Nicola Richards
Childminder in Kirkby
Usually responds within 30 minutes
Female Member since May 2010 Last Updated Jan 2025 Last Login 22 Jan 2025
My Summary
About Me
My name is Nicola, I have 2 daughters, aged 26 & 21. We live in a big detached house with a secure spacious garden with lots of play equipment, in the Shevington Park area of Kirkby.
After working for Local Government, Social Services for 23 years I decided it was time for a career change to do something that is rewarding and more fun.
I am Ofsted Registered, (Reg May 2010) and in Nov 2011 and 2015 I was rated Good. In 2020 I was rated good with one element of outstanding
I offer children healthy nutritional meals, engaging them to make our own soups, dinners and healthy snacks.
I offer free childcare places for two and three year olds subject to government requirements. (15hrs a week)
I work alongside childminders from all over Knowsley - we all liaise, share ideas together, we share the same work ethos and enjoy our planned activities and days out.
I have Public Liability Insurance via childcare.uk
I hold a clean driving liciense for business use
My safeguarding, Food Safety and 1st Aid are all up to date.
I attend and participate in regular training courses and Network Meetings to ensure I am upto date with changing legislation. I have signed up to attend 7 training courses so far this year.
I take the children to the local sure start activity centres, Mother and Toddler Groups to mix with other childminders / parents and their children. I take the children to Town Green park in Aughton, Coronation Park in Ormskirk Taylor Park in St Helens, Botanic Gardens in Southport, Croxteth Park for picnics and organised trips to Museums, Zoo's, Acorn Farm, Crosby Mariner, Martin Mere, Safari Park, Swimming, Windmill Farm, Monkey Forest.
My Experience
Excellent value childcare - 14yrs in child care. Birth - 11 yrs
My Qualifications
I attended and obtained certificates in:
Safeguarding,
Paediatric First Aid,
Early Years Foundation,
Food Safety,
Observation, Assessment and Planning,
Meeting the 6 Areas of Learning,
Schemas for Children,
Equallity & Diversity for 0 - 60 months,
Health & Safety,
Autistic Spectrum Awareness,
Promoting Positive Behaviour
HENRY. (Healthy Eating & Nutrition for the Really Young
City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma for Children & Young Peoples Workforce.
Makaton (Sept 12)
Nutrition for Children (October 12)
My Availability
I am available from 8.00 - 4.45pm
I can do pick ups and drop offs to and from your home due to availability.
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before School | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Morning | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Afternoon | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| After School | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Evening | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Overnight | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Last Updated: 26/12/2024 | |||||||
My Fees
- Childminding from £4.50 per hour
£40 per day
Includes; breakfast, lunch, snacks, trips to play groups like
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 Ofsted Inspections
The inspection grades below have been obtained from the Ofsted website based upon the registration number the childminder has provided to us. You should verify this information yourself prior to using the childminder.
My Documents
- UK Driving Licence (added 03/05/2023)
Reviews
5 out of 5
Parents say
This childminder is highly praised for providing exceptional care and education in a loving, family-like environment. Parents consistently report their children thriving under her care, with noticeable improvements in confidence, social skills, and academic readiness. The childminder offers a wide range of engaging activities, outdoor experiences, and personalized attention. Her commitment to communication and flexibility is also frequently commended by parents.
Summary generated by AI from the text of most recent member reviews
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Nicola Richards. 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.
My little boy started with Nicci when he was 18 months. It’s always a hard decision to find someone to trust to look after your children but finding Nicci was the best thing we’ve ever done. She genuinely cares about him as if he was her family and she made him feel safe, happy and secure. We couldn’t have asked for a better fit for our family, she’s always been willing to go the extra mile. Nicci helped inspire his love for learning and supported us when we needed help and advice. Our little girl will start with Nicci soon and it’s so reassuring to know she’ll be appreciated and loved from the beginning!
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Kirstino
on 16/09/2024
I took my daughter out of a private nursery as I felt she was not meeting the milestones for her age and every morning was a struggle getting her to go in
I started her with Nicci and it’s the BEST decision I have made
My daughter was shy only spoke to family members since being with Nicci she has became a lot more confident and absolutely loved going to her childminder Nicci
She has now stared school and is exceeding in all areas for her age and that’s all down to Nicci
my daughter wished she didn’t have to go to school so she could stay with Nicci forever
My youngest has also started when he was 6months
(now currently 18months )
And he too absolutely loves it and is coming on leaps and bounds with Nicci
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Claire
on 16/09/2024
Nicci has been a huge part of our lives for over 3 years now, due to being my daughter’s full time childminder! Nicci goes above and beyond, my daughter absolutely loves her 🫶🏻
Nicci is not just our childminder she has become more like family. Nic came to my wedding as a guest, and my daughter’s preference was to be with nicci for the majority of the day; this shows their special bond.
At 3 years of age she is exceeding in writing her name, knowing her numbers, drawing shapes and overall in her development. I was shocked when she knew how to crack an egg on her own without getting the shell in the cake mix. Her level of knowledge around hygiene, table manners, etc is fantastic and it’s all thanks to nicci.
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Amanda
on 23/02/2024
There genuinely isn't enough positive phrases to express my child's experience at Nicola's. She absolutely adored Nicola and Jane and although she left in September still asked about Nicci and her friends at the setting. The time, care and dedication Nicola gives to each and every child on an individual basis is exceptional! Everyone I know who is looking for childcare Nicola is the first name I recommend, although I would say get in there early as she is very in demand and gets booked well in advance.
Best decision I made sending my little one to Nicola's and she has prepared her for moving onto a school setting impeccable.
Thank you genuinely doesn't go far enough to show my gratitude.
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Kate
on 21/01/2024
Our son started at Nicci's when he was 12 months old on a temporary basis due to the inconsistency of his private nursery during COVID.
He settled in so well that we decided to keep him there. I love the fact Nicci provides personalised care for all the children. She will provide excellent advice with regards to your child's development and maturity. The children get to spend a lot of time outside, weather permitting, which he would not be able to do at a private nursery.
Nicci will always try and help with emergency care if she is able.
I always knew my son loved Nicci but it definitely showed at a recent family party where she was also at. My son was not interested in me and wanted to go to her the whole day 🤣
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Jennifer
on 15/07/2023
my daughter has been going to nicci since she was 6 months old, it really was the best decision we could’ve made. Our daughter is now 4 and off to school reception in September with us choosing to keep her with nicci instead of school nursery, because she absolutely loves going to nicci alongside the development, attention and care given to her by nicci is second to none- no other placement would’ve given her that.
my daughter has been developed so, so much by nicci in all of the areas, she’s flying in every aspect and actually thrives on learning new things. she loves her nicci and nicci loves her and the other kids too. the most worrying thing is leaving your child with someone but I can honestly say nicci is the most amazing lady who really goes above and beyond for the kids and their families. If i could keep our daughter with her forever i would. With nicci being ofsted register she follows the national curriculum with additional extras added in, she makes everything such fun most recently we have had caterpillars turning into butterflies, chicks hatching, plants growin, posting letters and learning life skills alongside traditional educational items. The kids are taught in a welcoming and safe environment full of love and happiness I really could never recommend nicci enough we are forever in-debt to her for all she has done for us, honestly if you can get a place with her you would be extremely lucky and will be grateful for it too, your children will thank you for making such a great decision! her reviews speak for themselves! Nicci is a phenomenal lady always doing things for others! she genuinely loves what she does and she is so dedicated to her ninjas - one in a MILLION x
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siobhan
on 14/07/2023
Where do I begin, Nicci has been my childminder for two of my children and I’d never choose anyone else, Nicci is not only the best child minder but she treats all the kids like they are her family, my daughter calls her my Nicci, both of my children that was in Nicci’s care have excelled and are clever smart and wise beyond their years, if I had more children (not planning on it 🙄) I’d be booking my place while pregnant as Nicci books up very fast and it’s clear to see why. My daughter leaves this Christmas and she’s going to be devastated to not see Nicci everyday as she just loves her so much, I can’t thank Nicci enough for all the work, knowledge, and encouragement she has given both of my kids and made learning fun. If you are looking for a child minder look no further, you won’t regret it.
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Vicky
on 06/12/2022
Nicci (my son calls her his Nicci) has been an amazing part and still is a big part of my sons life
Nicci creates a good balance with education work and also free play! My son has become very independent and very confident and I count my blessings that I was able to get a place with Nicci! Also before the age of 2 my son could count and recognize numbers and also his name, he knew all his colors and his shapes! He now has a thirst for learning! This is all Niccis work she has most definitely took a lot of pressure off me as I am a buzy working mum
Thankyou Nicci you really are the best!! Xxx
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Kellymac
on 17/10/2022
I was recommended Nicola through friends and am so glad I did.
My daughter went to Nicola for 2 and half years before she started full time nursery in September and yet I still continue to use her in school holidays.
My daughter adores going and it’s not hard to see why.
She brought on my daughter so much with the perfect amount of learning and play.
All the children who attend Nicola are so lovely and I think a lot of this is down to her on how she treats the children and has them associating together.
I could go on all day singing Nicolas praises and it is much deserved. I look forward to using her again with my daughter and my new baby.
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EllyBx
on 26/07/2022
Nicky looked after my son for approx 18 months for 5 days a week. His development under Nicky was outstanding. Working alongside SENDCO Nicky implemented an education support package for him( in her own time) as it became clear that he had a few learning difficulties. As a result of this he has now started main stream school and is flourishing. I would not hesitate for a second in recommending Nicky as a childminder. Her home is imaculate and the children who attend all arrive with a smile on there face and leave happy. Nicky was like a second mother to my son and i can not praise her enough. If you use anyone else for childcare then your child is missing out.
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SteBoard
on 04/09/2021
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