Melanie
Childminder in Clumber And Worksop
5.0
My Summary
Little Scholars Childcare
About Me
As a mum of two children myself, I understand just how important it is to find childcare that you can truly trust. After all, you are placing the most precious people in your life into someone else’s care, and that is something I never take for granted.
I have a real passion for the Early Years and absolutely love watching little ones learn, develop and grow into happy, confident preschoolers. Being part of those precious early milestones is both a huge responsibility and an absolute joy.
I provide a warm, loving and welcoming home-from-home environment, where children feel safe, secure, valued and part of the family. Our home offers a wonderful range of indoor and outdoor learning opportunities, giving children the freedom to explore, discover and develop at their own pace.
Through the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), children benefit from carefully planned learning experiences that help build the confidence, independence and skills they need for starting school.
But what makes home-based childcare so special is the balance. One moment we might be exploring the forest, splashing in puddles or discovering the wonders of nature, and the next we might be curled up on the sofa enjoying a story and a cuddle.
I believe childhood should be filled with love, laughter, adventure and learning, all within the comfort and security of a place that feels just like home.
My Experience
Welcome to Little Scholars
I have been a childminder for eight years and am proudly registered directly with Ofsted, having previously been registered through a childminding agency.
I provide Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) childcare alongside wraparound care, Monday to Thursday, offering a warm, loving and nurturing home-from-home environment where children can feel safe, happy and secure.
Our Home and Learning Environment
My home is the heart of Little Scholars, providing a welcoming base where children can learn, play, explore and simply enjoy being little.
We have a lovely garden with artificial grass, allowing us to enjoy outdoor play throughout the year. During the warmer months, weather permitting, the children can also enjoy our bouncy castle, which is always a firm favourite!
Inside, we have our cosy room, affectionately known as the Snug. This is where the children enjoy imaginative role play, free play, stories and some much-needed quiet time. Arts and crafts are enjoyed both indoors and outdoors, giving children plenty of opportunities to express their creativity.
Learning Beyond Our Home
I strongly believe that some of the very best learning experiences happen outside the home.
We regularly enjoy adventures to the forest, local parks, soft play centres and playgroups, giving the children wonderful opportunities to socialise, explore and build their confidence.
We are fortunate to live in a beautiful green area, and we make the most of our surroundings. Whether we are collecting autumn leaves, searching for minibeasts, splashing in puddles or simply enjoying a woodland walk, there is always something new to discover.
All these experiences support the EYFS, helping children develop the skills, independence and confidence they need as they grow and prepare for school.
Food and Mealtimes
Mealtimes are an important part of our day. I provide snacks and teatime meals, preparing home-cooked food wherever possible. Children bring their own packed lunches, and we enjoy sitting together, encouraging conversation, independence and good social habits.
Our Extended Family
One thing that makes Little Scholars particularly special is our family environment.
I have two children of my own who are still growing up at home, and childminding is very much part of our family life.
We also have dogs, who are much-loved members of our household. The children enjoy having them around, and pets provide lovely opportunities to learn about kindness, responsibility and caring for animals. All interactions are carefully supervised.
Over the years, something wonderful has happened. Our family has grown to include the children I care for and their families too.
More Than Just Childcare
I understand how important it is to find someone you can trust with your most precious little people.
At Little Scholars, I want every child to feel loved, valued and confident enough to be themselves. I offer the learning opportunities and developmental support of the EYFS, alongside all the little comforts that make a house feel like home.
Whether that’s exploring the forest, making new friends, learning something exciting or simply curling up on the sofa for a cuddle and a story, every part of their day matters.
Little Scholars is more than just childcare. It’s a place to belong, to explore, to learn and to grow.
My Qualifications
I am a qualified Early Years childminder, fully registered and insured, with up-to-date safeguarding and paediatric first aid training. I am committed to maintaining high standards of childcare and regularly undertake Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to keep my knowledge, skills and understanding of Early Years practice up to date.
My Availability
Funded Childcare and Wraparound Care
At Little Scholars, I offer government-funded childcare hours for eligible families and accept payments through the HMRC Tax-Free Childcare scheme, helping parents make the most of the financial support available to them.
My childcare setting operates Monday to Thursday, providing Early Years care as well as before- and after-school wraparound care for children attending Sparken Hill Academy.
My aim is to offer families flexible, reliable childcare that supports both working parents and their children’s individual needs.
My Fees
- Childminding from £5.50 per hour
My fees are outlined in more detail in my fee policy. However as a guide I charge £5.50 per hour. This includes food for all children above 1 years and any outings to groups and soft play, entertainment parks with rides etc.
My Local Schools
- I provide drop offs and pick ups at Sparken Hill Academy
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
This member has provided us with electronic copies of the following documents. These copies are held securely on file unless marked as removed. The documents have been certified by the member as being true and accurate. We recommend you ask to see original copies of the documents before you hire them in order verify the true accuracy for yourself. Find out more about checks & references.
- Enhanced DBS Check including Children's Barred List Issued 20/10/2018 Securely stored
- Ofsted Certificate Added 25/02/2024 Securely stored
- Training Certificate: Childcare training Added 03/01/2019 Securely stored
- Training Certificate: Childminding training Added 03/01/2019 Securely stored
Reviews
5 out of 5
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Melanie. 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.
Mel is truly the best choice I have ever made for my son, I contacted Mel while I was pregnant and the transition from maternity leave back to the working world was made so much easier with Mel helping us every step of the way. Theo has been with Mel since he was 6 months, he is now 14 months and has flourished under her care! The children always have lovely, fun filled days. We receive fabulous photos, postcards and all worries and concerns are dealt with as a team. What a beautiful and wonderful relationship my son has with Mel, she has been both a comfort to Theo and myself. I would not recommend anyone else. My son is becoming a wonderful little boy and that's thanks to Mel too! A brilliant childminder, a wonderful person! Nothing but 5 stars! Mel you are a fantastic person, I trust you with my whole life and there is no one else I would trust more to care for my son. It's raining Tacos! 🩷
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Thalia
on 21/02/2025
Mel started looking after my daughter at the start of January. Mel has become more than just our childminder she is like our extended family. My daughter (2 years old) has struggled with leaving mummy but Mel has done everything to make that easier for both myself and my little one, an in just a few weeks we now have no tears at drop off. Mel provides so much more then just a service she treats the children she looks after as her own. My daughter talks about Mel and being with Mel and I can rest assure that she is happy and safe when at Little Scholars. I am so happy we found Mel. I would recommend Mel to anyone who is looking for not just a childminder but someone that will love and care for your child as you do.
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Charley
on 11/02/2025
Mel has provided amazing childcare for my son since I went back to work. She made the returning to work process so much easier as she took time to help my son settle, give me updates and create an excellent bond with him. I still receive lots of updates and photos throughout the day which is wonderful.
We follow a vegan diet and Mel has made absolutely sure that she provides my son with a healthy and balanced diet and makes the effort to make new vegan meals often.
Mel is such a loving and kind individual and I genuinely feel like she is one of our family. My son loves her very much and she is so kind and thoughtful of my other son too (who is at school and does not attend the setting). The rest of Mel’s family at home are also so lovely and her husband and kids have a great relationship with my son.
The setting is clean, calm and well resourced. Mel takes the children to regular playgroups and days out which my son really enjoys.
I am so happy with the care that my son has received in the most important stages of his life. He is a happy, clever and chatty 2 year old now and I thank Mel so much for the love she has shown him. I will always be grateful.
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Esther
on 11/02/2025
Mel has looked after both my boys for about 5 years now, for both full days and after school care. She provides huge peace of mind as I know the boys are so well cared for and loved when I’m at work. She not only provides a safe and nurturing place for them but makes them feel like a part of the family when they are there. She takes the time to get to know the children in her care and knows my boys inside out. She provides lovely learning experiences about the world around them and incorporates this into their daily routines. She also takes the time to focus on their individual interests and provides opportunities for them to share these.
I took my boys out of nursery/alternative wrap around care to go to Mel’s and it’s something I’ve never regretted. I can’t recommend her highly enough.
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Vicky
on 11/02/2025
Our child is currently at Mel’s setting and has been for over a year now. We are really happy with the setting and the care our child receives. He is really happy there; we receive regular updates and photographs each day. There are lots of different activities provided and opportunities for free and independent play. It feels like home from home and this is exactly what we wanted for our child. He talks about Mel and the other mindees and also about the activities he has been doing. We get lots of lovely artwork for various times of the year and Mel takes them to different places. They often access the fruit and vegetable stall in the market and try a variety of foods. The different experiences are fabulous and replicate what we would provide for our child too. Toys are regularly rotated or tough trays provided with different activities, including opportunities to count, recognise colours and shapes. These activities are also extended to challenge children further, if they are already confident in these areas. There is also opportunities for different physical activities, to enhance gross motor skills- such as soft play and climbing opportunities. Mel is always happy to help and support wherever possible and will work with parents to ensure there is clear consistency, between home and the setting. Mel is very positive and calm and delivers clear, firm boundaries always, using positive praise and reassurance. This was one of the main things for us as parents. We cannot recommend highly enough as our child is very safe with Mel and there is really good communication between us. This was the main thing we needed to be confident about, whilst we were both at work.
Mel also offers an after school club. I really believe this has also supported our child’s confidence. He is used to being around children who are older. He will access different places we visit, with confidence and doesn’t shy away if other children are playing/ wanting to join in. The older children have access to their own area and activities or are able to play with the younger children, when appropriate. As an only child, this has been a lovely opportunity for him. Mel’s family are also really caring and friendly and are a big part of our child’s life. He also talks about them and enjoys seeing them daily. My husband and I couldn’t have chosen a better setting.
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Clv89
on 11/02/2025
Response by
Melanie
on 11/02/2025:
Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart that is so lovely to read.
Mel provides the most loving and caring environment for every child. The wrap around care has been fantastic for us and works seamlessly each day. Our daughter has blossomed under Mels kind and caring nature. Nothing is ever too much and every need is met, big or small. We are blessed to have been able to send our daughter to Mel the last few years, where each evening a loving family home becomes our daughters home from home. We cannot recommend this environment enough for any child :)
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MrsT
on 11/02/2025
Couldn't recommend Mel more highly! My daughter Olivia absolutely loves going here, sometimes I think she would prefer to stay rather than come home!! Great home-cooked meals, a lovely environment and someone who is on the ball...what more could you want?!
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Kirsty_B
on 06/03/2019
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This profile was last updated on 8th November 2026 and 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.