Nicola Richards's Reviews

Kind, caring and compassionate!

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!

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Kirstino on 16/09/2024

The best

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

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Claire on 16/09/2024

More like family 🫶

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.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Amanda on 23/02/2024

Highly highly recommend!!

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.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Kate on 21/01/2024

Saviour

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 🤣

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Jennifer on 15/07/2023

THE BEST!

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

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by siobhan on 14/07/2023

Amazing!

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.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Vicky on 06/12/2022

My Nicci

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

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Kellymac on 17/10/2022

Couldn’t of asked for better🙌🏼x

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.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by EllyBx on 26/07/2022

Wish i Could give 100 stars

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.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by SteBoard on 04/09/2021

Nicci's house

I have 3 children and two of them have gone to a big school nursery setting's .so on my third I thought i would try a childminder because i thought the group of children would be a lot smaller and my son would get more one to one time my son was very clingy an shy. it took a while for him to come out his shell .but when he did it was amazing to see.
he has come on brilliantly since being with nicci .
nicci is brilliant with kai and all the children she as a Professional approach making sure they get a balance of learning an play. kai went on to his next stage of nursery in September an i honestly believe if i never choose for kai to go to nicci he wouldn't of settled in so well now at his nursery now kai still askes to go niccis house now witch i do like him to still go in the half terms

thank you nicci for all you have done with my kai see you soon x

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Charlene on 23/09/2020

Not just a Childminder ‘My Nicci’

Nicci was the first childminder that we had ever used, as my daughter went to a private nursery. She was highly recommended to us and she did not disappoint!
Putting your trust in another person to look after your child, is such a difficult part of parenthood, especially when they are only 8 months old and have been unwell. I was very nervous initially as my son had been in hospital on a few occasions due to his breathing and I was thinking ‘how can she look at my 8 month old and other older kids on her?’ I can honestly say she has been amazing, she is like Superwomen!! The children really do look up to her and listen so well. She takes a genuine interest to develop your child the best she can.
Nicci would keep in touch through sending pictures, videos, or writing in a learning journal to keep us informed of our sons progress. This really helped. If she had any concerns/noticed any changes in him she would contact me immediately which again provided me with reassurance.
When my son was going through the ‘terrible twos’ stage she worked with me to ensure that we were providing consistent approaches and responses to his behaviours which worked very well.
Nicci used a wide variety of healthy meals and snacks which my son thoroughly enjoyed ha. She takes time to prepare meals for each child’s needs/age.
My sons development has been fantastic over the years, which a number of people have commented on. I can honestly say that a large part of this is due to the time, effort and opportunities that Nicci has provided him with. He would not have experienced half of the opportunities that he has if he had been in a nursery setting.
Today was my sons last day after 2 1/2 years. Nicci provided him with a secure, safe, fun and caring environment. She was referred to as ‘My Nicci’ by my son and I know that he will miss her dearly, as will we.
I would highly recommend Nicci as a Childminder and wish her lots of luck in the future. If I need support in the future I will definitely contact her for this.
I can not thank you enough Nicci for the care and love that you have shown our son, aswell as the patience and support that you have given us.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Kate on 15/09/2020

Fantastic Childminder!

My son has only been going to Nicci since March due to usual nursery having to close as a result of covid but in this short time he has really settled in. Nicci was a godsend to us at this time as me and my husband still had to work and Nicci has been flexible with what dats we needed and really helped us out.
I was worried about how my son would settle in as he couldn't do the usual settling in sessions and he didn't know Nicci or the other children but Nicci has been brilliant with both me and my son. Nicci sends me photos throughout the day to show me my son is settled and happy and always busy! From doing kids yoga to going on walks and strawberry picking- Nicci plans lots of activities! My son has watched caterpillars turn into butterflies and tadpoles turn into frogs which he has loved.
The environment is to a high standard and I know my son is safe and secure. There are a lot of learning and play activities and Nicci also takes time to do quiet work and my son has really come on with his letters and numbers.
I am happy Nicci was recommended to me and I wouldn't hesitate in recommending her to anyone needing childcare.
Thank you Nicci!

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Clairemc on 01/07/2020

There is no one like her around

Nicci had been looking after my little boy since he was 8 months old (he is now 4)

We did a lot of settling in firstly for my benefit as my anxieties where through the roof, I was also breast feeding him so worried about that to basically I worried about EVERYTHING.

But what can I say, she was amazing always keeping me up to date with everything that he was doing and to be honest it doesn't feel like I've missed out on him learning as I was kept up to date. He also had a journal that he brought home regularly updating you on all his experiences and I to could comment.

He has been to so many places that I've never been and learned so much about the world around us that I no he wouldn't of got all this from a normal nursery which is why he is still going and will continue to do so on specific days during half terms.

He loves going there which is so important for him and me to know that he us loved, cared for and safe in her care. I can not thank her or recommend her enough.

Thanks for doing what you do Nicci your one in a million.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Ang on 29/06/2020

She loved my son

Nicci, is a great child-minder, my son loved her, every morning he looked forward to going to school. He called Nicci's setting school because Nicci provided learning opportunities with everyday things. Nicci loved my son, she put his needs first in terms of safety, happiness and she is firm and fair. Nicci corrects unacceptable behaviour such as playing rough with Sky (her dog), she would ask my son to go and sit on a "thinking step" for approx. 2 minutes. (I use this technique at home if my son throws tantrums and it works). However, Nicci gives lots of praises for good behaviour. Great communicator - she worked with me and she kept my family informed through a communication book and face to face meetings. At Nicci's setting she provides flexible hours and she does special theme days with the children. Nicci has kids all the time, which indicates she is doing a good job, recently she employed an assistance as she could not take more children without the required number of staff. Nicci, gives the children quality care and quality meals.

The kids have loads of fun outings, they attend other group meetings, my boy made some good friends also and the setting has a good range of toys and activities. Due to my work, some days I would be late to pick up my son but she is very flexible. Nicci is very organised about policies, invoices etc. and this helped me know where I am and it filled me with confidence. Nicci treats all the children in her care as if they are hers, she listens to them and plays with them. I did not know what to expect when my son went there because we are from a cultural minority group, but Nicci would take time to ask questions and research both cultural and religious attributes in order to deliver effectively. My son had to leave because we were moving from the area, but I will recommend her setting to anyone. Nicci has a good heart and she is very kind.


All in all Nicci provides a great service and she accepts views to bring up her level of care for the kids.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Siceciso on 10/07/2019

Excellent child minder

Nicci was my first child minder I had used for my 1 year old daughter I was very worried how she would settle. But had no need to be!
Nicci is amazing with the kids they love her. She is excellent at her job very professional,kind,caring and reliable.
My daughter attended lots of playgroups,days out, she learnt lots an came on in leaps an bounds.
Her diet while with nicci was great we received daily logs including pics of what she had been doing each day!
I then went on to put my older daughter in Nick's care an she also.thrived. I would highly recommend nicci as a child minder me an the two kids both miss her lots an I'm glad she played a big part in there growing up.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Mand38 on 18/02/2019

Amazing childminder!

This lady is an absolutely amazing childminder, she looked after my daughter Isla for a few months and Isla loved going to Nicola’s. She would keep me informed on their day with pictures and messages letting me know how Isla was getting on. The food was amazing, all freshly prepared and lots of variety too. Nicola is such a lovely person inside and out and i would highly recommend her to anyone looking for childcare xx

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Leann on 18/02/2019

Reliable, consistent and approachable

Firslty, Nicola is a very hardworking, passionate, caring and a genuine person who is amazing at her job. The emphasis on educating the children (as well as fun days out and trips) is refreshing as some providers only offer 'play time'.

Secondly, my daughter (Laila) only started with nicola in September 2017. Laila was shy, quiet and very timid around new people and other children but since her time with Nicola she has blossomed in a short time. Her confidence has grown so much, she is out going and can make new friends. Laila is now ready for school with the confidence todo well.

Laila sometimes roleplays at home taking on the role of nicola. This is how much of an influence Nicola has been on Laila. The way Laila acts and talks when she plays Nicola shows how calming and effective her approach is to the children.

I wouldn't have completed my first year at uni without Nicola. She was understanding and caring towards me aswel as Laila. She was friend as well as Lailas minder.

She is truly a diamond and I am very grateful for her services. So much infact any future children I have will definitely be going to nicola. Because she is just brilliant at her job.

Highly recommend.
If you want your child grow into their very own little person with a thriving personality.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Joeanne on 02/08/2018

Amazing woman!

My son has been going to Nicola since he was 12 months old. As first time parents, and with him still being young we were obviously very nervous. we knew very quickly we had made the right choice. Reveiving regular photos and messages reassured us that he had settled well. Jackson doesn’t take to many people but adores Nicola and took to her very well! At first he was a fussy eater, but within a few weeks with Nicola’s help he will eat anything and everything!
Jackson has developed at such an amazing speed, since he has been with Nicola.
There’s not many people I trust to leave my baby with but trust her 100%.
So happy to have found an amazing childminder for when the next comes along...

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Parent on 23/03/2018

Amazing childminder

Nic is an amazing childminder my children loved her still ask everyday about when there going back. Got my little boy to try all different kinds of foods when he wouldn't usually eat much and now he is a brilliant eater. Brilliant support and relays everything that they have done together there would always recommend

• Overall
• Communication

by Kerry on 31/10/2017

So blessed to have known this wonderful lady xx

This is a very emotional review for me as I cannot believe I do not have this truly amazing woman taking care of my little boy anymore. The plan was for Nicci to look after Quinn until he started school but due to personal circumstances I moved away from Kirkby and had to move child-minders.

I met Nicci at a playgroup at the time I was looking for childcare for Quinn as I was due to go back to work. As soon as I met Nicci I knew I had to have her take care of him and that I would be more than happy leaving him with her. Nicci looked after Quinn from ten months to 2.5 years.

Quinn took to her straight away and the bond they had melted my heart, for she was his world and I could see why. Nicci worked closely with me to meet Quinn's needs and always offered helpful advice for times when I struggled to adapt to motherhood.

Quinn was made to feel such a special part of the family by Nicci, her husband Joey and her two daughters, even Nicci's mum! Her raced in every morning and sometimes did not want to come home!

Quinn came on leaps and bounds, which I contribute to him being around Nicci and they way she taught him. Her calm and loving nature, her patience and passion for her role transferred to he children and encourage their learning even more.

Communication was impeccable, I received daily reports, pictures and in-depth description of what he had done that day. I would also receive pictures at work if they were up to something, which always made me smile!

Quinn loves being outdoors and Nicci did not disappoint, they were out pretty much on a daily basis, to play group, the park, nature trails, Martin Mere, Safari Parks, Play parks, Farms, swimming, vegetable and fruit picking, zoos, the list was endless! Quinn also enjoyed some quite play time and Nicci always ensured the right balance.

Food was always healthy and lots of variety, and the food was always home-made. Quinn was introduced to a variety of new foods, fruit etc which he now has in his diet.

I could go on and on about things he did but I can honestly say that we have been truly blessed to have Nicci touch our lives and give Quinn the best start ever. Nicci has give my precious son the confidence he needs for a great start and a belief in himself that he can do anything he puts his mind to. He was no angel at times but she dealt with this superbly and I myself learnt some important lessons. Quinn may be to young to understand what is going on and I will never forget how Nicci inspired him and gave him the absolute best start in life. From the bottom of my heart Nicci I thank you. I cannot recommend Nicci enough and only wish circumstances were different so Quinn was still with her.

Myself and Quinn have so much love for this selfless amazing woman who will always be in our hearts xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A very emotional mummy xxxxxxxxxxxx

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Parent on 31/10/2016

Absolutely amazing childminder

Nicci has been in our lives for 6 years, first looking after my son from 1-4yrs of age. My son absolutely loved goin to nicci and still does when we go to pick up my daughter.
Nicci is currently looking after my daughter and has done from aged 4 mths- she is almost 3. My daughter literally thinks and is welcomed as part of niccis family she absolutely loves nicci and her family.
I have already booked Nicci for child no. 3 due in July.
I can't fault the care Nicci gives to my children at all, she is very dedicated to each of them and both my children abasolutly love her.
Her resources are fantastic as are the activities she does with the children. Daily trips out ensure the children are learning about the environment and their community without them realising.
Child No. 2 suffered with food allergies and Nicci was brilliant in helping me identify which were intolerable foods (way before the GP) and she was really good at accommodating our needs.
My children learn good manners, respect, empathy, tolerance, values, boundaries and have an abundance of confidence.
I never hesitate recommending Nicci.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Parent on 24/05/2016

Amazing childminder

Nicci looked after our son for 2 years. Bobby was our 3rd child and i hadn't used a childminder in the past so i didn't really know what to expect. Nicci is fabulous at her job. She really is amazing at what she does the relationship she has with my son is loving and affectionate yet always to a high professional standard. Rain or shine she will take the children out on an adventure and my son would come home beaming from the days events. He is so far advanced for his age and I thank Nicci for bringing the best out in him. You will not be disappointed!

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Parent on 23/05/2016

Wonderful childminder

Nicola has minded our little girl for almost 2 years, and she has loved going, she visits loads great places and she has come on so much and is now ready to go to nursery. Her home environment is exceptional and our LO adores Nicola and her family, not forgetting sky. Even though she is now leaving to go to nursery we are hoping that during school holidays she will be able to go back for visits, as hope to keep in touch with Nicola as I'm sure that our LO will miss her too much.
Anyone who has their child looked after by Nicola will not be disappointed.

• Overall

by Parent on 01/09/2013

Response by Nicola Richards on 10/02/2014:

Thank you so much xxx I will miss our princess very much as will everyone - looking forward to our visits - that cheered me up xxx

Highly recommended

Nicola cared for our first son, on a full-time basis, from 6 months old until he started nursery. She currently cares for our second son on a part-time basis. We initially researched a number of local nurseries and childminders, many of which we did not feel comfortable with. I honestly found Nicola faultless from day one. Our son settled in immediately, looking forward to going to Nicola's home daily and developed in leaps and bounds. Our second son is developing with Nicola just as positively. I could not recommend someone more highly. Nicola's home facilities are excellent. She genuinely cares for the children looks after, educationally and emotionally. She offers a wide range of varied activities to aid any child's development and I would have no reservation in recommending Nicola to anyone as first-class.

• Overall

by Parent on 27/02/2013