Gems Childcare's Reviews
Childminder
4.97 out of 5
Parents say
The childminder provides excellent care in a nurturing, stimulating environment. Parents praise the variety of activities, outings, and learning opportunities offered. Children are happy, settled, and developing well under the attentive care. The setting is clean, safe, and well-equipped. Parents appreciate the regular updates and photos shared. Overall, families highly recommend this childminder's services.
Summary generated by AI from the text of most recent member reviews
Parent reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Gems Childcare. 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.
Gemma and her wonderful team have taken such good care of our little girl. They're keen to support her development and have been very receptive to advice from our health visitor as well as our suggestions too. Gemma is so open with us and knows our little girl so well, we are grateful for all of her support (and patience!)
We love the fact that Gems Childcare is a small setting (a gorgeous set up separate from her home) and a high ratio of adults to children; perfect for young children who need somewhere nurturing to grow. Gemma posts daily pictures of the children on a private facebook page and we love seeing what they've all been up to! Activities include music class, french class, baking, painting, playdough, crafts, sensory play, outdoor play in her wonderful garden, trips to the park, cafe, pet shop... you name it! We also love that Gemma goes above and beyond to make special occasions fun for the children- as a working mum I don't always have the opportunity to go to themed events, so it's really wonderful to see my little one having fun with her friends celebrating in her party outfit! We'd highly recommend you meeting Gemma and seeing her setting, she puts so much time and effort into all she does for the children and we feel so lucky to have found her! Thank you Gemma, Theresa and Lexie! x
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Char
on 22/11/2024
Being a first time mother, going back to work full time when my son was 9 months old was difficult, but I can't stress enough how much easier Gemma made this for me. As soon as I met Gemma I knew it would be the perfect setting for my son and now fast forward 15 months later and he still loves it!
There is a parent page updated regularly with pictures of all the activities they do, both fun and educational, and no two days are the same. From trips out to the park, seaside, Legoland (to name but a few) to music and French classes to fun in the garden.
Gemma is also proactive in recognising and accommodating for each child's individual needs and is currently working alongside me to help develop my son's speech.
I have recommended Gemma to my cousin and would also recommend her to anybody else looking for childcare.
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Marian
on 31/07/2024
My son has been going to Gemma for 8 months now & he settled in straight away. As soon as I met Gemma & saw the setting I instantly knew she would be great. He has come on so much since starting & is very happy there!
Regular pictures & updates are sent which gives peace of mind too.
Gemma & team work very hard to ensure the children are having fun but also learning at the same time.
As parents, we are very happy to know our son is happy and settled when we drop him off - I couldn’t recommend Gemma enough! :)
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Kirsty
on 21/08/2023
Fab childminder, both of my children loved going, I can't recommend enough. Super friendly with lots of fun activities like learning French and music. My daughter was very sad to leave (and only did due to moving on to pre school).
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Rebecca
on 08/05/2023
My husband and I knew instantly from visiting the setting that Gemmas was perfect for our daughter. She started at 9 months and is coming up to 19 months - wow! She has come on so much. Gemma and her very lovely team give the children a personable experience with enriching activities that are so beneficial at early stages of development, educationally and socially. The parent page which is updated daily (on the day children are in) is always so full of lovely photos for parents to see. Lovely meals, days out, French lessons and more! Our little one loves it here and we are glad she has a while yet until school age as she has met the most lovely friends and caring adults - who do right by the children constantly and post regular updates. First time mum here, who also works in a school; Gemmas is brilliant and we haven’t had any second thoughts whatsoever!
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Alice
on 23/12/2022
I cannot rate Gemma highly enough, after a bad experience with the first childminder I was extra careful, and Gemma ticked every box. I love the setting which is somewhere between a childminder and a nursery, the fact that they have classes twice a week is great and I love that the day is structured with different activities. Gemma updates the Facebook group every day so we can see what they’ve been up to and my daughter can’t wait to give her a cuddle when she sees her
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LauraJH
on 21/02/2022
Gem has been amazing looking after my son, he really enjoys being there and loves all the activities. The french class and music are his favourite as well as trips to the park. The play area and facilities are beautifully clean and kept in perfect order. The kids have lovely fresh meals and snacks made everyday. Gem is very organised and has the kids records in neat files and all up to date. Gem is also very friendly and easy to work with. I would really recommend her as a childcare provider.
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BethB
on 05/10/2021
Our little boy attended Gemmas for a year and he thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Gemmas was his first childcare experience and beginning after months in lockdown was daunting for him and us, however Gemma and the team were very supportive throughout his transition and he quickly settled in to what felt like a 'home from home'. We loved that Gemma arranged activities and classes each week and our little boy loved the music class! The environment was always spotless and we were kept up to date each day with photos on the private FB page of what the kids were up to! We loved that Gemma would often take the kids to local parks and trips further afield like the aquarium and airport visitors centre. There was also lots of opportunity for outdoor time in the garden with her cabin set up.
We would highly recommend Gemma and will be sad for out little one to leave which is only due to me being on maternity leave.
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lynsey
on 27/07/2021
Gemma and her assistants are just incredible. Our 2 years old daughter started in September 2020 after the lockdown was lifted and we were impressed from the beginning. Gemma and her assistants were friendly, supportive and loving towards my daughter. She learned french, made friends and was even potty trained.
The environment is spotless and the meals are brilliant too. Gemma always kept us to date on our daughters health if she was poorly and even provided a little scrapbook to see what she’s been up to. Gemma even offered us extra days when we needed due to change in circumstances.
Our daughter loves it there & will be sad to leave due to starting pre-school.
All we can say is thank you so much for all you do.
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Amanda
on 24/06/2021
Our little girl was with Gemma for about 18 months and she loved every minute she was there. Gemma provides a stimulating environment with weekly visitors who ran different classes for the children. There were lots of sensory activities and the food was varied and home cooked. Our little girl loved going every morning which shows how much care and love was given to her during the day. We would recommend Gemma to anyone looking for a child minder for their little one.
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Tim
on 25/05/2021
My little boy started with Gemma last summer when he was 2 and a half. He is non verbal and hadn't been left with anyone before then so we were quite worried about how he would manage. He has definitely thrived under Gemma's care and is now more sociable and confident. Gemma has an amazing setup with the cabin in her garden it's like a mini nursery. She does so many activities with the children and also takes them out on little trips. Parents are kept updated through a private Facebook group and it's always lovely to see pictures during the day and see what they're upto. I would 100% recommend Gemma to any parent and we are very glad she had space when we were looking for childcare for Henry.
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Verity
on 18/04/2021
Gemma has been looking after our son since October and we couldn't be happier. When we first met Gemma we almost instantly knew she would be perfect for our needs and this has proved to be the case. She is really caring, calm and our son loves his time with Gemma and the other children. Gemma does loads of different activities with the children which are creative and fun. Our son's progress has been excellent. Gemma has a purpose built cabin which is really clean and tidy, with loads of toys and activities for the children. She provides a good variety of healthy food for the children too. We have never had any problems and completely trust Gemma with our son in her care.
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Rob
on 23/12/2020
Our little girl Erin absolutely loves going to Gemma. Great facilities, hugely experienced, highly organised; Gemma is totally reliable and continuously strives to improve. The variety of activities for children are excellent with the cabin, outdoor and adventure visits. Would highly recommend her!
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Laura C
on 01/07/2020
Gemma is a fantastic childminder. She has been looking after our son for over a year. When we first met her, we knew instantly that she was the right childminder for us. She has a lovely, calm setting in a purpose built cabin , which is very clean, safe and has a range of toys. Also the garden is very spacious, with a good selection of outdoor toys.
Our son loves spending time with Gemma and playing with the other children. He has thrieved in Gemma's care. We couldn't be happier with the progress he has made and how happy he is. We always felt confident that he was safe and well cared for when we were at work. Gemma records each child's development and activities throughout their time there and they are shared with us. We also recieve regular photos of our son's activities and outings.
Gemma is a lovely, calm, caring person and she has been very flexible and accommodating for us.
We trust Gemma completely and we would recommend her highly.
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Sinead
on 16/10/2019
Response by
Gems Childcare
on 16/10/2019:
Thank you for your lovely review it’s been a pleasure looking after him x
When we unexpectedly had to find childcare for our son last year we didn’t know where to start or what to look for, so found a few childminders to go and visit. As soon as we walked in Gemma’s we instantly knew she was the childminder we were looking for. Her home was clean and tidy, she took us to a purpose built cabin where she spends her day with the children which was equally as clean and designed with the safety of the children in mind. Gemma went through all her documentation, daily routines and childs journal and so we barely had to ask a question as she covered everything we needed to know.
Our son is extremely happy and settled and this can be seen in the pictures we are sent of him on his daily outings. We’d highly recommend Gemma to anyone!
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Claire
on 15/08/2019
Response by
Gems Childcare
on 16/08/2019:
Thank you for your lovely review
My daughter has been going to Gemma for almost a year now and she really enjoys her time there, she loves spending time with Gemma and the other children. Gemma has a brilliant setting in a purpose built cabin and a spacious garden. Gemma provides great activities such as trips to local parks and play areas, as well as structured play in her home setting. I like how my daughter’s day is documented in her own handbook. Gemma is a very kind, caring and patient person which definitely helps to instil confidence when choosing the perfect childminder. Gemma is also very flexible and has accommodated my daughter on additional days when my circumstances have changed, which I am really grateful for. Gemma is an excellent childminder and I would highly recommend her to anyone!
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Laura
on 22/07/2019
Response by
Gems Childcare
on 16/08/2019:
Thank you for your lovely review
Gemma is an excellent childminder and has been looking after my daughter for over a year.
My daughter loves spending time with Gemma and the other children she looks after.
Gemma has helped my daughter progress from strength to
Strength.
Gemma provides great activities from day trips to the park to the aquarium.
I would strongly recommend Gemma to anyone looking for the perfect childminder.
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Becs
on 13/01/2019
Response by
Gems Childcare
on 30/01/2019:
Thank you for your lovely review x
My little boy has been with Gemma for 8 months now . He is so happy and content and loves to be there. Gemma has always tried to be accommodating as much as possible to help cover with my work commitments. Gemma looks after my little boy like he’s one of the family and takes him on days out with the other children. I leave him to go to work in the knowledge that he is receiving excellent care. Our little boy has learnt so much and we get to see his books to know how he is progressing. I know that we made the perfect choice and feel blessed that Alfie has Gemma who takes such good care of him .
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Rachel
on 22/11/2018
Response by
Gems Childcare
on 27/11/2018:
Thank you for your lovely review x
My son has been with Gemma for 6months. Gemma has done a fantastic job helping our boy develop and grow into a young toddler.
When we met Gemma we were instantly put at ease and knew she would do a great job of helping our wee man. The facilities are outstanding and impeccably clean. The best we seen for a person operating out of their own address.
Gemma takes the children on fantastic outdoor activities/days out and has many indoor games for when it's wet.
We couldn't recommend Gemma enough. She has done a great job and was rightly rewarded by achieving an Outstanding grade by Ofsted earlier this year.
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Liam
on 18/07/2018
Response by
Gems Childcare
on 29/07/2018:
Thank you for your lovely review
After seeing many Childminder’s over a couple of months I was determined to find the perfect person to look after my little girl Ava-Mae. It was a very important decision as she has additional needs and a lack of confidence so temperament and encouragement was everything to me to make Ava-Mae feel at ease and settle in.
Since Ava-Mae has been with Gemma she has gained confidence in so many ways with her movement, social skills with interacting with the other children.
Gemma’s patience and enthusiasm with her job clearly shows with the care for the children and the journals she produces for their individual learning journeys.
The setting itself is fantastic a purpose built cabin for the children in the garden catering for various activities. Aswell as this they also go to groups and days out giving the children different experiences.
Nothing is too much trouble and i feel very lucky to have found somebody so amazing for my daughter.
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Parent
on 03/11/2017
Response by
Gems Childcare
on 03/11/2017:
Thank you for such a lovely review Rachel, it's a joy to care for Ava-Mae and help her progress
Choosing the right childcare was a tougher decision than we first thought it would be- but from when we first met Gemma we were blown away and knew she was the right choice for our then 9 month old little girl.
For the last 18 months Emily has loved every minute with Gemma and the other children, and been a very content child growing in confidence every day.
She enjoys going out on day trips with Gemma and to bigger group activities like mimi movers - and the also having the play cabin to do arts and crafts and play activities too.
She's built good friendships with the other children and her developmental skills has come along so well which are fully monitored by progress and observational reports.
Gemma is a kind and caring person, very flexible and always willing to adapt care for special requirements if needed - like Emily's dietary needs.
We would strongly recommend Gemma to anyone thinking of a childminding environment for their little one too!
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Parent
on 19/07/2017
Response by
Gems Childcare
on 20/07/2017:
Thank you Laura, I've loved caring for Emily x
After looking at numerous nurseries and minders and being very apprehensive to leaving my baby girl I finally found Gemma. I can not stress how at ease she made me feel leaving baby for the first time. The setting itself is outstanding and my daughter in the last year has come on so much she has over achieved in all her milestones and she loves going to Gemma's. Gemma does all her observations, makes lovely arts and crafts and has brilliant activities for the children. They attend groups and I can not say how impressed with our with the service we have recieved, we will not be moving our little girl till she goes to school. She is by far the best childminder we viewed and with very demanding jobs having Gemma has been a god send we highly highly recommend her.
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Parent
on 14/06/2017
Response by
Gems Childcare
on 20/07/2017:
Thank you for your lovely review x
My son oliver is currently with Gemma Childcare I couldn't ask for a better child minder Gemma has bought my son on so much since being with Gemma from January this year, nothing is to much trouble with Gemma she is very flexible and is really kind and very professional my son oliver gets so excited when he sees Gemma and the other children which makes me feel so happy that he is enjoying his time there while I am at work. I would recommend Gemma highly to any mum or dad who is looking for a childminder to get in touch with Gemma I am so glad we have our son with Gemma it was the best decision we made. Gemma has a great self contained room outside with lots for the children to do, Gemma has helped us a lot with our sons routine regarding sleeping and keeps us updated regularly regarding our sons process in a daily diary for us to read everyday to see how our son has been and where they gone that day.
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Parent
on 13/06/2017
Response by
Gems Childcare
on 14/06/2017:
Thank you for your lovely review Lisa
I definitely made the right choice sending my daughter to Gemma. My daughter have become a very confident girl from a timid little one. I would surely recommend Gemma as she had a very personal approach in childminding. It was such an exciting time for me and my partner when my daughter started taking some of her artworks home. We will definitely miss seeing Gemma as LO started her new journey in a nursery setting.
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Parent
on 23/09/2016
Response by
Gems Childcare
on 12/10/2016:
Thank you for your lovely review it was a joy to care for Isla.
My daughter has been in Gemma's care now for over a year and I am absolutely delighted. Gemma is not only a natural with children, she provides a wonderful range of activities that are both fun and educational, including her lovely garden. Each child's development is logged and shared with the parents including photos along the way. The younger children have a communication book which is a lovely way to keep parents involved. I recently went back to work full time and knowing that Lilian was in safe and caring hands made it a lot easier for me. I would have no problem recommending Gems Childcare to anyone, I can't fault it. Thank you Gemma!! x
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Parent
on 09/05/2016
Response by
Gems Childcare
on 14/05/2016:
Thank you for your lovely feedback x
My little boy has been with Gemma for the past year and has left her care for Nursery School a very polite, loving and clever young man! Gemma's level of care is fantastic! Days out, trips to playgroup, making things, creating and playing. We will truly miss her as Bobbys childminder and I highly recommend her to anybody wanting to leave their child with someone who is 5* in the role. Can't wait to pop my next little baby in with her so she can have the same fantastic experience my Son has had! x
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Parent
on 07/01/2016
Response by
Gems Childcare
on 08/01/2016:
Thank you Laura for such a lovely review, I've loved caring for Bobby and I'd be honoured to look after your new baby in the future x
My son Jack has been with Gemma since January 2014. He started as 4 half days a week and is now going up to 3 full days. Both my husband and I couldn't be happier with the care that Gemma provides. She is an excellent childminder! Jack is happy and content and he settled really quickly from the beginning. The whole process made going back to work a lot easier. She provides stimulating and engaging activities for the children in a caring, warm atmosphere. The daily diary and learning journal keep us informed about everything Jack is doing. I would highly recommend Gemma to anyone looking for childcare.
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Parent
on 25/11/2014
Response by
Gems Childcare
on 26/11/2014:
Thank you for your lovely comments.
My two year old spends four days a week with Gemma and we couldn't ask for a more perfect childminder. She provides a wonderful home from home environment with my daughter took to straight away and does fabulous activities with the children.
The diary gemma keeps for each child for the parent to read at the end of each day is a lovely touch and let's you know what your child has been up to.
Just a brilliant childminder.
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Parent
on 25/11/2013
Having looked very hard, it was such a relief to find a Childminder as good as Gemma to look after my daughter Lily. I instantly knew as I walked through the door due to the "home from home" feeling and really had made up my mind that this was the place for Lily when I returned to work. Lily settled in instantly due to the loving, caring and fun environment that Gemma provides. Lily especially loves the outings that Gemma takes her on daily and in the last month alone has enjoyed visiting the farm, Buxton and the airport to name just a few places. Lily is truly cared for and I would have no hesitation in highly recommending her to any parent.
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Parent
on 09/09/2013
Response by
Gems Childcare
on 09/09/2013:
Thank you for your lovely comment Helen, I have loved caring for Lily.
