precious babies and I would recommend her to anyone that asked!!

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by Avatar for Danielle Danielle on 23/10/2019

I can’t recommend Marcelle enough!
As first time parents sending your child to someone can be daunting, but Marcelle has made the process an absolute dream! Our little boy has been with Marcelle since 8 months old and has grown and developed so much in that time. He absolutely loves every day spent in the setting and her outdoor ethos is perfect, balancing stimulating play with education.

Anyone looking for a really caring, wonderful and invested childminder please look no further

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by Avatar for KatieG KatieG on 23/10/2019

We were looking for a childminder for before and after school for our son and stumbled upon Marcelle. Whilst we found a nanny share for our son which suited him better we were so impressed with Marcelle that we moved our 14 month old daughter to her setting from a nursery. Marcelle offers term time contracts which suits us as daddy is a teacher. Her outdoor, fun and varied (activities) approach continues to impress us. Our daughter runs to the door and doesn’t want to come home as Marcelle Is so loving and kind toward our daughter. Marcelle really listens to the needs of both the parent and the child and we love getting photos and updates throughout the day of our daughters adventures. We feel very lucky to have found Marcelle and would recommend her highly.

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by Avatar for Vanessa Vanessa on 23/10/2019

I can’t recommend Marcelle enough. From the moment my daughter spent the day with Marcelle she’s loved every minute and doesn’t want to leave. Her ethos is fantastic with the children especially as they get to spend time outdoors. Marcelle is caring, fun and professional at all times and it’s great to have peace of mind leaving my daughter with someone I trust. We will be enrolling our second child with Marcelle when I return back to work from maternity leave.

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by Avatar for Anna Anna on 19/01/2019

Marcelle is a fantastic childminder who I highly recommend. Her philosophy to outdoor play and exploring is helping my son develop and grow in confidence. My son absolutely loves being in the setting and runs in smiling at drop offs. Marcelle is great at communicating and we receive regular updates in the day, telling us how he is getting on. I am so pleased we chose Marcelle and highly recommend her services.

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by Avatar for Louise Louise on 19/01/2019

Marcelle has been incredible. Like many mothers, I had a lot of anxiety about returning to work, and I wanted to find a child minder who would be able to offer a caring and stimulating environment for my daughter, as well as make the effort to learn her specific needs and form a real relationship with her. Marcelle has done all of this and so much more. I can't tell you what a difference this has made to our family and my daughter who completely adores her. I recommend with enthusiasm.

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by Avatar for Parent Parent on 04/11/2018

Marcelle has pretty much saved me and my son! I was desperate after moving to Southampton and couldn't find anyone suitable or available for my son and she was recommended to me. She doesn't charge crazy amounts of money and is very flexible. Marcelle also is very good communicating so it doesn't take long for her to respond if you need to speak to her.

She is reliable, well educated and very kind. I can't recommend her enough! she also works with 2 amazing assistants who are fantastic and really love children!
The house is always clean and also very big.
I hope I'll have Marcelle and the girls' help for a long time to come as my son loves going there.

100% recommend!

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by Avatar for Tatiana Tatiana on 19/07/2018

my son has been going to marcelle for a few years now, he really loves it here, couldn't ask for anyone better to care for him. very welcoming setting and very clean, I really like the photos I get sent on his forest nature walks , highly recommend marcelle

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by Avatar for Parent Parent on 26/03/2018

Marcelle is wonderful. My son has settled in fabulously with Marcelle and her assistants. He always comes home with a big smile on his face. The fact that Marcelle provides photos and snippets about my son's day is a great reassurance. It's great to see what a fun time he's been having! Different activities are provided every day to keep my son entertained so he's never bored. Overall an excellent childcare provider in a wonderful environment and will be staying with her for as long as possible.

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by Avatar for nixsmith nixsmith on 10/02/2018

Marcelle takes my son to school 3 days a week and has him 1 full day during holidays.

As soon as I entered her home I knew it was right. Warm, friendly and cosy atmosphere and I could tell my son would be happy.

My son enjoys his time with Marcelle and the other children especially when he is there a full day.

Would highly recommend Marcelle if you want peace of mind knowing your child is in a Warm, friendly and fun environment.

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by Avatar for Parent Parent on 05/02/2018

My 5 year old and 2 year old absolutely love going to Marcelle’s during half terms and holidays. They enjoy the visits to the parks and play time in be garden. The staff are always friendly and willing to help.
Couldn’t ask for more. We love Marcelle’s house ❤️

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by Avatar for Parent Parent on 15/01/2018

My son goes to marcelle weekly and he absolutely loves it there. There is so much for the children to do. He always has a fantastic time x

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by Avatar for Parent Parent on 15/01/2018

My daughter has been at the setting with Marcelle for around 9 months now, i cannot fault the care they have given my daughter. Marcelle is always smiling and welcoming and i know my daughter loves her and has a lot of fun in her care. Marcelle has always been very caring and understanding not only to my daughter but to me as a parent too, i often will ask advise or opinions and value what she says. I cannot thank you enough, we were very lucky to find such amazing childminders.

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by Avatar for Parent Parent on 21/10/2017

Marcelle has been taking care of my little boy since he was 6 months old, after my circumstances changed dramatically and I had to find a childminder. I was really careful to select the right person and immediately upon meeting Marcelle I could see her passion for taking care of children and how much she loves her job.
She sends me photos of him playing and having fun, often brightening my day and making me reassured he is having fun and experiencing new things. She loves him so much and often tells me so, he loves her too and enjoys a cuddle.
She has a lovely setting for the children and small team of experienced, friendly and lovely ladies who help her. All of them I've got to know and enjoy talking to and they all love spending time with my little boy.
He never crys when I leave him, he has lovely friends to play with and they all get along and are kind to eachother. I never walk into chaos... just lots of fun and laughter... or eating!
They experience lots of trips out, sometimes the park twice in one day! They make pictures and sing songs.. they learn and have lots of fun.
I would never go anywhere else and Marcelle is part of my family helping me to raise my son well.

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by Avatar for Parent Parent on 05/10/2017

Marcelle has babysat my two girls (2&4) several times. She came to meet them before her first evening of babysitting and they both took to her straight away, which isn't always like my youngest. She settled her at bedtime and read stories to my eldest. They love having her to babysit and I feel fully confident and secure knowing that they are in her care when I am out. Marcelle is really lovely and well qualified to match so we are lucky to have found her.

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by Avatar for Parent Parent on 12/12/2016

Marcelle looks after our two girls very fee weeks for a whole day. Our eldest is 5 and has special needs and the younger one is 2 and Marcelle is always calm, caring, patient and extremely resourceful and trust worthy. The girls love her and really look forward to her visits and she always has fun new things for them to do. Can't recommend her enough!!!

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by Avatar for DBarouta DBarouta on 22/10/2016

Marcelle was great with my two boys (aged 2 and 4). She settled them in quickly and my youngest who had only ever been with me, was soon happy to stay with Marcelle for the day. Very flexible and always willing to accommodate where can.

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by Avatar for Parent Parent on 18/10/2016

Marcelle looks after my 4 year old daughter on a Tuesday and Thursday afternoon in which Marcelle picks her up from school. My daughter is always excited to see Marcelle at the school playground after school and loves being taken down the park in her mini bus!! I couldn't praise Marcelle more for looking after my child and I know that she is in safe hands. Definitely recommend Marcelle to anyone that is looking for a childminder!!

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by Avatar for Amie Amie on 17/10/2016

Marcelle is one of the nicest person that I've come across my son truely loved being cared for by her. Marcelle would go the extra mile for him which is why I chose to have her as my childminder. My son never come home with any illness , he always well looked after! And he can't wait to go back when he get home to me. So thanks again from us Marcelle we really appreciate what you do ????

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by Avatar for Parent Parent on 15/10/2016

Marcelle looks after our two children , age 8 and 3 on a Monday morning, the children really love her and look forward to Marcelle coming to look after them, I have 100 per cent trust in Marcelle, she is friendly, reliable and gets on really well with our children.
Very happy

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by Avatar for Parent Parent on 13/10/2016

My little girl goes to Marcelle during half terms. she's a brilliant childminder who lillie has taken to streight away. lillies been strawberry picking, to the beach and parks during the summer Holidays. She's friendly and warming and lillies enjoys every play group she stays with Marcelle. Lovely to have someone so trustworthy and kind to look after my daughter

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by Avatar for Parent Parent on 13/10/2016

I found Marcelle through this site and I'm so pleased I did, she takes care of my young son who started at 6mths and is now 10mths.
From the beginning she has been very reassuring and caring towards us both, mindful of how I might feel leaving him, she would send me photos during the day of what he was doing, which I loved receiving and continue to get.
My son is happy and content to be left with Marcelle and she clearly loves to take care of him. Marcelle enjoys taking the children in her care outside to parks, forest walks, strawberry picking etc.... I like the fact he is experiencing new things when I can't be with him.
I will soon be returning to my 2nd job and he will be spending more time with Marcelle, I have no doubt he'll continue to thrive in her care.

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by Avatar for Parent Parent on 06/10/2016

Marcelle is amazing, our boys have come on leaps and bounds in her care. She is kind, caring and very reliable, I know when I drop the boys off they are in safe hands and they absolutely adore her! She does lots of fun and interesting activities with them inside and out exploring and learning through playing. We would highly recommend her to anyone looking for childcare!

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by Avatar for Parent Parent on 06/09/2016

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