Claire's Childcare - Hygge in the Early Years Accredited Setting

Claire's Childcare - Hygge in the Early Years Accredited Setting Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Claire's Childcare - Hygge in the Early Years Accredited Setting, Child Development, Sowerby Gateway, Thirsk.

A calm, magical and inclusive space for little ones to thrive 🌟
💛 Story-rich, outdoor-led, and nature-connected care
📚 Passionate about books, big feelings & little voices
📍 Sowerby Gateway, Thirsk | Ofsted Registered
📩 [email protected]

One of the biggest compliments I can receive isn't about my setting.It's when a parent says..."My only regret is that I ...
25/06/2026

One of the biggest compliments I can receive isn't about my setting.
It's when a parent says...

"My only regret is that I didn't find Claire sooner so my son could have attended her setting."

Or this lovely message from one of my current families...
"Soooooo happy we found you."

Choosing childcare is a huge decision. You're trusting someone else with your most precious person, and that isn't something anyone takes lightly. I work hard to create a home-from-home environment where children are loved, listened to, encouraged to explore and given the time to grow at their own pace. From woodland walks and story times to baking, messy play and everyday adventures, I want childhood to feel exactly as it should. Knowing that families feel they have found the right place means more to me than any award or qualification ever could.

💚 I currently have one space available from September.
If you're looking for a nurturing, experienced childminder who believes in books, nature, outdoor adventures and giving children the confidence to become themselves, I'd love to hear from you.
Feel free to send me a message to arrange a visit or ask any questions.

We visit this briliiant park every single week.On the surface, it's just a play park. Lots of play equipment, ride ons, ...
24/06/2026

We visit this briliiant park every single week.

On the surface, it's just a play park. Lots of play equipment, ride ons, some grass and space to run around.
But when you watch closely, you see so much more.
I've watched children crawl cautiously across these tyres, holding on tightly and checking every step. I've watched them stop halfway, decide it feels a bit too tricky and climb back down. I've watched them try again the following week.
Then one day, they're walking across independently.
A few weeks later, they're running.
What looks like play is actually confidence growing.
It's balance, coordination, problem-solving and learning to assess risk. It's discovering what their bodies can do. It's learning when to slow down, when to ask for help and when to have another go.
These moments can't be rushed, taught from a worksheet or achieved by doing it for them.
They come from having the time, space and support to keep trying.
This is one of the many reasons outdoor play is such an important part of our week. The children gain so much more than fresh air.
They gain confidence in themselves.

💚 September 2026 💚
I currently have one childcare space available from September.
If you're looking for a nurturing home-from-home setting where children spend plenty of time outdoors, enjoy stories, explore nature and learn through real-life experiences, feel free to get in touch for an informal chat.

June has been a busy month for professional development.As childminders, our learning never stops. Keeping up to date wi...
22/06/2026

June has been a busy month for professional development.

As childminders, our learning never stops. Keeping up to date with the latest guidance helps ensure the children in our care remain safe, happy and well supported.

This month I have refreshed my Safer Sleep training and Sun Safety training, taking time to review current recommendations and best practice.

Whether we're supporting babies to sleep safely, helping children stay protected outdoors, or planning exciting summer adventures, I believe ongoing training is an important part of providing high-quality childcare.

After more than 12 years as a registered childminder, I still enjoy learning something new and reflecting on how I can continually improve.

I currently have one childcare space available from September. If you are looking for a small, nurturing, home-based setting with plenty of books, outdoor adventures and child-led learning, feel free to get in touch for a chat.

Happy Father's Day to all the dads, stepdads, grandads and father figures who make a difference every day.The children h...
21/06/2026

Happy Father's Day to all the dads, stepdads, grandads and father figures who make a difference every day.

The children have been busy creating their own unique Father's Day cards and canvases this week. Alongside developing fine motor skills, creativity and confidence, they have been talking about the important people in their lives and what makes them special.

Watching little faces light up as they proudly told me, "That's for my daddy!" has been one of the highlights of the week.

I hope all the dads receive their masterpieces with the love they were made with.

From all of us here, have a wonderful Father's Day. 💙

Where shall we go today....Parks are one of my favourite places to take young children. 🌳We are so lucky to have some fa...
04/06/2026

Where shall we go today....

Parks are one of my favourite places to take young children. 🌳

We are so lucky to have some fantastic parks on our doorstep and whilst the climbing, balancing, swinging and spinning all support physical development, there is so much more learning happening too.

One of our favourite games is a simple Stop and Go game.
It might look like fun (and it is!), but we're also building important road safety skills in a safe, quiet environment away from busy roads. Learning to stop when asked is one of the most important safety skills young children can develop, and practising through play makes it far more meaningful than simply talking about it.

Alongside road safety, the children are developing their listening and attention skills, understanding and following instructions, self-regulation, turn-taking and confidence.

Simple games really can hold so much learning.
Sometimes the best activities aren't complicated at all. They're just playful moments that help children learn skills they'll use for life. ❤️

Today we went on a bee hunt at one of our favourite places to explore 🐝🌼With little ones aged 1 and 2, the magic is alwa...
20/05/2026

Today we went on a bee hunt at one of our favourite places to explore 🐝🌼

With little ones aged 1 and 2, the magic is always in the simple things. Can you find a yellow flower? Can you hear the buzz buzz bees? Can you spot a tiny daisy?

The children pointed excitedly at flowers, listened carefully for buzzing sounds, watched bees flying from plant to plant and collected little treasures as we walked. There was lots of stopping, noticing, crouching down low and pointing up high, taking in the world around us together.

These kinds of slow outdoor adventures help young children build language, confidence, curiosity and concentration in such a natural way. They are learning to notice, explore, communicate and connect with the world around them using all of their senses.

No fancy toys. No rushed routines. Just fresh air, movement, conversation and the joy of discovering little things together 🌿

September spaces available.

✨️ Delightful dandelions.To most people they’re just weeds… but to little children they’re magic.Over the years we’ve ba...
19/05/2026

✨️ Delightful dandelions.
To most people they’re just weeds… but to little children they’re magic.

Over the years we’ve baked with dandelions, painted with them, counted them, squashed them between tiny fingers, made wishes with them and danced through fields full of yellow sunshine.
The simplest things often create the richest learning. 🌼

Dandelions spark curiosity, strengthen little hands, encourage conversations, inspire creativity and connect children to the changing seasons around them. No expensive resources needed. Just time, fresh air and the freedom to explore.

This is one of the reasons I love childminding so much. Childhood doesn’t need to be rushed or overcomplicated. Some of the best days happen outside with muddy shoes, pockets full of treasures and children completely absorbed in the world around them.

With September spaces coming up, I’ll be sharing more of the simple everyday magic that makes our days together so special.

What’s your favourite thing to do with dandelions? 🌼

A tiny colourful change that’s made a huge difference to our walks 🌈I added these handles onto the pushchair to help lit...
17/05/2026

A tiny colourful change that’s made a huge difference to our walks 🌈

I added these handles onto the pushchair to help little ones walk safely and confidently beside us near roads and busy areas and they’ve been brilliant. (Thank you Yvonne Coultish childminding for your wonderful inspiration on how to make my ribbons better! )

For younger children especially, having something physical to hold helps build independence while still keeping walks calm and safe. It gives them a sense of responsibility and belonging within the group too.

I love the different colours because now each child knows which side they walk on and everyone seems far more content and confident when we’re out and about together.

Sometimes it really is the little thoughtful changes that make the biggest difference to our days. 🌈

SEPTEMBER 2026 — TWO SPACES FOR 12–24 MONTH OLDSI offer calm, nature‑based days for little ones who thrive outdoors, exp...
14/05/2026

SEPTEMBER 2026 — TWO SPACES FOR 12–24 MONTH OLDS
I offer calm, nature‑based days for little ones who thrive outdoors, exploring, playing, and learning at their own pace.
I work Tues–Thurs, 8am–4pm, If you’re looking for a small, homely setting where your child is truly seen, valued, and supported, send me a message.
Two spaces available for September (12–24 months).

April was full of adventures.We explored lakes, woodland paths, wide open fields, signs of spring, growing seeds and fav...
01/05/2026

April was full of adventures.

We explored lakes, woodland paths, wide open fields, signs of spring, growing seeds and favourite stories like Jack and the Beanstalk. We painted with dandelions, baked together, watched the water move and followed children’s curiosity wherever it led us.

These kinds of days build confidence, language, friendships and a real connection with the world around them. It’s the learning that sticks because it’s lived, not rushed.

Now we’re ready for Magical May 🌱

If you’re thinking ahead for childcare, I’m beginning to plan upcoming spaces. Drop me a message.

Address

Sowerby Gateway
Thirsk

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 5pm
Thursday 7:30am - 5pm

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