Steps 4 Learning's Reviews
Childminder
5 out of 5
Parent reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Steps 4 learning. 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.
My daughter Aria has been going to Clare and Darren for two years. We were very anxious about finding suitable childcare for Aria. Within five minutes of walking into their beautiful home we knew that this was the place where we wanted Aria to be cared for. Both Clare and Darren are absolutely wonderful with all of the children in their care. There is an atmosphere of calm, cleanliness and organisation that immediately placed us at ease. Their home is stimulating, child centred and safe. The children have so many opportunities to learn, play and socialise in an environment that is centred around their wellbeing. Most of all Aria is loved, as are all of the children in their care. We couldn’t recommend Clare and Darren highly enough and are so thankful that we found them. Absolutely outstanding in our opinion.
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Amelia T
on 05/09/2019
My daughter started steps 4 learning when she was 1 Ava has come On so well since attending considering she only goes 1 day a week ,her confidence and speech has come on rapidly since starting.
Clare regularly keeps us updated with photos of Ava engaging in different activities she has been doing, the keepsakes she brings home are always lovely and very thoughtful.
Ava loves going to steps 4 learning she always has a smile on her face when we are waiting at the door and when I pick her up!
Clare and Darren are very welcoming and friendly I would highly recommend Them they are superb!!
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Rebecca
on 11/08/2019
Clare and Darren have been taking care of my 2 children for over 2 years now. At 10 months old Teddy got off to a terrible start at a local nursery, he didn’t settle and after a few weeks of trying ‘ease’ him in and endless tears, a joint decision was made that it wasn’t the right time or place for him.
Clare and Darren were the first childminders I visited and I knew immediately they were the ones, I did visit and spend time with a number of other childminders in the area but none made the children or myself feel as welcomed or at ease. My eldest was 3 at the time and very shy, seeing Rosie happily playing independently and at ease with the other children and not wanting to leave, just confirmed I was making the right decision.
Teddy settled so well from the start, Clare spent as much time with Teddy as he needed, nothing was too much, even if he was joined to her hip for 7 hours a day or needed cuddling to sleep!
Now, 2 years later Teddy and Rosie, absolutely LOVE going. They always come home with lots of stories to tell and a handful of pictures. They are taken on days out and all the children they share their day with are lovely and they have both made great friends.
Clare and Darren are the perfect mix of caring, kind, attentive and fun!! They really do make the children feel as though they are part of a big family! Everyday spent with them ends with beaming smiles, tired eyes and hilarious bedtime stories of the days adventures, usually relating to Darren’s endless entertainment! haha!
We are looking forward to seeing them both grow in their care over the next few years.
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Claire
on 08/08/2019
My kids literally leap out of bed with joy when it's their day to go to Claire and Darren's - which says a lot seeing as they're both sleep monsters! In all seriousness, I couldn't have asked for a better setting or more lovely people to look after my kids whilst we're at work. I'm always astounded by how much they do with them - whether it's arts and crafts after school or a day out to the park or beach for my little one that attends for the full day. And the photos they send through to show us what they've all been up to in their care really helps to paint a picture of their day and that they've been engaged and happy - what more could we ask for! I'd highly recommend both Claire and Darren to anyone who asks, and even those who don't!
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JoT
on 18/07/2019
My daughter has been going to Clare and Darren's since she started Reception for breakfast and after school club. They have both been amazing and made her feel comfortable, loved and well cared for. When I am at work, I never worry about childcare as I know that she is in good hands. My daughter enjoys her time over there, and looks forward to going meeting on a morning and telling them all about what she has been doing. They are very flexible and can look after children outside of normal hours. Its been very helpful particularly for me as me and my husband work long hours and shifts. We highly recommend Clare and Darren and can't thank them enough as they have been a real life saver for us.
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shw15
on 04/07/2019
A lovely couple, my 1 year old daughter loves going to Claire and Darren’s. They send me pictures of what they have done that day and I see her smile from ear to ear every picture they send. She brings home art work and eats nutritious and filling meals. My daughter is always happy when she sees them both on a morning when she is being dropped off. Couldn’t ask for anything more.
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Emma90
on 18/06/2019
I first starting using Clare and Darren’s service when I returned to work from maternity leave in 2016. It was a huge decision and I have absolutely no regrets. When I found out I was expecting again in 2017 there was no doubt my second little one would join my first with Clare and Darren. I even had her on the waiting list before she was born.
Both of my girls have such a lovely bond and relationship with Clare, Darren and their children too, it really is an extension of our home.
I would recommend this service to anyone, such a kind, caring, stimulating environment. The girls love all the well planned crafts and activities and make wonderful memories on days out to great local places and attractions. I love the way Clare and Darren capture moments on camera and send them to me.
Clare and Darren are dedicated and committed to all of the children in their care and I would highly recommend their service.
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Sophie
on 13/06/2019
When my son Zachary turned 2 I decided to place him in child care a few hours per week to get him use to new people & surroundings.
Clare and Darren were amazing with Zachary and he settled in no time and I felt assured he was in safe hands.
They provide excellent care in a great environment which covers all aspects of his needs for his development.
Each week they cover something new & often send photos showing Zachary having a great time.
Zachary looks forward to going each time and he has great relationships with both Clare and Darren - I can’t recommend them enough.
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Lisa Gal
on 16/05/2019
My little boy has been going to Clare and Darren for nearly a year now and he has come on leaps and bounds. He has settled in really well and races to the door to get in when we arrive. He has a lot of fun whilst at steps 4 learning and his speech and confidence has been vastly improved. I would recommend this service to anyone looking for a childminder who like me finds it hard to trust anyone else with your child. Nothing is too much trouble and the little keepsakes he brings home are priceless. I can’t thank them enough for everything they do for Levi the love and comfort they give is each child is like a home from home experience. Thank you xx
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Sasha
on 04/02/2019
Steps 4 learning looked after my daughter and the standard of childcare was second to none. Safe, friendly neuturing, stimulating environment with so many activities on offer. I can not recommend Steps 4 learning highly enough, my daughter loved going there and she was looked after so well, I recommend Steps 4 learning to anyone looking for the best childcare for their child/children.
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Karen
on 01/02/2019
Response by
Steps 4 learning
on 01/02/2019:
Many thanks for this super review, your kind words are truly appreciated.
Poppy was an absolute delight to care for and is missed by the other children.
Take care and thank you.
Clare
Xx
I have been sending my son Harrison to Claire and Darren since he was 9 months old! When I left work for my maternity leave I was already worrying about returning as I hadn't found a suitable childminder.. I wanted to walk into somewhere and it to feel like home from home, to feel comfortable leaving harrison for a whole day while I went to work. I looked round lots of childminders and didn't particularly like what I had seen, and then came across Claire and Darren, I really can't praise them enough. They have made my first year back at work stress free. Just knowing that Harrison is in safe hands everyday is so reassuring. We love reading his diary when he comes home to see what he's had for his lunch and tea which is always a variety of foods and very healthy, Claire always updates me through out the day with pictures of Harrison and what activities he's done through out the day, I would highly recommend Claire and Darren they are fantastic with Harrison and he really enjoys spending time with them.
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Emma
on 15/06/2017
My 9 year old son started with Clare and Darren in September 16 after I went back to work full time. I could not have wished for better people to look after him!! They keep him engaged and occupied in activities and keep me informed of his progress. They always have something new for the children to partake in, their house is spotlessly clean and the food they have available is varied and healthly my son just loves being here. I cannot recommend them highly enough! Clare and Darren you are fantastic
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Parent
on 22/05/2017
We had moved to Ingleby at the end of August and were desperately looking for a reliable child minder for my 4 year old daughter starting in reception. I must say I have been extremely lucky that I found Clare. I work long hours and I am stress free at work knowing that my daughter is well looked after. She has been very accommodating with extra days at very short notice. That her house is a short walk away from school is an added bonus.
Clare is very gentle with kids and extremely reliable. She takes extra efforts to engage and stimulate them. Her house is well equipped with a range of toys, creative activities and books. She regularly keeps us updated with photos of my daughter engaging in various activities. She provides a range of healthy and nutritious snacks after school.
She constantly encourages my daughter with her writing and reading and the outcome is evident.
My daughter is looking forward to summer and all the various activities at Clare's house.
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Parent
on 08/02/2017
My daughter settled immediately in the setting with Clare she is so warm, welcoming and fantastic with the children. My daughter is always kept very busy with different activities each day and we love how we always get lots of pictures and feedback of what she's been upto. Couldn't rate Clare highly enough she's a 5 star childminder and would definitely recommend her to anyone.
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Parent
on 23/01/2017
Response by
Steps 4 learning
on 30/01/2017:
Thank u so much for a lovely review, it is encouraging to see your daughter engaging in the variety of activities available and demonstates extending her skills and knowledge throughout her early years. She is such a character and so pleased that she has settled so well.
Once again thank u .
My children have been going to Clare for the past 6 months. I cannot recommend her highly enough. My daughter spends three full days and always comes home happy and full of chatter about what activities she has been doing. My son, who has wrap around school care is equally enthusiastic and there have been many occasions when he's not wanted to come home! I was very impressed recently when Clare provided us with our children's progress 'reports'. The time and effort that must have gone into documenting what they had done on a regular basis and how they were progressing was very clear. I also enjoy getting photos of my daughter where I can see what she's been getting up to during the day. I'd recommend Clare to anyone.
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Parent
on 20/01/2017
Response by
Steps 4 learning
on 30/01/2017:
Thank you very much for such a lovely review, both the children settled into my setting very quickly and have build positive relationships with their peers. They are both a pleasure to care for and it is lovely to see the children progressing through their early years.
Once again, thank you so much.
My 4 year old son has been with Clare since he started school in September and he loves it. He always asks when he is going next and its a struggle to get him to leave some days.
Clare is brilliant, genuinely caring towards the children and is great with communication. I always get updates and pictures.The play area is bright/clean with lots of things to keep them amused and Clare also does loads of creative things with my son including painting and making things. Clare is great from an education point of view and my son always comes home telling me new things he has learnt there. Clare re-enforces the learning from school in a fun way.
The main thing for me as a working parent is that I can drop him off knowing he is safe, entertained and happy!!
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Parent
on 19/01/2017
Response by
Steps 4 learning
on 30/01/2017:
Thank u for such a lovely review, it is a pleasure to hear that I have given yourselves the reassurance that your little one is settled and well cared for especially during a new transitional period in his young life with starting school . He enjoys the variety of activities on offer and engages very well with peers whom he continues his friendship during school time.
Once again,many thanks.
My daughter has been going to Clare's house before and after school since September 2016 and loves it. I feel like Clare puts a lot of thought in what she does with the children and is always doing some sort of activity with them. My daughter has made bird feeders, paintings, calendars, and Christmas things while here. All of which have been brilliant.
Clare and her family are lovely. I don't think I could have picked a better childminder for my daughter. I feel very happy with my daughter going here and I know my daughter is very happy too.
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on 19/01/2017
Response by
Steps 4 learning
on 30/01/2017:
Many thanks for such a lovely review,
your daughter has settled in really well and has made good friends with her peers, she is a great role model to the younger children and a joy to care for. She is always polite and helpful and loves to get creative in the activities on offer.
Once again , thank you .
As any parent I was very anxious about leaving my daughter when returning to work after spending a whole 10 months without leaving her side. I checked out a few nurseries and a handful of childminders and I had no idea what would be best for us...until I visited Clare. It was very clear from the outset that Clare was more than qualified and had a wealth of experience of looking after early years children. She immediately put my mind at ease. It came across in some of the childcare options I visited that they were qualified to "mind" children, but with Clare it was clear that she was in the job for the love of caring for and helping children progress with knowledge of educational steps and stages. My little girl has come on leaps and bounds since being with Clare and I am so confident that my little girl is happy here I am taking steps to increase my working hours to full time. I feel very lucky and that we found such a wonderful childminder and I can't recommend her enough. Thank you
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Sophie
on 04/11/2016
Response by
Steps 4 learning
on 30/01/2017:
A huge thank you for such an amazing and powerful review. It is so encouraging to hear and feel that parents are very appreciative and put all faith in myself to care, stimulate and build relationships with their most treasured possession.
we have watched your daughter grow, develop and learn new skills , and look forward to continue doing so through her early years, she is so keen to learn and she is an absolute pleasure to care for.
Many thanks
I would highly recommend Clare after helping arrange a short notice place for my child.
My daughter enjoyed time in Clare's company with varied activities throughout the week along with some day excursions.
I could not ask for more, than a happy child on collecting her.
Thanks Clare
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Parent
on 08/08/2016
Response by
Steps 4 learning
on 13/08/2016:
Hi David,
Many thanks for your lovely review , it was a pleasure to look after your child, hope she enjoyed the activities that I had planned and daily outings. Hope she had as much fun as we did.
Little boy has been going to Clare for a few months now, and he loves it.
Very professional, and lovely home from home setting, lots of activities during the day fun and educational. So glad we found her.
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Parent
on 13/06/2016
Response by
Steps 4 learning
on 14/06/2016:
Many thanks for lovely feedback, thoroughly enjoy caring for your little boy, he is a joy to have and love to see him engaging in activities on offer and watching him grow and develop in his early years.
