Exceptional Childcare Services

My approach to early years education is rooted in the Montessori philosophy, which values independence, respect for each child’s individuality, and meaningful, hands-on learning.  Within our setting, children are encouraged to explore, discover, and make choices that nurture curiosity and build self-confidence.  A central element of our curriculum is spending time outdoors, where children connect with nature, observe wildlife, and engage in imaginative and creative play.  By combining outdoor exploration with self-directed learning, we create a nurturing space that supports each child’s social, emotional, and intellectual development. 

 

 

Our Daily Adventures

 

The Provision is Outstanding
"Children have excellent emotional attachments to the childminder.  They thrive in her care, exhibiting exceptional levels of self-esteem and confidence.  The childminder provides a highly ambitious curriculum that incorporates children's interests extremely well.  She greatly inspires them to be curious about the world around them and consistently gives them encouragement to test out their ideas.  Consequently, children are motivated to learn and show astonishing levels of resilience for their young age."

Jane Franks - Ofsted Inspector 

Click Here for full report 

 

 

Why Choose My Services?

Discover the key features and benefits of my childcare services, where safety is prioritised, growth is nurtured, individuality is celebrated, and lasting memories are created.

Safe Environment

A secure and welcoming setting, where children can explore and learn without fear.

Individual Attention

Every child receives personalized care, fostering their unique skills and interests.

Structured Activities

Engaging and educational activities designed to promote learning and development.

Loving Atmosphere

A warm and nurturing approach that makes every child feel valued and cherished.

Dedicated Childminder

As a qualified childminder, I provide a nurturing and educational environment that prioritises each child's development and well-being. I offer personalised activities designed to foster learning, creativity, and growth in a supportive setting.

Testimonials 

Direct Quotes from Parents 

“Rachel has created an environment that has a real family feel, where the children are pleased to see each other and interact with kindness.”

We found Rachel in 2018 when we attended an open evening at Fleet Infant school and were provided with a flyer advertising local childminders. After arranging a meeting with Rachel at her home we knew it was the right place (compared to others we’d seen) for Edward and he has attended ever since. Edward attends before and after school 3 days a week and is always happy to go. Rachel is always incredible smiley and welcoming which we really appreciate.

There are a variety of activities on offer for the children to do and it is lovely how the different ages mix together. Now that Edward is older, it’s lovely to hear how he has been reading the smaller children stories. Rachel has created an environment that has a real family feel, where the children are pleased to see each other and interact with kindness. This is such a positive!

During Edward’s time at Rachel’s, we feel that she has always taken the time to discover the things that interest him and celebrated him for who he is! A key reason we feel that Edward is so fond of Rachel! An example of this is encouraging his love of her animals and how to care for them. Edward sees this as a real highlight of his time there.

Rachel is very reliable and she always communicates important information thoroughly at pick up time as well as listening to messages that we might need to share. On occasion, when Edward has had a tumble, she has made sure that we are aware of what has happened.

We feel so lucky to have Rachel as Edward’s childminder, as she is such a caring, generous and thoughtful person. Edward has one more year before he starts secondary school and I know he will miss Rachel and his friends there terribly.

“Rachel’s home is always welcoming, and my children have had so much fun while feeling safe, cared for and supported.”

Rachel has been childminding my son Henry, age 9, since 2018. She looks after him for 1 day each week during term time before and after school.   She also cared for my daughter Izzy from 2018 until Izzy went to secondary school.   

I have been extremely happy with the care both children have received.  Rachel’s home is always welcoming, clean and well-organised and Henry has great fun playing with all the toys available and with the other children. Rachel has a wide variety of well-maintained and regularly replaced toys and activities available, and monitors play well. Henry often talks about the fun he has had playing outside and in, and especially enjoys the trampoline and water play.   

Henry was nervous of dogs prior to being with Rachel, and she has been so helpful in helping him to become confident around them.   Her own dog is well-trained and calm, which has really helped him to overcome his fear of them. 

I especially remember Rachel noticing that Izzy was a very keen reader. Rachel created an area for her to read in the playhouse in the garden so that she could be with the other children whilst she read which was so thoughtful.   

When Henry is hurt or feeling under the weather, I know that he feels happy to be comforted by Rachel and I am confident that she can administer either first aid or medication following all the correct procedures and completing the necessary records.  On the occasions when Henry has hurt himself, is unwell or there are messages from school, Rachel has always communicated with me promptly and clearly. She notices when Henry seems ‘out of sorts’ and always lets me know if something seems to be bothering him. 

Rachel provides healthy meals and snacks for Henry, although he often chooses to eat at home as that is part of our family time in the evenings.   On occasions when we have been in a rush Rachel has very kindly packed up Henry’s dinner for him to take with him. On birthdays Rachel provides cupcakes for all the children and there is very much a ‘celebrating together’ atmosphere. 

The logistics of working with Rachel are great – we always receive our invoice in plenty of time and Rachel gives plenty of notice of her holidays.   I have complete confidence in Rachel and the service she provides, and the time that my children have spent in her care has had a positive impact on them both.

“I always highly recommend Rachel if anyone is looking for child care.”

My daughter has been with Rachel since October 2018 and still attends, my son was also with Rachel from then until he left for secondary school in September 2021.

When I had been looking for child care due to going back to work full time, I initially hadn’t wanted to use a childminder. I had met a few and hadn’t been convinced until I met Rachel and she was warm, welcoming and supportive. Both my children have been very happy going to Rachel and have felt it is home from home. 

Her family and furry family have always been involved and considerate of their needs. I always highly recommend Rachel if anyone is looking for child care and will be sad when my daughter moves onto secondary education. Would highly recommend.

“Rachel provides relaxed but professional home-from-home childcare and really knows and cares about each individual child.”

Rachel provides relaxed but professional home from home childcare. She really knows and cares about each individual child. Our daughter Poppy has been with Rachel since she was 18 months old, now 10 years old she thinks of the other mindees as siblings. She enjoys being with older children and also helping with younger ones. When I was first looking for childcare almost 10 years ago, a colleague said to me ‘find a good childminder, they are like gold dust!’ Rachel definitely is ‘gold dust.'

Testimonials Continued .....

“The length of time we have trusted Rachel to support our family is the testament to the fantastic, well-rounded care and support she gives our children.”

Rachel has been our childminder for 5 and a half years. She currently looks after my 9 year old son, 6 year old daughter and 3 year old daughter. The length of time we have trusted Rachel to support our family is the testament to the fantastic, well-rounded care and support she gives our children. 

My son started with Rachel when he was four and our daughters both started when they were one. They settled very quickly with no tears or separation issues (which we had experienced at nursery). Rachel’s home is child-friendly and welcoming. The children feel happy there and love interacting with the other children that are looked after. There is a family atmosphere with a sense that everyone looks out for each other and there is always a celebration party for each child’s birthday! 

The pre-school days are filled with a mix of educational and fun activities. There is creative play, stories, crafts and outdoor play every day, ensuring a well-rounded experience for the children. Rachel has an amazing range of toys and huge garden which she sets up differing activities in over the summer months. She has pets including a dog, cats and Guinea Pigs which are used to children and well trained. The children love playing with them and helping look after them where appropriate.  Rachel also usually has tadpoles and/or caterpillars over the summer months to support the children’s learning of nature and growth which are always popular! The children also enjoy going out to enjoy our lovely local outdoor spots such as Fleet Pond, the woods, the canal and parks. Rachel will also take the children to a variety of other activities such as forest school, soft play and role play settings. Rachel provides updates and photos via her private Facebook page of the activities the children engage in. She also supports the children to make handmade cards and gifts for celebrations such as Mother’s day, Father’s day and Christmas. 

I find it easy to have open communication with Rachel and she provides a daily update at the end of each day regarding what they have been doing, eating and naps. She has always been alert to when the children may have been unwell or have a temperature and contacted me to let me know. She drops and collects my youngest from pre-school and relays any non-urgent messages/communication they may have. Rachel is always open to discussing my children’s progress and any concerns I might have. My youngest has a speech and language delay which Rachel flagged up in her Two Year childcare review. She has entirely independently sought resources and activities to support my daughter with her language development which has helped her in this area for which I am incredibly grateful. 

I am very pleased with the care provided by Rachel. My children are happy and thriving, and I feel confident that they are in good hands.

“My son brings me his shoes and waits by the door because he wants to go have fun at her house.”

My son Jude is 18 months old and has been coming to Rachel 3 days a week since he was 11 months old. We are extremely fortunate to have Rachel! We love her! My son brings me his shoes and waits by the door because he wants to go have fun at her house. 

Rachel always welcomes Jude with a big cuddle. She takes him to amazing places and feeds him food she knows he likes with seconds.

Jude loves being outdoors and animals. Rachel has always made sure Jude has clean clothes on and is comfortable if he has got wet and muddy. 

I wouldn’t want my son to spend time with anyone else, I have no doubt when leaving him that he is going to have the best fun day, and I enjoy hearing all about it and seeing all the photos Rachel has taken.

“Each week she spends with you is an absolute blast.”

Josephine and I are immensely grateful to you for the care you've given Adeline on Fridays. Each week she spends with you is an absolute blast. She always enjoys the activities you arrange, and the trips you take Adeline and the kids on—such as visits to the farm—mean so much to her. They offer her the opportunity to continue learning and experiencing new things.

She loves your setting, your pets, and she loves you too! We’re truly appreciative of your flexibility and professionalism in caring for Adeline.

“She is so warm, kind and loving, and has a beautiful space for the kids to learn, explore and grow.”

Rachel is like a home from home. My little one settled with her so quickly – she is so warm, kind and loving, and has a beautiful space for the kids to learn explore and grow. And there’s always an adventure every day for them – From dance parties, forest walks, water and sensory play, to little outings. We love Rachel and highly recommend her to anyone!

Testimonials Continued .....

“Rachel is loving and conscientious, with incredible patience, and flexes her care to the needs of each child.”

Rachel is loving and conscientious, she has incredible patience and flexes her care and support functions to the needs of her children…we know that with certainty as our two have very different characters!

Our children love their ‘Rachel’s days’ whether they are there for wrap around care in school time or full days in the school holidays – and the variety of things they all get up to are the reason. Days out at soft play, farms or parks complimented by ‘at home’ days playing with the water table, painting or making tie-dye t-shirts to bring home keep it entertaining.

Rachel has also been wonderful with the added requirements of our daughter being adopted (including early permanence at the beginning) and has helped with this alongside referrals for speech and language therapy amongst others.

It has been a pleasure having Rachel in our, but more importantly our daughters’ lives. We asked our eldest to use 3 words to describe Rachel and she said ‘fun, kind and helpful.

“We are so impressed by the quality of care given to Marley.”

Rachel has been our childminder for our daughter, Marley, since September of 2023. My wife and I moved to Fleet only a month before, with our son going into reception at Feet Infant school.

As a family, we were all experiencing new surroundings, new beginnings, and a lot of unfamiliar faces. It was important to us that we found somewhere for Marley that she would be comfortable, safe and have the opportunity for her personality to shine through.

A year on and we are delighted to say, we found all this and so much more for our daughter in Rachel’s care.

Marley is with Rachel twice a week, and she thoroughly looks forward to every day spent with her and the other children.

We are so impressed by the quality of care given to Marley. From the exciting day trips out, visits to the library and local kids clubs. The cleanliness and organisation are second to none, and everyone loves Wiley! The families German Shepherd.

We get regular updates on the day’s activities, and a full and thorough report at the end of each day. Marley is often very excited to return home with her homemade crafts.

Rachel has always been so kind, considerate and accommodating. And needless to say, we will continue to use her services for as long as she’ll have us.

We would highly recommend her to anyone in need of an expert childminder.

“Our boy is so happy there and we can’t recommend Rachel enough!”

Rachel has looked after our little boy since he was just over a year old and it’s fair to say he adores not only her, but her entire family! It really is a home away from home. Not only does Rachel take Digby out on exciting adventures to the woods and more, but also gets them involved in everyday activities such as the school run and tidying up which I believe is so great for their development and socialisation. 

I often get called ‘Rachel’ instead of Mummy, which I’d say is a very good sign 😊

Our boy is so happy there and we can’t recommend Rachel enough!

“It’s reassuring to know that our daughter has such a caring environment to go to.”

We were so grateful to find Rachel! Our daughter took no time at all to settle into the home from home environment. Rachel provides the kids with lots of stimulating activities from painting to making their own tie dye T-shirts. She goes on regular adventures with them out and about from woodland walks to animal farms, helping to build their confidence and ignite their naturally inquisitive natures. As full time working parents it’s reassuring to know that our daughter has such a caring environment to go to. Thank you Rachel!

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