Lorraine

Disappointing communication

Childminder setting closed due to Lorraine moving areas however several parent asked to be updated once they had seen the house on the market and there was no updates until suddenly we were given 4 weeks notice to find alternative childcare. Notice was given to parents when completion date had clearly been agreed. The last week of the business being open removal men were going in to the setting where the children were and parents were not notified . Children also came home very upset and distressed as they had to watch there toys being packed away with no explaination . The last 4 weeks there was no comms with parent or concerns from Lorraine if we had found new childcare and took no interest in the children. Handover emails and daily comms had incorrect children’s names on and our new nursery is still waiting for the funding to be handed over by Lorraine.

Staff were made redundant at the same time and lied to which is the second time this has happened with this business.

Parent have been left with finding new settings last minute due to the way this has been handled with a huge impact on the children feel very unsettled with all the instant change which they were not prepared for and instead watching out the windows at there toys being packed away.

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by Amy on 23/10/2026

Response by Lorraine on 23/10/2026:

I am extremely disappointed by this review, particularly as it contains a number of inaccuracies which I feel compelled to address.
Firstly, parents were fully aware that our property was on the market, however, as anyone who has experienced the house-buying process will appreciate, a sale is never guaranteed until contracts have been exchanged. Once exchange took place and our move was legally confirmed, all parents were promptly issued with the full four weeks’ notice required under their childcare contracts. This was neither a sudden closure nor a failure to provide the agreed notice.
Regarding the removal work, this took place over just one and a half days, not throughout the final week as suggested. Removal staff did not enter or interfere with the children’s childcare areas. The children were supervised at all times, the items being removed were outdoor garden equipment, not the children’s indoor toys or learning resources. Removal staff did not at any time enter any area where children were playing. Unfortunately, I had not been informed in advance that the removal team would be attending that day.
I acknowledge that two children became upset during this period, which I sincerely regret. However, I do not accept the suggestion that their emotional wellbeing was disregarded. The children continued to receive care, reassurance and support throughout the transition. Our last day was lovely, and all children went home very happy and content, I received lovely messages from parents that evening confirming so.
The allegation that there was no communication with parents during the final four weeks is simply incorrect. I was personally present at the gate for daily handovers, responded to messages, provided transition documentation and remained actively involved in supporting the children and their families. To suggest that I took no interest in the children is both inaccurate and particularly disappointing.
I acknowledge that one email contained an incorrect child’s name. This was an unfortunate administrative error during an exceptionally demanding period, and not a reflection of the care, attention or commitment I have consistently shown to the children.
I have also personally liaised with receiving nurseries regarding the transfer of childcare funding. Funding arrangements have been addressed through the appropriate channels, and any outstanding administrative processes should not be misrepresented as funding being deliberately withheld.
Finally, I am also disappointed that this review includes references to staff redundancies and previous employment matters, which are entirely separate from the childcare provided to this family. I am aware that the reviewer maintains personal relationships with former members of staff; however, I do not believe that private employment matters or information obtained through third parties should form part of a public review of my childcare services. My priority has always been the wellbeing of the children in my care, and I believe reviews should be based on a family’s own direct experiences.
After 14 years in childcare, I take my professional responsibilities and reputation extremely seriously. I have cared for many children and families over the years, building positive relationships and receiving consistently excellent feedback.
I fully respect every parent’s right to express their experience, including disappointment. However, I equally believe that public reviews should be fair, balanced and factually accurate, particularly when they have the potential to damage someone’s professional reputation and livelihood.
I remain proud of the care I have provided, the relationships I have built and the professional standards I have maintained throughout my 14 year career. My longstanding record and the many positive experiences of families who have entrusted their children to my care speak for themselves.

Amazing Childminder

My children have been looked after by Lorraine from age 2 months - 6 years. They settled in very quickly with her and over the years Lorraine's has become a second home to them where they feel totally comfortable and have made many close friends.
Lorraine is amazing with children of all ages and gives them the greatest level of care. The setting is wonderful with a lovely house and large garden with lots for the kids to play with. They also go out for regular trips to the park and other activities.
Lorraine is extremely flexible and even collects the children from school which is a massive help to busy working parents.
Highly recommend!

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by Wendy Vi on 23/09/2023

Response by Lorraine on 10/10/2023:

Thank you xx

Excellent childminder!!

Lorraine and her team provide an excellent service in terms of reliability, communication, meals, flexibility etc… but moreover, they provide a warm, caring, fun, stimulating, educational and loving environment. We saw several childminders in our search and Lorraine shone out from the rest. Our daughter was there for almost 4.5 years and our so is still there (with another 2 years to go!). Our children have always been so happy there and it has worked out so well for us that is makes being working parents much easier.

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by HMA on 17/09/2023

Response by Lorraine on 10/10/2023:

Thank you xxx

Amazing, Warm, Caring, Outstanding Childminder

My 2 sons have come to Lorraine's on & off since they were tiny, and still love coming even at 12 & 15 yrs old. Lorraine is a natural With children of all ages. Fun loving & bubbly, intuitive and compassionate to each child's needs. Her premises/facilities are amazing! Organised, clean & tidy there is so much to do/to play with in the play room. The garden is my boys favorite! The apparatus, space, sand & water play are fantastic & the forest school is loved by all. My boys love coming here and don't want to leave. Not to mention Lorraine's food which is home cooked, nutritious and according to my 2, better than my cooking!
If you are looking for a home feel, happy & natural childcare setting, look no further.

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by Carly on 17/09/2023

Response by Lorraine on 17/09/2023:

Thank you Carly xxx

the best of the best!

I couldn’t recommend Lorraine enough! I visited a substantial amount of childminders before coming across Lorraine and I felt so at ease leaving my daughter there. She is lovely, we get a daily update on what the children are doing/meals & trips out! She’s really is the best of the best, my daughter loves going to Lorraine, her home is beautiful with a lovely garden and summer house with everything and more children need.

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by Rebecca on 15/09/2023

Response by Lorraine on 15/09/2023:

Thank you Rebecca xx

Outstanding setting and care

Our first daughter joined Lorraine, when she was almost 2. Now she is almost 5, started school, but she missis her every day :) Lorraine has brilliant house, garden, menu and development program. Our second daugter strted 6 month ago and she is super happy. We never had any issues, Lorrain is super flexible and help you to resolve any problems quicly and with smile. I am so thankful that we met her as i cannot imagen how we would managed without of her help and support.

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by Anna on 15/09/2023

Response by Lorraine on 15/09/2023:

Thank you Anna xx

Friendly, caring and flexible care

Our daughter has just started school and loves it but still talks about going back to Lorraine's! She has received such great care and is looking forward to going back for holidays. She has enjoyed the activities and playing in the garden as well as the trips out.
As a parent, the daily messages of the activities she has taken part in and what she has eaten for meals has been great to receive. We wouldn't hesitate to ask Lorraine to look after any further children in the knotted they will be well looked after and have a great time!

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by Kristian on 15/09/2023

Response by Lorraine on 15/09/2023:

Thank you Kristian xx

The best

I cannot praise Lorraine highly enough. She has looked after my first daughter for 3.5 years and now also my second. We love her - she's brilliant with the children, but also really organised and professional and has an amazing set up. She is genuinely like the "unicorn" of childminders - an amazing find and we're so grateful we found her.

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by Louise on 15/09/2023

Response by Lorraine on 15/09/2023:

Thank you Louise!! Xxxx

Outstanding and loving childminder!

My two little ones have been with Lorraine for two years now and I couldn't be any happier with the care and love from Lorraine!! Her house is beautiful and spacious with the added bonus of Brian the friendly Labrador! Lorraine managed to make my two very comfortable instantly. They cry nearly every time they get picked up due to all the fun and toys Lorraine offers! She's very understanding and welcoming. I would highly recommend you booking a visit and meeting Lorraine she's just brilliant! All children flock to her like marry poppins! X

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by Parent on 05/02/2015

Response by Lorraine on 15/09/2023:

Thank you Rachel xx

Amazing!

Lorraine is a warm, caring childminder who has looked after my child for a year now. My little boy has thrived in her care and I would highly recommend her

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by Parent on 05/02/2015

Response by Lorraine on 15/09/2023:

Thank you Ann x