Claire N
Childminder in Pontardawe (also available for babysitting)
Female Member since Jan 2013 Last Updated Aug 2024 Last Login Aug 2024
My Summary
About Me
Hi my name is Claire and I have been running my registered childminding business (Munchkinos Childminding ) since October 2008. I have four children born 2000, 2008,2009 and 2012
I work with my husband which means that we can look after a greater number of younger children.
I am registered with the CIW and PACEY.
My children have been brought up with me childminding and as well as welcoming children into our home they have become firm friends.
I have all of the required qualifications as well as many others .I strongly believe in attending new courses to further my knowledge and understanding of childrens and parents needs.
The children in my care receive home cooked , well balanced and nutritious meals and snacks. I have been inspected by the local environmental health office and received a level 5 hygiene certificate.I am one of a small number of childminders who has completed the Healthy and Sustainable Pre School Scheme . The scheme looks at the best way to introduce children to a healthy life style through a balanced diet and exercise. This is taught through music, story telling and games. I am also a member of Design To Smile which promotes good dental hygiene. As a mum who has breastfeed 4 children I am fully supportive of those who wish to continue breastfeeding when they return to work. I am registered with the Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme and am more than happy to offer any support that I can. I am also 'Real Nappy' friendly.
During the week we visit local playgroups, song and rhyme time, the park and soft play areas. We also go on woodland and canal walks and enjoy messy welly walks, where we can splash and have lots of fun. Baking and creating many wonderful pictures, models and puppets are also firm favourites. We spend as much time as possible outside and follow many of the Forest Schools principles.
As children learn best through play this is the focal point of my planning. I have two play rooms full of age appropriate toys that are exclusively for the children's use. We encourage curiosity, wonder and adventure and have resources to assist this approach.. The children often singing and playing musical instruments, especially meditation drums. Counting and colours are learnt through song and games in both English and Welsh.
I provide parents with daily updates through Whatsapp this informs parents of what their child has enjoyed throughout the day, also what food they ate. This is a great way of keeping information flowing between myself and parents and also an informative developmental record.
Older children can enjoy art and craft activities, board games, den building,cooking and even cinema club. There are also games consoles available should the children wish to play with them.
I also have a large and varied collection of books that we read together or independently. They range from birth to young adult and include many family favourites..
We also visit lots of other places such as Margam Park,Gnoll Park, different beaches, Waterfront Museum and The Riverside Centre. Days out have included Caswell Bay, Plantesia, Pantomine and visits to see 'The Snow Dragon','The Gruffulo' , 'Room On The Broom', " What The Ladybird Heard" and many more.
I have a safe enclosed garden that is full of out door toys including large ride on toys, a slide, climbing block, play house and even a stage. Half of the area is covered with artificial grass this allows children to explore and develop their gross motor skills safely. The area can be ( and is) used in all weather . We enjoy using circus equipment , den building , potion making and creating mud pies in our mud kitchen.
We also have chickens as well as a small dog , Bella. We are hoping to incorporate a petting corner within our garden in the very near future. The children will be able to learn how to look after the animals and will be able to enjoy the interaction with them ( should parents wish them to)
My Experience
I have had a varied career most of which enhance my qualities as a Childminder. I have also travelled extensively and enjoy sharing my experiences with the children.
I am currently The Early Years governor for our local school so have a good understanding of the. curriculum for Wales.
Myself and Toni also run 2 local baby and toddler playgroups once a week.
I have been a Childminder since September 2008 . I have also worked with young children to set up business enterprises, and organised community events as well as fund raising for mew equipment for our local park.
My Qualifications
I am educated to degree level and have all of the required Childminder qualifications ,as well as many others, as I believe strongly in CPD.
My Availability
I currently have full and part time places available from
My normal working hours are from 8.00- 5.30 Mon -Thu although I can care for children outside of these hours.
I provide school drop offs and pick ups from local schools.
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before School | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Morning | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Afternoon | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| After School | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Evening | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Overnight | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Last Updated: 26/08/2024 | |||||||
My Fees
- Babysitting from £10.00 per hour
- Childminding from £6.50 per hour
TBA with regard to specific requirements.
Generally full day is 55.00 (until 5.30)
Half day 30.00
Afterschool care 20.00 (until 5.30)
All fees include healthy meals and snacks, playgroup fees and general admission costs into play areas.
Full day up to 9 hours
Half day up to 4 hours
Discount offered to children picked up before 3pm 35.00
My Local Schools
This childminder has not yet informed us whether or not they provide any drop off or pick up services at local schools.
My Documents
- Care Inspectorate Wales Certificate (added 02/01/2024)
- UK Passport (added 02/01/2024)
Reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Claire N. Please note that reviews represent the subjective opinions of other Childcare.co.uk users 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.
After changing my children's school recently I desperately needed to find new childcare, the head teacher of the childrens new school advised that Claire is a local childminder and I am so glad to have found her.
Claire found the time to meet us all and welcomed the children and within no time at all the kids really feel at home with Claire and her family.
I really like the way that Claire ensures that the kids are happy. My children will always have been fed a home cooked meal when I collect them and there are always crafts and other great activities going on for all of the children.
Claire goes out of her way to help out and always goes beyond the call of duty to make sure that my kids can go to the school disco or play when I have to be at work.
I would recommend Munchinos 100% and I am sure that the kids would too.
Overall
Clare has been a minder for my son Amiel for many years. not really settling at a local creche i decided to look for the alternative. didn't take too long to find Clare who also promoted the local school which at that point i had not decided on. after visiting her home and what she had to offer i wanted to start Amiel off right away! in no time at all Amiel seemed happier and no longer reluctant to be away from me as much. Clare always keeps you informed as to what your childihas been doing and answers any queries and is open to suggestions you may have. i feel Amiel benefited from a stimulating homely environment and one mind the got to understand and know my son. his funny ways, his strengths and weaknesses. i an very fussy about Amiels diet but no need to worry as Clare knows how to cook and offers a varied healthy option every time. the children are encouraged to help prepare the snacks and are meals making it far more interesting and exiting to eat it all up! Clare makes a special effort on birthdays and bakes a cake which is always delicious. have to add herh father also makes delicious healthy pizzas! Clare is up to date with any special requirements you may have and gives good info on charges and possible help from other sources. Amiel is in full time school now so only attends after school which he enjoys.he loves going to the park, picnics in the park, playing with others and making crafts which Clare is good at making exciting and fun! days but are brill, she manages to think up great ideas to suit all the ages, not easy. Amiel is always happy and three when i collect sometimes asking me to leave so he can stay a little longer! a sign of a great minding service.
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Overall
We first met Claire when I was pregnant with my son Gregor and looking for a childcare provider. The minute I stepped into her house, I felt a warm feeling and knew that this would be where Gregor would be most happy. I looked around the locality for other child care providers, but my heart and head came back to Claire (Munchkinos).
Gregor started with Claire when he was 7 months old and he was with Claire for 3 years, up until her youngest son was born. As it happened Gregor was starting school around the same time, however he missed Claire and her children so much. Even now, he often asks to go and play at Aunty Claire's. My daughter (8years) also loves spending time with Claire and Munchkinos and if she had her own way would be there every day.
Claire attracts children and she is excellent with them, she has great behavioural management strategies and is made to work with children.
Claire is reliable, trustworthy and will bend over backwards to try and help you out. I have often said to Claire that I don't know what I would do without her. I am so glad that we still see her regularly at the school and I feel like she has become a good friend to my whole family. My children often talk about 'Aunty Claire' and miss her greatly when they don't see her.
I can say with my hand on my heart that all of the above reviews are accurate and Claire's own profile is true to her word. Honestly, you will not be disappointed if you and your child joins forces with munchkinos.
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Overall
My son started to go to Claire when he was 6 months old and stayed with her for 2 1/2 years. He went there 4 times a week in the afternoon. Our son was always made to feel like family whilst at Claire's, he thoroughly enjoyed it. Claire was always incredibly flexible and reliable. Claire always cooked fresh food which our son loved. He also enjoyed playing with all the other children and Claire's children too. Claire always helped us in any way she could and still sees our son on occasions. We would really recommend Claire to anyone who is looking for a childminder and wouldn't hesitate to use her services again.
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Overall
My son was collected from school and looked after by Claire. He thoroughly enjoyed staying with Claire and had fun with her children too. Due to food allergies he cannot have many foods that most children enjoy. However, Claire went to the trouble of making him a cake for his birthday which was delicious! Claire provides fruit and other good food which he appreciated very much. Also, whenever I went to Claire's to collect him - he would take ages to come out of the door! A testimony indeed to being in a caring and comfortable environment. Claire is switched on to what is going on around her and is very fair, calm and thoughtful ,when dealing with the children whether it is her own or those in her care. My son was very happy there and I had piece of mind knowing that he was in good hands. I would recommend Claire and her lovely family to anyone in need of good childcare.
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Overall
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