Little Explorers
Childminder in Southampton (also available for babysitting)
Usually responds within 24 hours
Female Member since Jul 2011 Last Updated Mar 2025 Last Login 18 May 2025
My Summary
About Me
**Limited SPACES AVAILABLE**
I am based in West End, Southampton.
Providing care for children aged 2years-11years.
Please message me for further information or to join my waiting list.
I am a fun and friendly childminder, my ethos is ‘into the community’ as the children and I love to be out and about as well as in my home based setting.
I provide stimulating activities to help develop the individual child's learning and development in line with the early years foundation stage both indoors and out, learning through play.
Previously I worked as a pre school manager at a local nursery which I loved, I decided to leave the nursery and begin childminding as I wanted more freedom with regards to being able to provide activities both in the setting and out.
One of the perks of having a childminder is having the opportunity to attend groups and classes as well as visiting parks, library's, farms and zoos amongst many more.
Having a nursery practitioners knowledge and background plus gaining as a childminder more freedom and flexibility works in tandem, which I believe has given me individuality within the childcare field.
My Experience
OFSTED registered childminder since November 2011, previously I managed a local pre school for 3 years.
I have experience in caring and providing education for children aged from birth to 11years and have had training in additional needs amongst many more.
My Qualifications
I love my job and have gained lots of qualifications along the way, please see listed below...
- Early Years and Childhood Studies Degree
-CACHE level 3 in children's care, learning and development: Greade A
- Childminding Pre-registration Course
-Provider of nursery education; 2-4 years
- Paediatric first aid
- Clear and current DBS and driving license
- Safeguarding level 2
- Makaton
- Behaviour management
- Provisions of heathy,safe and secure environments for children
- Understanding schemes in prompting children's learning
- Maths outdoors
- Developing your observations, assessments and planning
- Developing a unique child
- Tracking progress
- Key skills; Maths and English (A-C equivalent)
-COSH trained (handling chemicals when cleaning)
-NPLQ (trained life guard).
I also have public liability insurance with childcare.co.uk
My Availability
School drops off and collections, day sessions and school holiday care.
I currently have day sessions available Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays.
‘Before School Care’ and drop off Mondays-Thursdays.
‘After School Care’ and pick up Mondays-Thursdays.
Furthermore, I have ‘Half Term Care’ availability, Mondays-Thursdays
I except work vouchers (tax free childcare), tax credits and provide free nursery education (government funded places).
Please feel free to contact me with any enquiries.
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before School | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | yes | yes |
| Morning | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | yes | yes |
| Afternoon | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | yes | yes |
| After School | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | yes | yes |
| Evening | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | yes | yes |
| Overnight | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes |
| Last Updated: 13/03/2025 | |||||||
My Fees
- Babysitting from £10.00 per hour
- Childminding from £6.00 per hour
Childminding
Day sessions
School drop offs
School pick ups
Half term care
Thank you for taking your time to read my profile and I shall look forward to hearing from you.
Marcelle.
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 Ofsted Inspections
The inspection grades below have been obtained from the Ofsted website based upon the registration number the childminder has provided to us. You should verify this information yourself prior to using the childminder.
My Documents
- Ofsted Certificate (added 18/04/2023)
Reviews
5 out of 5
Parents say
This childminder is highly praised for providing exceptional care in a nurturing, fun environment. Parents consistently mention the engaging activities, outdoor adventures, and personalized attention their children receive. They appreciate the regular photo updates and communication. Many describe feeling reassured and fortunate to have found such a trustworthy, caring professional who fosters their children's development and happiness.
Summary generated by AI from the text of recent member reviews
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Little Explorers. 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.
I couldn't ask for a better childminder! My eldest boy was looked after by Marcelle before he was due to start preschool and my youngest now goes to her each week. They both really enjoy their days with Marcelle and are always so happy to be dropped off. I really love how many outings the children go on, exploring new places and being sent the loveliest photos of how much fun they're having. They come home with lovely handmade crafts made for different seasons/occasions and she has really helped assist In their learning and development. Would definitely recommend Marcelle to anyone looking for a childminder, thank you Marcelle!
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
Zoe
on 07/01/2025
We are so lucky to have found Marcelle! Our little boy wasn’t enjoying nursery so decided to switch to a childminder. Best decision we made!
He absolutely loves going to Little Explorers! His days are filled with fun and something new each time he goes! Marcelle is so unbelievably caring and gives us all the reassurance we need as parents.
We can see how much happier he is and we couldn’t be more grateful!
-
Overall
Setting-
Cleanliness
-
Communication
by
Sarah
on 25/11/2024
We are so happy we found Marcelle. I actually wasn't intentionally looking for a childminder at the time but met her at the library and loved how she was with the children. So much so I snapped up her last availability for our 2 year old. He has been with her one day a week for 9 months now and he absolutely loves his time with her, he is so exited on Monday mornings and runs in with bearly and goodbye some mornings. I really like her too and trust her completely. Marcelle is so aproachable and professional, her experience and knowledge of child care is exceptional. Her room and garden are fantastic and they're always going out on amazing adventures or creating something great. She has helped us both transition really easily, her communication is wonderful. I'd enthusiastically recommend Marcelle if you're looking for a childminder or even if you're not!
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
Amy
on 23/02/2024
When I was choosing who was going to look after my toddler, I was beside myself with worry. Going back to work was stressful enough, after having had over a year off with my little boy, then I had to decide who was going to look after him?! My new baby boy, who I love with all my heart, more than anything else in the world and he couldn't even talk yet?!
From the moment I made contact with Marcelle, she was nothing short of AMAZING! She understood my worry, my guilt of having to leave him, my fear of something happening to him. Understandably, she was booked up, given her reputation, further to reading her reviews but she reassured me of a space that might be available in just 4 months! I thought I'd won the lottery!
We went to numerous nurseries and a few childminders. Marcelle made the choice so easy. Harlan instantly took to Marcelle. He bonded and interacted with her straight away!
I was worried about him not being outside and not having the interaction with lots of children like at a nursery but he has interacted and formed bonds with all of the children she looks after and having only a hand full of children to care for, has made the experience much more personal and enabled him to have one on one time with Marcelle, whom has proved herself to be a fantastic teacher too. Not only that but Marcelle takes them out everyday to places that a nursery would never have been able to take them regularly. Come rain or shine, whether it be a trip to the zoo or feeding pigs at the farm, Marcelle will ensure the children live their best life when they are with her.
Marcelle's home is clean and tidy but the children still have messy play and fun! I honestly don't know how she juggles everything, she's like a magician!
Marcelle doesn't just look after your child for the day, she cares about your child, she listens to your child and she helps your child understand everyday challenges as they grow.
I cannot recommend her enough so much so it's taken me months to sit down and write this review, to find the right words to explain just how much I feel, so incredibly lucky to have found Little Explorers and secured a spot with her and her child minding family.
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
JoJoNick
on 02/02/2024
Response by
Little Explorers
on 02/02/2024:
Aww this is so so lovely, thank you so so much xx
Our Marcelle is simply the best and has been providing childcare for both of my children for the last 6 (nearly 7) years. Throughout this time, Marcelle has been nothing but professional, reliable, trustworthy, kind and supportive. Her communication is fantastic and responsive and I have never had to worry once about school pick ups when working - it just happens like magic. Every parents dream.
Both of my children have always been very happy and settled and have been exceptionally well cared for either in Marcelle’s beautiful home setting or out and about (farm, parks, beach, pumpkin picking to name a few). I enjoy Marcelle's regular picture updates of the things they get up to (rain or shine). A good mix of activities are provided to meet a variety of children’s ages and needs with a suitable purpose built outdoor play area at home too. Marcelle is flexible and provides care both in term time and school holidays when needed. Genuinely, I could not recommend Marcelle enough and have no hesitation in doing so. The past 6 years have been all the better for having Marcelle in our lives. I will be very sad for my LO to leave Marcelle as she will now be 11 years old and moving to senior school. We thank you Marcelle from the bottom of our hearts, you have made my journey through parenthood so much easier knowing how much my LOs love you and knowing they have always been happy, safe and well cared for and what a fabulous role model you are. If you are looking for a childminder for the first time, I highly recommend Marcelle 😊
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
Jemima
on 10/11/2023
Marcelle has been brilliant. She’s so kind and patient and really seems to enjoy what she does. My child loves going there and always brings home fun things he’s made and comes home in a great mood. She’s great at taking them out to local places and sending update photos and is very considerate and I just don’t have a bad word to say. Thank you for being so great with him.
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
Carolina
on 01/11/2023
I am so happy I found Marcella, my daughter loves her and always has a great time. I would highly recommend.
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
Nicki
on 27/10/2023
I’ve known and used Marcelle for many years for my childcare. She looked after both of my children who are 4 and 9.
Marcelle provided an excellent early years service when I needed it and now she does pickups and after school club for my girls.
She’s always very accommodating and friendly and my children absolutely love going to her. Would highly recommend.
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
ZennaMH
on 14/03/2023
Response by
Little Explorers
on 15/03/2023:
Thank you so so much!
If someone asked me what advice I’d give to a new mum, I’d say get yourself a Marcelle! She is honestly a childminder dreams are made of. She looked after my 7 year old and now has my 2 year old & my 7 year old is not impressed that he has to go to school instead of exploring with his ‘Marcelley’ :-)
She is so kind and so patient with the children. I go to work knowing that they are happy and well cared for & she just makes life a whole lot easier for a busy working mum. She is so genuine and it is easy to see that really loves working with the children she cares for.
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
Bryony19
on 23/02/2023
Response by
Little Explorers
on 24/02/2023:
Aw thank you so so much!
Such lovely words, means the world to me!
I have known Marcelle for 5 years now and she has cared for all 3 of my children. I have full trust in her judgement and can't express how fortunate we feel that our children get to spend time with her and the activities/trips and learning they experience.
She is kind and calm in her communication, and sends plenty of updates and photos of what the children have been up to throughout the day.
When I say we feel lucky to have had our children spend their preschool years with Marcelle, I really mean it. The children adore their time with her and I would encourage (and have) anyone to get in touch. If you want a childminder who feels more like family then look no further. Marcelle, thank you so much for being so wonderful
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
KatieG
on 23/02/2023
Response by
Little Explorers
on 23/02/2023:
Aw thank you so so much!! Xx
You must be a registered parent and logged in to leave a review.
If you don't have an account then Register Free now.
This profile has been produced from information provided to us by the user. We have not verified or confirmed the accuracy of any of the information and members should undertake their own vigorous checks and references. Please ensure you read our Safety Advice and information on how to Check Childcare Provider Documents.
