Claire N
Childminder in Pontardawe (also available for babysitting)
Female Member since Jan 2013 Last Updated Jul 2025 Last Login Jul 2025
My Summary
About Me
? What Makes Munchkinos Special?
? A Homely, Outdoor-Focused Setting:
Children enjoy their own kitchen, cosy playroom and a large, engaging outdoor area. We spend the majority of our time outdoors exploring nature, in all seasons and weather. Our setting was proudly awarded Best Outdoor Area 2023 ?
? Child-Led, Curiosity-Inspired Learning:
We follow the Curiosity Approach and promote open-ended, imaginative play through loose parts, real-life experiences and gentle, respectful care.
???? Daily Mindfulness & Yoga:
I'm a qualified Yo-Chi children’s yoga teacher, and we incorporate calming, mindful moments into each day to support emotional wellbeing and body awareness.
?? Life Skills & Independence:
Children are encouraged to help prepare their own snacks and meals, take part in gardening, and enjoy meaningful, real-life learning opportunities.
? Meet Bella!
Our small, friendly dog Bella is part of the family. She is not based in the main childcare area, but with parental consent, she may join us on outings like woodland walks. She’s calm, gentle, and brings lots of smiles to the children who enjoy interacting with animals.
? Fun, Laughter & Real Relationships:
We love what we do, and it shows! Our setting was also voted Biggest Joker 2024 — a reflection of the laughter, silliness, and joy we share with the children every day.
? Creativity & Community:
We regularly head out on forest and beach days, attend local playgroups and events, and encourage strong ties with Welsh culture, language and our local community.
? About Us as a Team
We’re a genuine husband and wife team, and families often tell us how much they value the consistency, balance and warmth that comes from having both a male and female role model. Toni brings a calm, fun-loving presence and was key to our setting being awarded Best After-School Provision 2024, while I bring years of experience in early years, mindfulness, holistic education and wellbeing.
We are accredited by the Healthy & Sustainable Pre-School Scheme, proud Little Magic Train ambassadors, and highly experienced in supporting a wide range of needs, routines, and transitions.
My Experience
I have had a varied career most of which enhance my qualities as a Childminder. I have also travelled extensively and enjoy sharing my experiences with the children.
I am currently The Early Years governor for our local school so have a good understanding of the. curriculum for Wales.
Myself and Toni also run 2 local baby and toddler playgroups once a week.
I have been a Childminder since September 2008 . I have also worked with young children to set up business enterprises, and organised community events as well as fund raising for mew equipment for our local park.
My Qualifications
I am educated to degree level and have all of the required Childminder qualifications ,as well as many others, as I believe strongly in CPD.
My Availability
I currently have full and part time places available from
My normal working hours are from 8.00- 5.30 Mon -Thu although I can care for children outside of these hours.
I provide school drop offs and pick ups from local schools.
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before School | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Morning | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Afternoon | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| After School | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Evening | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Overnight | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Last Updated: 27/07/2025 | |||||||
My Fees
- Babysitting from £10.00 per hour
- Childminding from £7.50 per hour
TBA with regard to specific requirements.
Generally full day is 60.00 (9 hours)
Half day 33.00
Afterschool care 20.00 (until 5.30)
All fees include healthy meals and snacks, playgroup fees and general admission costs into play areas.
Full day up to 9 hours
Half day up to 4 hours
Discount offered to children picked up before 3pm 35.00
My Local Schools
This childminder has not yet informed us whether or not they provide any drop off or pick up services at local schools.
My Documents
- Care Inspectorate Wales Certificate (added 02/01/2024)
Reviews
5 out of 5
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Claire N. Please note that reviews represent the subjective opinions of other Childcare.co.uk members and not of Childcare.co.uk. Parents must carry out their own checks and references on childcare providers to ensure that they are completely happy before enaging in the use of their services.
After changing my children's school recently I desperately needed to find new childcare, the head teacher of the childrens new school advised that Claire is a local childminder and I am so glad to have found her.
Claire found the time to meet us all and welcomed the children and within no time at all the kids really feel at home with Claire and her family.
I really like the way that Claire ensures that the kids are happy. My children will always have been fed a home cooked meal when I collect them and there are always crafts and other great activities going on for all of the children.
Claire goes out of her way to help out and always goes beyond the call of duty to make sure that my kids can go to the school disco or play when I have to be at work.
I would recommend Munchinos 100% and I am sure that the kids would too.
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Overall
by
Parent
on 13/01/2014
Clare has been a minder for my son Amiel for many years. not really settling at a local creche i decided to look for the alternative. didn't take too long to find Clare who also promoted the local school which at that point i had not decided on. after visiting her home and what she had to offer i wanted to start Amiel off right away! in no time at all Amiel seemed happier and no longer reluctant to be away from me as much. Clare always keeps you informed as to what your childihas been doing and answers any queries and is open to suggestions you may have. i feel Amiel benefited from a stimulating homely environment and one mind the got to understand and know my son. his funny ways, his strengths and weaknesses. i an very fussy about Amiels diet but no need to worry as Clare knows how to cook and offers a varied healthy option every time. the children are encouraged to help prepare the snacks and are meals making it far more interesting and exiting to eat it all up! Clare makes a special effort on birthdays and bakes a cake which is always delicious. have to add herh father also makes delicious healthy pizzas! Clare is up to date with any special requirements you may have and gives good info on charges and possible help from other sources. Amiel is in full time school now so only attends after school which he enjoys.he loves going to the park, picnics in the park, playing with others and making crafts which Clare is good at making exciting and fun! days but are brill, she manages to think up great ideas to suit all the ages, not easy. Amiel is always happy and three when i collect sometimes asking me to leave so he can stay a little longer! a sign of a great minding service.
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Overall
by
Parent
on 12/01/2014
We first met Claire when I was pregnant with my son Gregor and looking for a childcare provider. The minute I stepped into her house, I felt a warm feeling and knew that this would be where Gregor would be most happy. I looked around the locality for other child care providers, but my heart and head came back to Claire (Munchkinos).
Gregor started with Claire when he was 7 months old and he was with Claire for 3 years, up until her youngest son was born. As it happened Gregor was starting school around the same time, however he missed Claire and her children so much. Even now, he often asks to go and play at Aunty Claire's. My daughter (8years) also loves spending time with Claire and Munchkinos and if she had her own way would be there every day.
Claire attracts children and she is excellent with them, she has great behavioural management strategies and is made to work with children.
Claire is reliable, trustworthy and will bend over backwards to try and help you out. I have often said to Claire that I don't know what I would do without her. I am so glad that we still see her regularly at the school and I feel like she has become a good friend to my whole family. My children often talk about 'Aunty Claire' and miss her greatly when they don't see her.
I can say with my hand on my heart that all of the above reviews are accurate and Claire's own profile is true to her word. Honestly, you will not be disappointed if you and your child joins forces with munchkinos.
-
Overall
by
Saraht4
on 06/02/2013
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This profile has been produced from information provided to us by the user. We have not verified or confirmed the accuracy of any of the information and members should undertake their own vigorous checks and references. Please ensure you read our Safety Advice and information on how to Check Childcare Provider Documents.
