Claire N
Childminder in Pontardawe (also available for babysitting)
Female Member since Jan 2013 Last Updated Aug 2024 Last Login Aug 2024
My Summary
About Me
Hi my name is Claire and I have been running my registered childminding business (Munchkinos Childminding ) since October 2008. I have four children born 2000, 2008,2009 and 2012
I work with my husband which means that we can look after a greater number of younger children.
I am registered with the CIW and PACEY.
My children have been brought up with me childminding and as well as welcoming children into our home they have become firm friends.
I have all of the required qualifications as well as many others .I strongly believe in attending new courses to further my knowledge and understanding of childrens and parents needs.
The children in my care receive home cooked , well balanced and nutritious meals and snacks. I have been inspected by the local environmental health office and received a level 5 hygiene certificate.I am one of a small number of childminders who has completed the Healthy and Sustainable Pre School Scheme . The scheme looks at the best way to introduce children to a healthy life style through a balanced diet and exercise. This is taught through music, story telling and games. I am also a member of Design To Smile which promotes good dental hygiene. As a mum who has breastfeed 4 children I am fully supportive of those who wish to continue breastfeeding when they return to work. I am registered with the Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme and am more than happy to offer any support that I can. I am also 'Real Nappy' friendly.
During the week we visit local playgroups, song and rhyme time, the park and soft play areas. We also go on woodland and canal walks and enjoy messy welly walks, where we can splash and have lots of fun. Baking and creating many wonderful pictures, models and puppets are also firm favourites. We spend as much time as possible outside and follow many of the Forest Schools principles.
As children learn best through play this is the focal point of my planning. I have two play rooms full of age appropriate toys that are exclusively for the children's use. We encourage curiosity, wonder and adventure and have resources to assist this approach.. The children often singing and playing musical instruments, especially meditation drums. Counting and colours are learnt through song and games in both English and Welsh.
I provide parents with daily updates through Whatsapp this informs parents of what their child has enjoyed throughout the day, also what food they ate. This is a great way of keeping information flowing between myself and parents and also an informative developmental record.
Older children can enjoy art and craft activities, board games, den building,cooking and even cinema club. There are also games consoles available should the children wish to play with them.
I also have a large and varied collection of books that we read together or independently. They range from birth to young adult and include many family favourites..
We also visit lots of other places such as Margam Park,Gnoll Park, different beaches, Waterfront Museum and The Riverside Centre. Days out have included Caswell Bay, Plantesia, Pantomine and visits to see 'The Snow Dragon','The Gruffulo' , 'Room On The Broom', " What The Ladybird Heard" and many more.
I have a safe enclosed garden that is full of out door toys including large ride on toys, a slide, climbing block, play house and even a stage. Half of the area is covered with artificial grass this allows children to explore and develop their gross motor skills safely. The area can be ( and is) used in all weather . We enjoy using circus equipment , den building , potion making and creating mud pies in our mud kitchen.
We also have chickens as well as a small dog , Bella. We are hoping to incorporate a petting corner within our garden in the very near future. The children will be able to learn how to look after the animals and will be able to enjoy the interaction with them ( should parents wish them to)
My Experience
I have had a varied career most of which enhance my qualities as a Childminder. I have also travelled extensively and enjoy sharing my experiences with the children.
I am currently The Early Years governor for our local school so have a good understanding of the. curriculum for Wales.
Myself and Toni also run 2 local baby and toddler playgroups once a week.
I have been a Childminder since September 2008 . I have also worked with young children to set up business enterprises, and organised community events as well as fund raising for mew equipment for our local park.
My Qualifications
I am educated to degree level and have all of the required Childminder qualifications ,as well as many others, as I believe strongly in CPD.
My Availability
I currently have full and part time places available from
My normal working hours are from 8.00- 5.30 Mon -Thu although I can care for children outside of these hours.
I provide school drop offs and pick ups from local schools.
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before School | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Morning | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Afternoon | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| After School | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Evening | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Overnight | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Last Updated: 26/08/2024 | |||||||
My Fees
- Babysitting from £10.00 per hour
- Childminding from £6.50 per hour
TBA with regard to specific requirements.
Generally full day is 55.00 (until 5.30)
Half day 30.00
Afterschool care 20.00 (until 5.30)
All fees include healthy meals and snacks, playgroup fees and general admission costs into play areas.
Full day up to 9 hours
Half day up to 4 hours
Discount offered to children picked up before 3pm 35.00
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 Documents
- Care Inspectorate Wales Certificate (added 02/01/2024)
- UK Passport (added 02/01/2024)
Reviews
5 out of 5
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Claire N. 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.
After changing my children's school recently I desperately needed to find new childcare, the head teacher of the childrens new school advised that Claire is a local childminder and I am so glad to have found her.
Claire found the time to meet us all and welcomed the children and within no time at all the kids really feel at home with Claire and her family.
I really like the way that Claire ensures that the kids are happy. My children will always have been fed a home cooked meal when I collect them and there are always crafts and other great activities going on for all of the children.
Claire goes out of her way to help out and always goes beyond the call of duty to make sure that my kids can go to the school disco or play when I have to be at work.
I would recommend Munchinos 100% and I am sure that the kids would too.
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Overall
by
Parent
on 13/01/2014
Clare has been a minder for my son Amiel for many years. not really settling at a local creche i decided to look for the alternative. didn't take too long to find Clare who also promoted the local school which at that point i had not decided on. after visiting her home and what she had to offer i wanted to start Amiel off right away! in no time at all Amiel seemed happier and no longer reluctant to be away from me as much. Clare always keeps you informed as to what your childihas been doing and answers any queries and is open to suggestions you may have. i feel Amiel benefited from a stimulating homely environment and one mind the got to understand and know my son. his funny ways, his strengths and weaknesses. i an very fussy about Amiels diet but no need to worry as Clare knows how to cook and offers a varied healthy option every time. the children are encouraged to help prepare the snacks and are meals making it far more interesting and exiting to eat it all up! Clare makes a special effort on birthdays and bakes a cake which is always delicious. have to add herh father also makes delicious healthy pizzas! Clare is up to date with any special requirements you may have and gives good info on charges and possible help from other sources. Amiel is in full time school now so only attends after school which he enjoys.he loves going to the park, picnics in the park, playing with others and making crafts which Clare is good at making exciting and fun! days but are brill, she manages to think up great ideas to suit all the ages, not easy. Amiel is always happy and three when i collect sometimes asking me to leave so he can stay a little longer! a sign of a great minding service.
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Overall
by
Parent
on 12/01/2014
We first met Claire when I was pregnant with my son Gregor and looking for a childcare provider. The minute I stepped into her house, I felt a warm feeling and knew that this would be where Gregor would be most happy. I looked around the locality for other child care providers, but my heart and head came back to Claire (Munchkinos).
Gregor started with Claire when he was 7 months old and he was with Claire for 3 years, up until her youngest son was born. As it happened Gregor was starting school around the same time, however he missed Claire and her children so much. Even now, he often asks to go and play at Aunty Claire's. My daughter (8years) also loves spending time with Claire and Munchkinos and if she had her own way would be there every day.
Claire attracts children and she is excellent with them, she has great behavioural management strategies and is made to work with children.
Claire is reliable, trustworthy and will bend over backwards to try and help you out. I have often said to Claire that I don't know what I would do without her. I am so glad that we still see her regularly at the school and I feel like she has become a good friend to my whole family. My children often talk about 'Aunty Claire' and miss her greatly when they don't see her.
I can say with my hand on my heart that all of the above reviews are accurate and Claire's own profile is true to her word. Honestly, you will not be disappointed if you and your child joins forces with munchkinos.
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Overall
by
Saraht4
on 06/02/2013
My son started to go to Claire when he was 6 months old and stayed with her for 2 1/2 years. He went there 4 times a week in the afternoon. Our son was always made to feel like family whilst at Claire's, he thoroughly enjoyed it. Claire was always incredibly flexible and reliable. Claire always cooked fresh food which our son loved. He also enjoyed playing with all the other children and Claire's children too. Claire always helped us in any way she could and still sees our son on occasions. We would really recommend Claire to anyone who is looking for a childminder and wouldn't hesitate to use her services again.
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Overall
by
Parent
on 04/02/2013
My son was collected from school and looked after by Claire. He thoroughly enjoyed staying with Claire and had fun with her children too. Due to food allergies he cannot have many foods that most children enjoy. However, Claire went to the trouble of making him a cake for his birthday which was delicious! Claire provides fruit and other good food which he appreciated very much. Also, whenever I went to Claire's to collect him - he would take ages to come out of the door! A testimony indeed to being in a caring and comfortable environment. Claire is switched on to what is going on around her and is very fair, calm and thoughtful ,when dealing with the children whether it is her own or those in her care. My son was very happy there and I had piece of mind knowing that he was in good hands. I would recommend Claire and her lovely family to anyone in need of good childcare.
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Overall
by
Parent
on 29/01/2013
Claire has been a fantastic childminder to my little girl Ffion, who came to Claire's when she was 10 months old. Ffion settled in really well and grew to love being at "Aunty Claires". Claire's home offers a warm and comfortable home from home, with stimulating play space, filled with a great range of toys, books, dressing up clothes etc. Ffion enjoys going on outings and picinics with Claire and the other children and the daily diary that Claire keeps gives a valuable insight into what Ffion has been playing, learning and eating! Claire is a fabulous cook and Ffion has enjoyed a good range of home-made meals there. Ffion has been in school full time for a while now and I know she misses Claire, so Ffion is looking forward to spending time with her and her family again during school holidays.
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Overall
by
Parent
on 29/01/2013
Having only left my son Ethan with my mum before looking for childcare, Claire was definitley the next best thing. As soon as I met her and looked around her lovely home I knew she was the one. Friendly,kind and welcoming my son settled in from day one. Being her first mindee he is very close to Claire and likes to call her 'Auntie Claire'.
She is very reliable and trustworthy. Ethan always looks forward to going to her house. She has always provided delicious home cooked healthy meals and snacks and there is never a dull day at Claire's. Ethan has enjoyed lots of days out at the beach, the park and the museum but even rainy days are fun with indoor games, cooking and arts and crafts. Being with Claire has played a great part in Ethan's development.
We have missed Claire greatly during her time off on maternity leave, though missing her too much we have kept in touch and are looking forward to her return very shortly. I would definitley recommend Claire to anyone and Ethan says 'Claire is the best'.
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Overall
by
Parent
on 17/01/2013
I contacted Claire a few years ago as I needed a childminder. I would much rather use a childminder than a nursery as I prefer my children to be looked after in a home environment.
Claire came highly recommended and was so warm and welcoming. The children took to her straight away, and loved playing with the other children. They were always happy to go, Claire took them on fun outings and would do lots of activities with them and they were full of stories about their day when i picked them up. I love cooking at home and was pleased that Claire would provide them with a lovely fresh home-cooked meal very day. They would even make comments later on, that they wanted me to make "Auntie Claire's stew"!!
Communication was always really good with Claire as she would tell me about the day when I picked them up and the children developed a really close relationship with her and the other children. As a result, we have been close friends ever since!
Claire has two fully-equipped rooms that she uses for childminding, with lovely toys for the children to play with.
I strongly feel that she goes over and above what she is required to do as a childminder, because she genuinely loves looking after the children and this is plain to see in the way they respond to her.
Claire is a Mum of 4 herself and I have always been amazed at how calm she is. She is a natural!
I work from home now, so no longer need a childminder, but would encourage people to contact Claire if they want the best care for their children in a family environment.
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Overall
by
Parent
on 17/01/2013
Both of my sons were looked after by Claire from a very young age, 6 months and 9 months. From day one Claire provided a very reliable, loving and warm service. When my boys were with Claire I knew that they were not merely being lookinged after but being cared for in the same way in which she cares for her own children.
I always felt like I could phone or text to check how my boys were, which i did often, especially in the early days of them being there. I always felt like their development needs were being met and my boys really came on as a result of all the lovely activities and the interaction with the other children.
Claire always prepared home cooked food and there was always fruit and other healthy snack on offer. I especially liked the fact that they could play daily in the garden but most days they would spend time in the park or other fun places.
Claire Always wrote a lovely detailed dairy of the things that my little ones got up to in the day, these are not precious things that I will always keep as a record of their early childhood. I always found Claire very flexible and she would try her best to fit in with our work arrangements.
Most importantly my children loved going to Claire's house. They have a fab relationship with Claire (who they adore) and her children who are their best buddies.
I can't recommend Claire highly enough.
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Overall
by
Parent
on 16/01/2013
We first approached Claire when I was looking to return to work part-time when Ruben was 10 months old, a prospect that I was nervous and not at all excited about. However, after speaking to Claire she put me completely at ease – and then after taking Ruben round to her house for a morning home visit I immediately saw the benefits that she would bring to Rubens childhood.
She is fantastic with children of all ages incorporating exciting and interesting activities into each day, ensuring that all children learn from the experience. The range of activties that she engages the children in is fantastic - from a visit to the local beach to rainy day spent indoors Claire encourages development, imagination, confidence and most of all fun for the children she looks after.
She offers helpful advice when asked and will always find a way of helping out if and when required. I should add that she is an excellent cook as well and always supplied fantastic nutrious lunch and evening meals (only for Ruben sadly!!)
We have recently moved overseas so no longer require her childminding services however I would not hesitate to reccommend her to anyone looking for a reliable, friendly and personable child minder.
Above all Claire is someone I now consider a good friend and someone that I know I will stay in touch with.
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Overall
by
Parent
on 15/01/2013
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