The beginning
Early inspiration
Claire dreamed of opening her own nursery from childhood. Her childcare journey began by helping care for her younger sister and grew through private nannying and nursery school settings.
About Us
From childminding to a thriving nursery.
Care by Claire has grown from Claire's dream into a warm, nurturing nursery where children are known, supported and encouraged.
Claire's journey
2010
Growing experience
Claire became a registered childminder in 2010. Demand from local families grew significantly and assistants joined Care by Claire.
The next step
Care by Claire grows
Demand grew, assistants joined, and the home setting expanded with an extension and later a garden cabin for childminding.
April 2023
The nursery opens
When the Newcastle building became available in 2022, Claire took it on and renovated it. The nursery opened at 21 London Road in April 2023, with around 20 children moving across from her childminding setting.
Claire's story
Built through experience, care and passion for early years.
Claire is the proud owner of Care by Claire Private Day Nursery. She has around 40 years of childcare experience, beginning with helping to care for her younger sister and continuing through private nannying, nursery school work and childminding. She became a registered childminder in 2010.
As demand grew, assistants joined Care by Claire. Claire extended her home and later built a cabin in the garden to improve the childminding provision. When the Newcastle building became available in 2022, she renovated it and opened the nursery at 21 London Road in April 2023, bringing around 20 children from her childminding setting with her.
Her vision is to provide a nurturing “home away from home” where children can flourish with confidence and happiness. Her story is a reminder to chase your dreams, work hard and never lose sight of the goal.
Our ethos
Care, grow and achieve at Claire's house
The nursery combines a home-from-home atmosphere with strong early learning foundations, giving children the confidence to try, explore and develop.
Home-from-home environment
Warm routines, familiar relationships and smaller group care help children feel secure and ready to learn.
Learning through play
Children explore early communication, creativity, independence and problem-solving through purposeful play.
Tailored support
The team works closely with families so every child is understood as an individual.
Meet the Team
The people behind Care by Claire
Behind Care by Claire is a passionate team of caring early years professionals who share one goal: helping every child feel safe, happy and confident while giving them the very best start in life. From experienced practitioners to apprentices developing their careers, every member of our team plays an important role in creating our warm, family-focused environment.
Claire Edwards
Nursery Owner & Manager
Claire is the founder and proud owner of Care by Claire. With around 40 years of childcare experience, she became a registered childminder in 2010 before opening the nursery at 21 London Road in April 2023. Her vision is to create a nurturing home away from home where every child can flourish with confidence and happiness.
Sophie Booth
Assistant Manager & SENCO
“My background is in teaching, and I've always loved teaching children new and interesting things. I now help Claire manage the team at Care by Claire. I enjoy being part of an environment where I can make a positive impact on children's early development while supporting the team. I believe the early years are the foundation for a child's future learning, and I'm passionate about providing high-quality care and education.”
Laura Pepper
Deputy Manager & SENCO
Full profile details to follow.
Lucy
Room Leader
“I enjoy working at Care by Claire because it is one big family. The children enjoy coming to nursery and leave with a big smile on their faces. I love watching their development from babies through to pre-school. Working in the Baby Room is especially rewarding because I get to nurture children during their most rapid developmental phase.”
Jen
On-site Nursery Chef
Jen prepares fresh, nutritious meals for the children at the nursery every day rather than relying on ready-made food delivered from elsewhere. Meals and snacks are prepared with the children in mind, with suitable alternatives for allergies and dietary requirements.
Jess
Level 3 Early Years Practitioner
“I love being part of the team at Care by Claire because it really does have a home-from-home feeling. It's such a lovely atmosphere—we help each other and work as a team. I've always enjoyed working with this age group as they take in so much about the world around them, and I get to be part of that learning journey. The cuddles are a lovely bonus too!”
Terri
Level 3 Early Years Practitioner
“I love working at Claire's house because the children bring me so much joy. Every day is different, and I enjoy working in the moment to meet the children's needs. Watching them develop and change is magical.”
Sophie Edwards
Admin Manager
“I grew up around my mum's childminding, and that's how I knew I wanted to follow in her footsteps. I love the bonds I build with the children's families and knowing that they trust me to look after their precious children. Watching the children reach their milestones makes me so proud to be part of their early lives.”
Ellis
Level 3 Early Years Practitioner
“I enjoy working at Claire's house because of the bonds we make with the children and the impact we can have on their lives, setting the foundations for a successful future. We are a great team who work well together—we are one big family.”
Lee-Anne
Level 3 Early Years Practitioner
“I've been at Claire's house since February 2026. As a new member of staff, I was welcomed warmly into the team and have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all the wonderful children and families here. I love watching the children grow and develop in different areas. In my spare time, I bake, do crafts and go on walks.”
Hollie
Nursery Senior · Level 3 Practitioner
“I like working at Care by Claire because we are a very friendly and homely setting where not only the children, but the staff are cared for too. Working in early years is a privilege, and watching children grow, develop and achieve new milestones is very rewarding. Having little people look up to you for love and care is a very special role. I couldn't imagine doing anything different.”
Clarissa
Level 2 Early Years Practitioner
“I like working at Care by Claire because I've made great relationships with all of the staff. Working with children is so special because I get to watch them flourish and reach their milestones.”
Kelly
Nursery Assistant · Unqualified
“I enjoy working at Claire's house because it's such a privilege to be part of the children's lives, helping them learn and grow. I love helping them learn new life skills and preparing them for their bright futures.”
Sophie-Louise
Level 2 Apprentice · Working Towards Level 3
“I enjoy working at Care by Claire and creating special bonds with the children. I love sharing my silly side with them, teaching them new things and seeing how far they've come. It's the most rewarding thing!”
Annabel
Level 2 Apprentice · Working Towards Level 3
“Working with children is a very rewarding job. I love being able to help them achieve their milestones and be part of their early learning. I love going home knowing I've made a difference every day.”
Why choose us
Smaller group care with strong relationships.
Care by Claire is designed to feel calm, familiar and reassuring. Children benefit from attentive adults, consistent routines and a team that takes time to understand each family's needs.
Claire's vision
A nurturing home away from home.
The nursery is shaped by Claire's aim to create a place where children feel happy, confident and valued, with families kept close to their child's early years journey.
Ready to meet the team?
Book a show-around to see the nursery setting, ask questions and get a feel for daily life at Care by Claire.