Clara Mackay
Childminder in Chorley
Usually responds within 24 hours
Female Member since Feb 2016 Last Updated Jan 2025 Last Login 23 Jan 2025
My Summary
About Me
My name is Clara, I'm Spanish from Galicia in the North-West of Spain. I have lived in England for 22 years . I have two boys aged 21 and 18 years old. I also live with my partner Paul . At home we speak Spanish and English. I also teach basic Spanish to the children I look after , the children enjoy learning a new language. I provide fresh food everyday with a lot of variety . We also have a family dog called Luna, she is very good with the children .
I understand how difficult it is to find good childcare and being a mum of 2 gives me first hand experience with children, especially newborns.
I love working with children and seeing them develop as their personalities come through and love teaching them new things about the world.
We go on walks in the country side looking at nature and animals learning about the local environment.
Good values in life of treating each other with respect and empathy.
I live in a beautiful spot, surrounded by nature. My home is opposite the canal, where I take the children for walks to explore the lovely area. There is also a playground that the children love. I have an open plan living area that is dedicated to my children with patio doors that lead to my safe garden full of activities for the children.
I take the children on outings to the , shops, feeding the ducks, toy library, toddler groups, farms and play areas. We have daily, educational activities with the children such as arts and crafts, jigsaws, reading books, role play, play kitchen, story time, messy play, baking , yoga and dressing up. There is also a tv/dvd which is available for older children. We also have special days out with other childminders and children.
Each day I prepare healthy meals for the children as I believe in the earlier years it is vital to eat nutritious food and introduce the children to enjoy there food.
The older children we discuss and involve them in the food so they understand about benefits of eating well.
I love children and believe that they learn best in a loving and safe environment. I like to have a good relationship with the parents - I feel that this also benefits the children.
I look forward to working with you and your child.
My Experience
Before becoming a Child Minder I worked for 4 years in a private nursery. I have been a Child Minder for some 17 years .
My Qualifications
I am an Ofsted Registered Childminder trained in Paediatric First Aid, Introduction to Safeguarding Children Level 3, Level 2 in Food Safety in Catering, SENCO, Support Childminder Professional Development Training, CAF, GNVQ Level 3.
I am a member of Childcare.co.Uk and a fully accredited provider of the free Early Years Entitlement for 2 and 3-4 year olds.
To make sure I give the best quality childcare I like to do training every so often.
My Availability
I work from Monday-Friday from 7:45 to 5:30pm but Im flexible if extra help is required.
Minimum two days a week .
I don’t provide before & after school.
One Space available from September 2025 Monday to Thursday.
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before School | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Morning | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Afternoon | no | no | no | no | no | 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: 19/01/2025 | |||||||
My Fees
- Childminding from £5.60 per hour
Fees are fully inclusive of breakfast, lunch and all healthy snacks and drinks.
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
- Ofsted Certificate (added 18/08/2023)
- Inspection Report (added 31/07/2023)
Reviews
5 out of 5
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Clara Mackay. 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.
I feel very lucky to have had Clara Mackay take care of my children over the years. Her dedication to creating a warm nurturing environment for children to learn, grow and have fun is exceptional.
Clara provides balanced and wholesome meals, emphasising the importance of healthy eating habits with each child. This attention to nutrition has had a positive impact on my children's well-being, and I appreciate the care she puts into ensuring they have delicious home-cooked meals every day.
Beyond the practical aspects of childcare, Clara brings an incredible warmth and love to her role. Her genuine affection for the children is palpable, creating a sense of security and trust. The special touch she adds to every interaction is what makes her truly exceptional. Clara infuses fun into each day, making learning an enjoyable experience.
I can wholeheartedly recommend Clara Mackay to any parent seeking a childminder who not only prioritises safety and nutrition but also brings a genuine warmth and fun to the daily lives of the children she cares for.
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Nicola
on 29/11/2023
Clara is a fantastic childminder and a lovely human.
The moment I drop my son off he doesn’t even look back to say goodbye as he is so content and at home.
She has a great selection of toys. She is not afraid to get her hands dirty and do something creative with the children.
The children get outside for fresh air weather permitting including walks, and excursions.
Clara also makes sure the children eat healthy snacks and home made food which i she’s passionate about. She also keeps us well informed on what the children get up to each day with photos and messages. I’m thankful every day that we found Clara because I feel comfortable leaving my child in her care. Highly recommend.!!
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Natasha
on 29/10/2023
Clara has been my daughter's childminder for the last 6 months. My daughter started with Clara when she was 6 months old and I was naturally anxious about leaving her for the first time. Clara put my mind at ease, she sends me regular updates and photos, and it's a joy to see how well my daughter has settled in with Clara. Her development has come on in leaps and bounds and she is always smiling when we pick her up. Clara offers lots of different activities and experiences for the children and there are always a variety of themes to match the seasons. It's also nice that the children are learning a new language. Clara also offers amazing home-cooked food and fresh fruit and snacks. Clara is very flexible and accommodating and I am really pleased with the home-from-home environment that my daughter gets. We couldn't have got a better childminder for our circumstances.
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Steph
on 25/01/2023
Clara has looked after all 3 of my girls at some stage from newborn to school age.
All of my children haved loved to be with Clara and enjoy learning Spanish, going out locally and the wonderful hearty Spanish food too! We will miss the lovely photographs of all of the activities completed during the day.
I would not hesitate to recommend Clara to friends and family.
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Louise
on 02/04/2022
My daughter has been going to Clara’s childminding service since she was 7 months old, she is now 3 years Old.
The experience has been amazing, Clara is so friendly, caring and welcoming. Whilst with Clara my daughter has developed so much and has benefited from great days out, fun filled activities and home cooking. I get lots of feedback and regular photos from their days out and activities. My line of work can be difficult and Clara has always been flexible and accommodating. My daughter loves going to Clara’s and as soon as she gets up is asking to go! She’s even learned some Spanish! I will continue to use her services until she moves to school and would thoroughly recommend Clara.
Clara is not just my daughters childminder she is like family. Xxx
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Alicia
on 30/03/2022
My daughter has been with Clara 2 days a week for over a year now. Sadly she will be leaving to venture on to her new preschool in January.
I cannot put in to words how AMAZING Clara is with the children. Her house is warming and cosy and she is extremely welcoming and professional. I wouldn’t hesitate to send my daughter back to Clara’s if I ever required her services during the holidays.
My daughter has learned so much in Clara’s care and she absolutely loves her cooking, as do I… her house always smells beautiful :-)
This lady is truly a treasure and I cannot thank her enough for Daisy’s progress in this past year.
Thank you so much!!! Xxx
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Danielle
on 18/11/2021
After seeing many nursery's, we decided a childminder would be the best option for henry, we saw a few xhildminders but didjt feel like they was the one!!..... then we met clara and we have never been happier!
Instantly upon meeting clara, she made me feel relaxed and at ease, my little boy henry instantly took to clara within minutes of being welcomed into her home.
I was apprehensive on my first day at work and leaving henry for the first time, clara kept me updated throughout the day on how he was doing and I can honestly say that put me at ease so much and I had nothing to worry about, he enjoyed himself so much on his first day.
Clara is so warn and welcoming, she is an amazing cook too, she loves to cook fresh helathy food for the children's meals and henry just loves her cooking.
Whilst being at claras Henry has tried new foods, that I would never have thought to try.
I can honestly say its such a lovely feeling knowing that your child feels safe and happy whilst away from you, she constantly sends you updates on what they have done throughout the day, that could be playing in the garden, painting, dancing, going to the park or even learning some Spanish!!
Henry enjoys going to Clara's so much, he now waves us goodbye by at the door, he is so happy in Clara's care, she is warm and welcoming and I couldn't be happier that henry goes to this lovely lady!
Keep up the wonderful work Clara
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Michelle
on 08/08/2020
Buenos días Clara.
Just to let you know XXXXXX has been on time for school everyday so far, in fact we are the 1st ones to arrive :-) she's super keen, really enjoying it and making lots of new friends.
Thank you for all you have done!!!
Your help in making her what she is now.
Your help in building good solid foundations for her, she now has these to build upon, for her life's learning journey.
She's is looking forward to seeing you soon to tell you all about her school days and the new path in her learning journey!
Eternally grateful to you!!!
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papadad
on 20/02/2020
After meeting several childminders and not being convinced a childminder would be the best option over nursery, woody and I had the pleasure of meeting Clara. I instantly had a good feeling as she was very attentive during all my/woodys visits. Clara made me feel very relaxed, at ease and welcome within minutes of being in her home.
After months of settling my daughter into her childminder years before woody was born I was understandably anxious that woody may be the same however after 2 weeks of cuddles, singing and delicious meals at Clara's, I can safely say I had nothing to worry about. Woody instantly took to Clara and appeared to feel at ease and happy with her and the other children she cares for. Clara exudes a kindness and genuine happiness when in the company of children that you feel this when you are in their company during drop off or collection which is at different times of the day many times...
Clara collects from school and cares for my 5 year old daughter Isla twice a week also so that woody and her can spend some time together. Due to Islas nervous disposition I was again concerned how she would settle but I needn't have worried as Isla settled as quickly as woody this time and is particularly fond of Clara and Clara's mum who has a history of caring for children also and who visits from Spain now and again.
Isla and woody are not particularly big eaters but they always seem to ask for seconds when Clara cooks some of her special dishes which are always healthy and tasty, I've even tried out one of her recipes my daughter enjoyed it so much.
It's a wonderful feeling to see your children run into a care providers and not look back for you, knowing that whilst you work they are shown love, understanding and encouraged to learn through music, toys, trips to libraries or walks to the park or organized activities.
Clara always has a smile on her face and is always willing to chat about any concerns I have re my children etc and Ivan confidently confirm that my children feel at home in Claras care which to me means the world!
My husband and I also love the unique fact that Clara teaches the children Spanish and that woody already recognizes many basic Spanish words!
Keep up the wonderful work Clara
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Justine
on 26/10/2018
Our little man went to a nursery from 9 to 20 months but felt he wasn’t very settled.
Since attending ‘Little Ninos', we noticed a huge improvement in his confidence, language and vocabulary! We believe the care and commitment from Clara has considerably contributed to his development.
Clara is a very active and enthusiastic child-minder who takes the children out daily, be that to the Local Park, playgroup, library and meeting with other child-minders. Having a typical boy, the constant outside activities has enhanced his development by stimulating his social, learning and creative skills.
Further, our little boy has a few food allergies. Clara just takes this in her stride and has always been excellent at providing a range of healthy home cooked meals and snacks. Our little boy loves making food with her and we have continued this in our home.
Her home is always clean and tidy with a garden our little boys loves to play in.
Clara always provides us with 1:1 time to discuss development and any queries we may have. She genuinely loves her children and adapts her approach to the individual child and their needs.
A testament to her exceptional care is the results of our boys two year routine check. The assessor stated that he had excellent communication skills and outstanding vocabulary for his age. Perhaps she was impressed that our boy could name body parts in English and Spanish. Thank you Clara!
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SimonCul
on 01/02/2018
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