Claires Caterpillars's Reviews

A very happy 2 years with Claire's Caterpillars

Claire looked after our daughter for two years from when she was just over a year old and I was returning to work after maternity leave.
We picked Claire due to the home from home environment, her commitment to early years education, and calm, caring, and nurturing nature towards the children in her care.
Our daughter didn't take long to settle in with Claire and during her time at the setting enjoyed fun days out, interesting activities and made some wonderful friends.
When I compare Claire to other childminders I have met/interacted with, what I most appreciate is how seriously Claire takes her role in the childrens development, her extensive experience. and the effort she goes to with activities such as celebrating Christmas/Diwali/Mother's Day etc. My daughter came home with some truly lovely crafts!
Claire is also absolutely brilliant at providing updates from the childrens days, which was especially a godsend for me as an anxious first time Mum returning to work after spending a lot of my maternity leave in Covid 19 lockdown!
Thank you for everything, Claire!

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by Georgia about Claires Caterpillars on 11/09/2023

Superb!

Our daughter has attended Claire’s setting for five years and loved it!
Claire and her family provide a safe, welcoming and loving environment. Claire works hard to ensure parents are communicated with and is on top of all child care regulations and policies. She always provides a range of activities for children to participate in and is amazing at arts and crafts!
I asked our daughter how she would describe Claire and she said ‘lovely, funny and happy!’ - what more could you ask for?!

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by GBrown20 about Claires Caterpillars on 19/07/2022

Professional and nurturing

Claire has a kind and considerate nature and this comes through in her childcare. I can rely on her 100% which is exactly what you need when looking for after school childcare. She is punctual, organised and thoughtful. She creates a home from home/ inviting environment for the children at her home, which has a great space for outside play as well as an array for toys and activities. We’re sadly moving schools, otherwise I very much would have continued to work with her and will miss her terribly.

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by nadrob about Claires Caterpillars on 10/07/2022

Fantastic childminding for 5 years now!

My two boys have been looked after by Claire before/after school and during holidays for almost 5 years now. As working parents we needed to know our children were being nurtured, supported and developed. Clare does all this in a way that compliments our parenting, making it her priority to work in partnership with us to do what is best for the boys.
Her home environment is safe, welcoming, homely and her holiday trips and activities are a highlight! Her communication with us through newsletters and photos as well as at collection is always valued.
My husband and I could only do what we do because we were lucky enough to find Claire. She has been a constant source of professional care with personal commitment to each child she looks after and we cannot recommend her enough!

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by rw2010 about Claires Caterpillars on 17/07/2019

Been with Claire for 9 years!

I have been using Claire for childcare for approx 9 years now and both of my children went there from the young ages of 5 and 2. Claire, Steve and her family have always made the children feel very welcome in their home and the children have enjoyed participating in the range of activities she has provided alongside her own children.

Claire's home is secure and is filled with a range of toys and activities that are regularly planned and structured and she has very good communication with parents at drop off/pick up and via the newsletters. Both of my children are/have been very comfortable in her care and have always felt safe; Claire is very consistent with her communication with the children.

Claire has been entirely reliable as a childcare provider and we have used her in the past for school holiday care and predominantly before and after school care from infants through to the end of junior school. Claire takes her role very seriously and attends regular training on safeguarding and early years etc and deserves her outstanding Ofsted grading.

I highly recommend Claires Caterpillars.

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by Parent about Claires Caterpillars on 27/06/2016

Fantastic childcare

I have been using Claire for my childcare requirements for over 2 years now and have been so happy.
Both myself and my husband work full time and to know that our children are in safe hands is very important - she provides great before and after school care for my eldest and I use her for both children for full day holiday care.
Claire offers wonderful varied activities, great food and I know she really cares about the children - she totally deserves the Ofsted Outstanding !

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by Parent about Claires Caterpillars on 24/06/2016

Caring, responsible childminding in a lovely home

I can't praise Claire enough, and I am really glad we found her.

Both of my daughters have attended Claire's Caterpillars for after school care for the last couple of years (one has now left for secondary school). The needs of older children are different, and I feel that Claire has provided them with a secure and safe place to stay.

Firstly and importantly for a parent Claire is incredibly reliable and consistent. I have never had to find alternative arrangements at awkward times or at the last minute (which had happened to me often in previous settings). Claire has also been available on INSET days and holiday cover.

Secondly, the children have bonded with Claire and the other children. High standards of behaviour and supervision have always been maintained, which has meant they feel safe and secure. There have never been any issues with bossing or bullying which unfortunately, being quite sheltered, the girls had experienced in other settings.

Despite the short time they spend there, Claire has provided wonderful creative activities for them to do, linked to the seasons. These have been age appropriate - my younger daughter is now 10 but she absolutely loves the projects that Claire has done with her. Some examples are beautiful Mother's and Father's Day projects.

I have found Claire to be highly professional, well qualified, reliable and responsible.

A very high standard of care.

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by Parent about Claires Caterpillars on 18/06/2016