Nicola

Helping little ones grow with confidence, kindness

Our daughter has been in Nicola's care since she was just 15 months old, and watching how much she has grown, developed and thrived during that time has been incredible. As parents, there is no greater reassurance than knowing your child is happy, safe and genuinely cared for.

Nicola has created such a warm, nurturing and stimulating environment where the children can learn through play and exploration. One thing we particularly appreciate is that she doesn't rely on screens to entertain the children. Instead, they spend their days being creative, learning new skills and making the most of her fantastic outdoor space.

Every single day during term time, Nicola takes the children to local playgroups, giving them wonderful opportunities to socialise, build confidence and take part in a variety of activities. It's a fantastic part of their routine and something our daughter has absolutely loved. During the school holidays, Nicola goes above and beyond by organising trips to parks, soft play centres and other exciting outings, ensuring the children are always active, engaged and making wonderful memories. She truly makes every day an adventure.

We have also relied on Nicola to care for our eldest daughter during the school holidays, and she has always welcomed her with the same warmth, enthusiasm and care. It speaks volumes about Nicola's abilities that she is just as brilliant with older children as she is with little ones. She has a wonderful way of engaging children of different ages, making them all feel included, valued and excited to be there.

She has also been incredibly accommodating and understanding when it has come to supporting us around our work commitments. Her flexibility and willingness to help have made such a difference to our family, and we are so grateful for her support over the years.

Above all, Nicola is completely dedicated to the children she cares for. She genuinely treats them as if they were her own, and it shows in everything she does. Our youngest daughter has flourished under her care not only in her confidence and independence but also socially and emotionally. Nicola has played such an important role in shaping her early years, and we truly believe she has given her the very best start in life.

We feel incredibly lucky to have found Nicola and would recommend her wholeheartedly to any family looking for a caring, trustworthy and exceptional childminder.

Thank you, Nicola, for your endless kindness, dedication and love. You are truly one in a million, and every child would be lucky to have you.

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by shavi on 19/06/2026

Response by Nicola on 19/06/2026:

Thank you for this amazing review. It’s been my privilege to care for your children and I’m so happy that my passion for childcare shines through.

An amazing childminder I truly trust

I don’t usually write reviews, but for Nicola (and Raj), I genuinely wanted to, because she has been such an important part of my little boy’s life.

My son has been with her since 2024, starting when he was only 17 months old, and trusting someone else with your baby at that age is not easy. As a parent, leaving your child with someone else is one of the biggest decisions you make, and from the very beginning, she made him and me feel safe. Her setting is a caring, nurturing, structured and professional environment where he has thrived.

He is now almost 3 years old and it is obvious how comfortable, secure and loved he feels there. He has formed a lovely bond with Nicola, Raj and the other children in her care and this gives me so much reassurance and peace of mind.

She has cared for him with kindness, patience, warmth and genuine affection throughout every stage of his development. She has celebrated his milestones, birthdays, supported his growing independence and provided an environment where he has flourished emotionally, socially and personally.

Communication has always been excellent and I’m kept informed about what he is up to for the day, including pictures. If there are any concerns, Nicola shares this with me and I get a daily report at the end of each day, just before pick up.

You can see how much she cares, not only in the way she interacts with the children, but in the environment she creates. I see genuine dedication with Nicola and Raj and she is always available for questions I may have about my son’s day and general development. My son has built confidence, friendships, routines, educational skills and wonderful memories throughout his time with her. He will continue to attend her setting even as he moves into formal primary school education.

I will always be grateful for the care, support and love she has shown my son and I feel very lucky to have found her and Raj.

I would recommend her wholeheartedly to any family looking for a truly caring, experienced and devoted childminder.

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by Bim on 04/06/2026

Wonderful Childminder, Outstanding Care

Nicola has been looking after our daughter since September 2025, and we couldn't be happier with the care she provides.
She is a genuinely caring person who always wants the best for the children in her care. Her setting is very well organised, and the daily routines and activities are thoughtfully planned with a strong focus on children's development and wellbeing.
We really appreciate the daily updates, photos, and reports, which show how committed she is to keeping parents informed and reassured that their children are happy and well cared for.
Our daughter initially struggled to settle in, but Nicola, together with her husband Raj, was incredibly supportive and patient. They worked wonders, and now Kalina loves going there so much. This says it all; she feels happy, secured and loved there. Both Nicola and Raj are wonderful people who genuinely dedicate their time, energy, and hearts to the children in their care.
We could not wish for a better childminder for our daughter, and without any hesitation, we would recommend Nicola and Raj to any parent looking for exceptional childcare.

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by Karolina on 01/06/2026

Response by Nicola on 02/06/2026:

Thank you for your review. It’s been an absolute pleasure watching Kalina settle and I’m so incredibly proud of her. Her English has progressed significantly and I can’t wait to watch her thrive in school. X

Nicola is so helpful

My experience with Nikola has been very different from some of the comments I have read.
I can clearly see that she cares about children and enjoys working with them. She is patient, kind, and always tries to help children develop and learn. When she notices that my daughter is struggling with something, she focuses on helping her improve in a gentle and positive way, without putting pressure on her.
Nikola has a good heart, a lot of patience, and a genuine passion for childcare. My daughter is happy in her care, and that is the most important thing for me as a parent.
I have always found her caring, responsible, and dedicated to the children. I appreciate the effort she puts into her work every day.
Based on my own experience, I would happily recommend Nikola to other parents.

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by Marysia on 31/05/2026

Response by Nicola on 31/05/2026:

Thank you for the amazing review. It’s an absolute pleasure caring for Lena and watching her develop her English and join in with all the other children. I can’t wait to see her thrive in school this September. X

BEST CHILDMINDER ❤️

I have known Nicola for over 20 years, as our sons attended the same school, were in the same class, and were best friends.

Nicola has been looking after my two daughters for over two and a half years, and I honestly could not ask for a better childminder. She is incredibly attentive, loving, caring, and dedicated. In many ways, she has been like a second mum to my girls.

She always goes above and beyond to support me, especially as I work very long shifts. Every time I collect my daughters, Nicola takes the time to update me on their day and keeps me informed about everything.

My girls could not be in safer or more caring hands. I genuinely believe I would not have been able to achieve what I have over the past few years without Nicola's help and support. She is an extraordinary person in so many ways.

I would highly recommend both Nicola and Raj to anyone looking for reliable, caring, and professional childcare.

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by Barbara on 31/05/2026

Response by Nicola on 31/05/2026:

Thank you for your amazing review. I have loved watching the girls grow and develop their own amazing personalities. I’m so proud of the hard work and determination you have shown in getting your current job. I know it wasn’t easy. Family forever xx

Brilliant childcare

Nicola has played an important part in looking after my son for nearly two years now and has earned my trust.
I am absolutely grateful to have someone I trust look after my son during school hours. I receive regular updates and communication which keeps me informed about daily activities, and wellbeing.

Nicola certainly is a great childminder and someone we love working with.

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by Oladimej on 24/05/2026

Response by Nicola on 24/05/2026:

Thank you so much for your review. It means the world to me. I love how confident Kash has become and all the children love it when he’s here in my setting. I can’t wait to see him thrive in school this September.

Best childminder ❤️

My daughter has been with Nicola for the past 2–3 months, and I honestly couldn’t be happier with the care she receives. I was extremely apprehensive about placing her in childcare, as she had never settled well in previous settings. However, from the moment I met Nicola and Raj, I knew my little girl would be happy and well cared for.
Nicola has such a caring and nurturing nature and instantly put me at ease. I absolutely love the daily updates, especially the lovely little photos showing what my little girl has been up to throughout the day. We also receive a detailed daily information sheet, which gives a great breakdown of her day and is so reassuring as a parent.
When I collect Ottilie and Nicola opens the door, she excitedly screams, “Mum, I’ve had the best day ever!” and that says everything to me. I prefer to send packed food with my daughter, so I know her time with Nicola is filled purely with fun, care, laughter, and happiness.
I truly couldn’t recommend Nicola highly enough.

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by Kerry on 23/05/2026

Response by Nicola on 23/05/2026:

Thank you so much for your review. I’m so glad to hear Ottilie is super happy with me. She’s an amazing little girl who fits in so well with all the children. X

MRS Nicola care about money only !!! be aware!!!

I would like to leave an honest review regarding my experience over the last 2–3 months.

The main reasons I chose this childminder in the first place were the positive reviews, the close distance to San Rafael School, and the very good first impression she gave me at the beginning.

However, my experience turned out to be extremely disappointing.

The childcare support I received as a student was meant to help cover childcare costs for my children. Once she found out that the payments were coming through student finance support, I suddenly started being charged £20 per day for simply taking two children to school in the morning. On top of that, I had to provide my own food and breakfast for the children.

During the entire period, I did not receive a single proper update about my children — no photos, no messages about their wellbeing, no communication about how they were settling or feeling. What I did receive, almost daily (including late evenings and the next mornings), were reminders about payments, invoices, and requests for money.

Additionally, during colder days my children were not properly dressed and were allowed into the conservatory area without shoes or slippers, which caused frequent colds, runny noses, and discomfort. As a parent, I found this extremely concerning.

In total, for only four mornings a week of taking my children to school — while I was still providing food and breakfast myself — I was paying between £80–£100 weekly. In my honest opinion, this is completely unreasonable for the level of care and communication provided.

Sadly, I genuinely felt that the focus was entirely on money rather than on the children themselves. Over those months I never once saw any passion, warmth, or genuine interest in childcare. I also never heard her speak positively or lovingly about any of the children in her care, while invoices were being sent 2–3 times per week.

This is only my personal and honest opinion based on my own experience, but I do not believe this person has a genuine passion for working with children. To me, childcare should be about care, patience, kindness, and enjoying being around children — not simply about making money.

For this reason, I would personally NOT recommend this service.

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by Magda on 23/05/2026

Response by Nicola on 23/05/2026:

I’m sorry you felt the need to review my setting like this. I really do wish you and your children the very best.

My fee for childcare was £5 per hour per child. My attendance register shows your children attended from 7.15/20 some days until 8.30. I explained at the initial interview I do not provide food as I do not have the food hygiene certificate however I can provide milk/butter which is chargeable.

As a childminder I am not responsible for dressing your children, they should have arrived with clothing suitable for the weather that day as stated in the contract. The outside play area is a closed heated and weatherproof area and your children chose to play outside rather than inside. Your children wore shoes the whole time they were here even inside my house.
They chose not to interact with any of the children here at the time.

Although I love my job I have staff who need to be paid. I allowed your children to attend for more than 5 weeks without payment as your grant company were very slow. When your grant entitlement was questioned and then cancelled I then reduced your fee to help you which you did not pay. Your comment in your WhatsApp message regarding “paying me to pour milk” was very offence to the amazing staff member who is extremely trained which is why I terminated your contract immediately. I will tolerate abuse to my staff.

I pride myself with the communication I give to my parents at drop off and collection, however, I was not able to do this as the children were left on my doorstep and their dad never left his van. The children were safely taken into school. Not once did you contact me regarding any of the issues you have claimed on this review.

I am confused as to your comment regarding discussing other children’s welfare with you as due to confidentiality I would never discuss another child with anyone who attends my setting. I find this comment very strange.

My childcare children start with me at approximately 9 months old. I have just said goodbye to my 11 year olds who are moving on to high school this year. I hope this provides some context into how happy and settled these children are within my setting and I hope that one negative and unkind review does not allow people to judge my setting without speaking to me first.

Again I’m sorry you felt aggrieved. I wish you all the best.

The most caring childminder

My son started childminding with Nicola since he was 18 months and he is now 3. I was very nervous as I had two previous not so great experiences but Nicola made the whole process so smooth and my son really took to her. He never cried once which made me feel so much better. Nicola is always happy and bubbly and she is always flexible with changes to the routine. She allows the children to have a voice and has taught my son so many new things and kept track of his development. Nicola was recommended to me through a friend and I'm so glad we met her. She takes the children out daily to playgroup and to different places during the half term. My son always talks about both Nicola and Raj and is always happy when collect him. We get daily photos and updates on how his day went, which always reassures us! What I love the most is that Nicola tracks my son's development and keeps a file of it. Sadly we are relocating which is why we now have to leave but I would definitely recommend her setting, she is amazing 😊

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by Mel on 02/05/2024

Response by Nicola on 03/05/2024:

Thank you for an amazing review and for allowing me to be part of Ayaan’s life. I wish you and the family well in your new adventure. X

She has super powers

My children have been going to childminders since they’re 4 months old, I was looking for something new, I was hopeless until I found Nicola. She greets you with a smile, keeps the children busy and happy, is always very energetic and the children love her and Raj. I cannot thank her enough for all she does for my children, specially my son who has special needs . She is a super woman .

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by mrsJones on 04/10/2023

Response by Nicola on 04/01/2024:

I love your family and I’m so happy you can see this. Thank you for letting me be part of their childhood adventures.