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.
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
Response from Nicola
Responded
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.