not recommended
Unfortunately, our experience with this childminder was very disappointing.
Our son started attending at the end of March and was happy to go for the first two weeks. After that, something changed dramatically. He began crying as soon as we parked outside the house and became terrified of going inside, often crying continuously.
A few days later, we were informed that he had started showing aggressive behaviour and biting other children. After spending more time in their care, he also became fearful of strangers and even family members he had not seen for a while. It is difficult for us to understand what happened during his time there.
We were told that he had written on the walls and, as a consequence, was made to stand in the corner. We were also informed that this was their approach whenever he behaved badly. In our opinion, this is not an appropriate disciplinary method for a toddler and may have contributed to his increased frustration and anger.
The childminders were provided with a detailed report from our son’s previous childminder, explaining how to manage his tantrums and support his communication and emotional regulation through a graduated approach. The report strongly recommended that any new setting continue using these strategies. Unfortunately, it appears that this advice was not followed.
Communication was also very poor. We often struggled to get responses to our messages and rarely received updates or photos.
Due to these concerns, we decided to give the required four weeks’ notice in accordance with the contract. However, the following day, we were informed that our contract had been terminated immediately because they felt unable to manage our son and had no additional support options available.
This left us without childcare and put our jobs at risk. We were frequently asked to collect our son early and had to take numerous days off work.
As a result, we submitted a report to Ofsted regarding the unprofessional care provided and the failure to follow the recommendations from our son’s previous childminder.
Overall, this was a very upsetting experience, and unfortunately, we would not recommend this childcare setting to other parents.
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Response from Clarkes Childminders
Responded
We are disappointed to read this review as it does not accurately reflect our experience of this placement or the extensive efforts made to support the child concerned.
The wellbeing of every child in our care is our highest priority.
Throughout this placement we worked closely with the family to support the child's transition into our setting and to understand the difficulties he was experiencing.
We maintained extensive communication with the parent throughout, including regular WhatsApp messages, daily updates, discussions at drop-off and collection, and records through our Tapwstry App.
We hold detailed written records and evidence of all communications, including hundreds of messages exchanged throughout the placement and therefore do not recognise the suggestion that communication was poor.
We would also like to address the statement that the child was made to "stand in a corner". At no point was the child made to stand in a corner as punishment. The child was supported using a cosy self regulation area within our playroom (as recommended by previous childminder) containing books, cushions, soft furnishings and a rug, which is available for all children to use.
This approach was consistent with the information provided to us during handover from the previous childminder, which stated that the child responded best when given space to self regulate when feeling overwhelmed.
The review also suggests that recommendations from the previous childminder were not followed. We strongly disagree with this statement. We carefully reviewed the handover information provided and implemented the strategies and guidance contained within it.
The report did not identify any requirement for one-to-one support or additional SEND provision.
We made every effort to support the child's individual needs and help him settle within our setting.
The statement that we frequently requested early collection is also inaccurate. During the placement there was one occasion where we requested collection due to the child's level of distress, and one further occasion where the parent chose to collect early.
We hold written records relating to these events.
As with all childcare providers, we have a duty of care to every child attending our setting. Throughout the placement we communicated concerns openly, explored possible solutions with the family and made considerable efforts to help the placement succeed.
Unfortunately, despite those efforts, it became clear that the arrangement was not working as hoped and the professional relationship ultimately broke down.
We are also concerned by the implication that the family was left without childcare unexpectedly. The parent had already provided notice to end the placement and following a breakdown in the professional relationship, we brought the arrangement to an end two days earlier than the original notice period.
All outstanding fees and the family's deposit were refunded in full.
While we fully respect a parent's right to share their experience, we believe this review contains a number of inaccuracies and omissions which do not reflect the records we hold.
We are able to provide comprehensive documentation, including written communications, care records and supporting evidence relating to this placement.
We remain confident that the care, support and communication provided throughout this placement were appropriate, professional and always carried out in the best interests of all children in our care.
We wish the family and the child concerned all the very best for the future.