I originally wrote the letter below when Clare was visited by Ofsted. Part 1 was written after my daughter had been with Clare for just three months. But before posting it, I felt compelled to write a Part 2 — as she has been with Clare for 7 months and because the first version simply didn’t do her enough justice.

I apologies if it’s a long read, but I have a lot to say. Clare has had a profound impact on our daughter and our family, and I want to make sure that’s reflected properly.

Part 1

I spent a lot of time searching online to find the right fit for my daughter. I visited several homes, often leaving uncertain, feeling they weren't quite the right environment for my child. I was looking for someone who would truly engage with her, take her out to explore, and have enough fun resources at home to keep her entertained—especially during the many rainy days we get here in the UK.

When my wife and I visited Claire’s home, it was instantly clear that this was a special place. Claire first showed us the playroom, full of games, toys, and opportunities for messy play. She immediately engaged with our daughter Lana, who was teething at the time, offering her a toy and receiving a cheeky smile in return. It was a lovely first interaction that set the tone for everything that followed.

Claire’s home includes a well-maintained, secure garden perfect for little explorers, and a large, cozy living space where children can wind down and relax. As we sat at Claire’s dining table reviewing her credentials, I turned to my wife and said without hesitation that we would love for Claire to care for Lana.

Claire guided us through the necessary steps for childcare support and explained how everything works. Although she doesn’t officially provide meals, she kindly offered to give Lana breakfast since our mornings would start early. That same weekend, Claire went above and beyond, dropping off safety information and contracts at our home, asking about Lana’s dietary needs, and even picking up some little treats specifically for her. This thoughtful gesture was unexpected and deeply appreciated.

On Lana’s first day, I was a nervous wreck and told Claire I’d be working from home in case she needed anything. Claire sent us lovely pictures of Lana smiling and playing throughout the day. Yes, there were some tears—after all, it was her first day—but Claire and Rosie-Mae comforted her and kept her happy.

That evening, after picking up my wife from the station, we stopped by Claire’s house to thank her. We were impressed to see her already cleaning and preparing for the next day. It reassured us that Lana was in a safe and hygienic environment.

The next day went even better. Lana was more engaged, and once again, we received lots of lovely photos. That evening, Claire reached out about Lana’s short naps and suggested we work together on a solution. I joked with my wife that it felt like our first parents’ evening. Claire had already noticed so much and was eager to help us work through it.

She told us not to worry and reassured me—something I really needed. I’d been concerned about whether Lana would settle in, especially while teething, and whether Claire would continue to want to look after her. Claire quickly put my mind at ease, saying she loved having Lana and that we’d get through it together.

That evening, Claire told us she had purchased a baby swing to help Lana sleep—since she loves being rocked to sleep at home, usually by her mum. I offered to contribute to the cost, but Claire wouldn’t hear of it. The next day, Lana had a great day, ate all her food, and slept for over an hour in the swing. I was amazed and even bought the same one for home.

The only “negative” I could mention is my jealousy—Claire got to see Lana’s first crawl! But even then, she sent us a video, which meant the world to us.

To summaries, Claire and Rosie-Mae are incredible. They treat the children with so much love and care, as if they were their own. We are beyond grateful that Claire agreed to be our childminder. I genuinely couldn’t recommend her highly enough. I know it won’t be long before Lana is calling her “Auntie Claire” and not wanting to come home!

Part 2

From the moment our daughter joined Clare’s care, we knew we had found someone truly special. Clare isn’t just a childminder—she’s a nurturing, creative, and deeply thoughtful person who treats every child as if they were her own. Her dedication shines through in everything she does, and we feel incredibly fortunate to have her in our lives.

What sets Clare apart is the genuine love and attention she gives to each child. The one-to-one care she provides has made a huge difference in our daughter’s development and happiness. Clare takes the time to understand each child’s personality, interests, and needs, creating a safe and stimulating environment where they can thrive emotionally, socially, and intellectually.

Every day is an adventure with Clare. She plans a rich variety of activities that are both fun and educational—whether it’s crafting, sensory play, or learning through stories and songs. She also organizes wonderful outings to parks, playgrounds, and seasonal events like pumpkin picking, Halloween parties, and Christmas celebrations. These experiences have given our daughter so many joyful memories and helped her build confidence and curiosity about the world.

Clare’s thoughtfulness goes far beyond the basics. She bought our daughter a Minnie Mouse sleeping bag to make nap time more comforting, and she regularly sends us photos and videos throughout the day. These updates mean the world to us—they give us peace of mind and allow us to share in the little moments that make up her day. It’s clear that Clare takes great pride in her work and genuinely enjoys seeing the children grow and flourish.

Her home is warm, welcoming, and perfectly set up for little ones to explore and feel safe. Clare has created a space that feels like a second home, and our daughter settled in quickly thanks to the calm, loving atmosphere she provides.

We’ve seen such positive changes in our daughter since she started with Clare—her language has blossomed, she’s more independent, and she’s always excited to go in the morning. It’s a testament to the care, structure, and affection Clare offers every single day.

We wholeheartedly recommend Clare to any parent looking for exceptional childcare. She is a rare gem—professional, kind, and endlessly creative. We’re so grateful for everything she’s done for our daughter and for the trust and support she’s given us as parents. Clare has made a lasting impact on our family, and we couldn’t imagine a better person to care for our little one.

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