Puddle D

Outstanding childminder!

We love Lara! My daughter (nearly 3) has been attending Puddle Ducks since September 2023.

Lara is warm, compassionate, patient, and loving to all the children in her care. My daughter adores her and always looks forward to her "Lara Days". My daughter is very shy but coming here has really helped her confidence and self-esteem. I see Lara as an extension of our family.

Lara has a lovely setting with seasonal displays and themes (Christmas and Halloween were particular highlights, with the setting decked out in magical festive decorations!). She cycles the wide variety of toys so the children don't get bored and they often fit in with the theme of the season. Lara provides healthy meals and snacks and the setting is very safe, secure, and clean. She also has a well-equipped garden with a climbing frame, slide, swings, bikes, trikes, cars, balls etc etc.

Lara takes the children out to various places nearly every single day. Only very, very rarely will they spend all day indoors. They go to various soft play centres, farms, baby & toddler groups, playgrounds, nature walks, libraries, Weston shore, and more.

Lara has brilliant communication skills and I am always kept in the loop. I like to ask many questions about my child's day when I come pick her up and Lara happily and graciously answers all my questions with a smile. She is also very flexible when I am running late or early, which is great because I suffer with time blindness.

I would thoroughly recommend Puddle Ducks to anybody!

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by Tahlia about Puddle D on 03/06/2024

Outstanding Childminder - Absolutely Recommend!

Lara is by far the most caring, kind and trustworthy childminder you could ever wish to have. She has looked after my son since he was 8 months and my daughter from a similar age. They are now 2.5 years and 1 years old and their high level of social development, ability to play games with other children, engage in songs etc is all down to Lara. When they are dropped off, the children are so comfortable and happy that they wave and go straight to the play areas and play with their friends.


Lara goes above and beyond the role of a childminder. She takes the time to get to know all the children she looks after so that she gets the best out of them. During the week they do lots of different activities that includes singing, dancing, soft play, walks in the woods, arts and crafts (to name but a few). Lara adapts her activities to each children so that they can all take part, whether they are babies, toddlers or little boys/girls.

Lara is far more than a childminder, to me she is part of our wider family. She treats my children like her own, gives them the time they deserve and supports me in areas that I am keen to develop e.g . penmanship skills. Most unexpectedly, I have discovered that Lara gives the most thoughtful birthday and Christmas presents to my children (so much so I have to ask her for tips on what to get the children!). She does this, not because she has to, but because she know my children so well and wants to give them a little something for their special day.

With regards to the cost of childcare, Lara is exceptional value. Unlike nurseries and some other childminders, Lara only charges for the hours agreed in advanced. This means that if your child is with her from 8-3 those are the hours you'll get charged for, not for a full day like others.

If you're looking for a childminder, look no further. Lara really is exceptional and I feel genuinely lucky to have her in our lives.

I absolutely recommend Lara for looking after your little one.

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by CB1 about Puddle D on 30/04/2018

Excellent childminder

I have been using Lara since my daughter was 11 months old and will be sending my new addition when I return to work next year. I was so grateful to find such a good childminder when I returned to work the first time as she made my daughter feel so welcome which made me feel much happier about leaving her. My daughter who is now nearly 3 loves going to Lara's house every week the variety of toys and day to day activities keep her entertained and she has also learnt so much and has become extremely confident and sociable. The other children that Lara cares for are all lovely this includes her own children, my daughter often talks about them when she is at home.

Lara is extremely flexible and will often go out of her way to help me out should I be late home or need to change my hours. She is also very good start to a child's education and up to date on current educational needs.

I would highly recommend Lara to anyone looking for an excellent childminder.

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by Parent about Puddle D on 18/06/2012

Happy daughter = Happy Mummy!

Ive been using puddleducks childminding since my daughter was 3, shes now 9! Lara is an amazing, calm, caring and fun childminder who goes the extra mile to make sure each and every child she cares for is happy, confident and relaxed to be away from mum. She has been completely flexible and adapted readily to our changing childcare needs and is happy to discuss individual needs such as specific learning needs, term time only contracts etc. i would thoroughly recommend Lara and thank her enormously for her help and care these past 6 years. Thank you!!

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by Parent about Puddle D on 15/06/2012