Dan

Good service, at first

Eb looked after my daughter very well between dropoff and pickup. She took her to the library and assisted her writing skills.
However there were concerns when it came to payments. We had to make a private payment for March 2026 for our daughter to start at the Nursery as Eb was unable to get the funding in time. She advised that she'd refund the private payment once the funding for that same month came through. However, once the funding came through for that month, she then advised she wouldn't be able to refund the private payment but would instead use this as credit towards newly increased future payments (even though we advised that we'd rather receive the refund and make the future payments as and when required). She eventually stopped communicating when trying to chase this, even after I raised a formal complaint.

There were also multiple instances where, upon pickup of my daughter at the end of the day, she wouldn't let my daughter put her shoes on inside the house.

Communication in general was also very difficult as, when not in-person, we were only allowed to communicate by email - no quick texts, calls, or Whatsapps were accepted. Initially this wasn't an issue, however after a few weeks, responses to queries would only come 2-3 days after we had engaged in communiation. For time-sensitive queries, this made things tricky.

Lastly, even though the advert advised of no extra costs (such as for learning materials or food), the childminder advised that this would be introduced and provided no free alternatives. The local authority advised that ability to opt out must be provided and free alternatives must be provided.

FYI - This childminder operates through a childminder agency called Tiney. Do your research on them to understand what their role is as the agency.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Dan about Eb Coker (Childminder) on 04/06/2026

Response by Eb Coker on 08/07/2026:

Thank you for your review.

I am pleased that you recognised the quality of care and learning opportunities provided to your daughter during her time at Little Oasis Nursery.

I would, however, like to clarify the circumstances surrounding the March 2026 payment.

Your daughter started attending the Nursery on the 9th of March 2026. As this was after the Local Authority deadline for submitting funded childcare estimates for that funding period, a private payment was required to cover childcare provided between 9th and 31st of March. The private payment was made on the 13th of March.

The Local Authority funding for the same period was subsequently received on the 2nd of April, after the childcare for March had already been fully provided. Had the funding been received during March, I would have been able to refund the unused portion of the private payment for the remaining childcare period. However, once the childcare had already been delivered, the private payment had been applied to the childcare provided and could not be retrospectively refunded.

In addition, the Local Authority funding guidance provided to childcare providers does not permit funded childcare payments to be refunded directly to parents. Where a refund is required, it must be refunded back to the Local Authority or applied to childcare funding. This was explained to you in writing at the time, and I offered to apply the equivalent amount as a credit towards future childcare fees.

Your review states that I did not refund the money but omits the reason why, which gives readers an incomplete picture of what occurred.

Regarding communication, Little Oasis Nursery uses email as its primary method of communication for matters relating to contracts and invoicing. This ensures there is a written record of important discussions while allowing my full attention to remain on the children during the childcare day. Parents are advised that email responses are normally provided within 48 hours. As this was what the bulk of communication during your childcare period involved, communication was predominantly via email. However there was with you on the tiney app in relation providing updates on your child’s day and activities

I appreciate we had differing views on a number of contractual matters and respect your right to share your experience. However, I believe it is important that prospective parents have the full context so they can form their own view.

I wish you and your family all the best for the future, and I hope you find a childcare arrangement that suits your needs.

Take care
Eb