Little Minnows Nursery, 51 Lemon Street, Truro, Cornwall TR1 2PE

Review from N W (Mother of Child) published on 22 July 2024 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My daughter has attended Little Minnows since 9 months (she's now nearly 2) and all I can say is it has been a fantastic journey. The staff are so caring and kind and made settling in easy, and every day a wonderful experience. The meals, time outside and trips all make this a fantastic place to be

and learn.
The nursery itself has been very good in accommodating our changing schedule and always adapting to our needs. I am so glad I picked Little Minnows!

Reply from Hayley Clow, Director at Little Minnows NurseryThank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a great review, it is very much appreciated. We are delighted that you are so pleased with everything we provide for your daughter at Little Minnows Nursery.

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Review from A M (Mother of Child) published on 22 July 2024 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My daughter has been attending Little Minnows from the very start and has got to enjoy all of the different stage rooms. The staff have been very kind and nurturing with encouraging her shy character to become more confident. She loves to play outside in the lovely big garden come rain or shine and

always comes home with a big smile on her face. One of the most important things, is that the chef cooks the children's meals from scratch and never leaves the children with food allergies, go without. Thank you again to the team at Little Minnows!

Reply from Hayley Clow, Director at Little Minnows NurseryThank you very much for taking the time to leave us such a great review, it is very much appreciated. We are delighted that you are so pleased with everything we provide for your daughter at Little Minnows Nursery and that we have had a part in creating such happy memories in her early years.

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Review from Jo J (Mother of Child) published on 13 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

I’m not one for reviews but I feel the need to recommend Little Minnows as highly as possible. My two children are part of the Little Minnows family and from day one they have been nothing but amazing. They both absolutely love it and not a day has gone past where they weren’t super excited to be handed

over at the door. When my youngest had meningitis, they went above and beyond what anyone would expect to help support us through a very difficult time. They truly believe in a home-from-home ethos. We recently looked to move home but when we realised it would involve moving the kids from Little Minnows we just couldn’t do it. The building and resources are incredible, the outside space is unrivaled and the staff are like family, what more could you want?!

Reply from Hayley Clow, Director at Little Minnows NurseryThank you so much for taking the time to give us such a lovely review, it is very much appreciated.
Such a tremendous vote of confidence in that you gave up a chance to move to your dream home in order to keep your children at Little Minnows. It really does mean a lot to us and the team.
Thank you again.

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Review from Steve S (Father of Child) published on 12 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

The directors and all staff at Little Minnows are all so professional, calm, friendly and very knowledgeable.
Each time we drop and pick up our child at Little Minnows, every staff member always gives clear and professional feedback on how your child has been, on their day's activities like how they

have been, what they have eaten, what they have been learning. Overall fantastic team.
My child always comes out at the end of the day smiling and being happy, which is proof of how well the directors and staff members look after all of their client's children and care for their children's welfare.
The building has amazing security with ample CCTV, which rests my mind knowing that safeguarding is Little Minnow's number 1 priority as well as childcare.

Reply from Hayley Clow, Director at Little Minnows NurseryThank you so very much for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. It is very much appreciated.
We are so pleased, that you are so happy with everything that Little Minnows provides for your little one and that feedback at the end of the day is always detailed and professional.
Thank you again.

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Review from A D (Father of Child) published on 5 October 2023 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Amazing staff, lovely facilities. Couldn’t wish for a better place to send my little boy. He has additional SENCO needs and the nursery are fantastic at accommodating him in helping me and my partner navigate the complicated world of how to get my third the support he needs.

Reply from Hayley Clow, Director at Little Minnows NurseryThank you very much for taking the time to leave us such a lovely review. It is very much appreciated.
We are very happy that you are so pleased with the facilities and care that we provide for your son at Little Minnows.

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Review from Chris S (Father of Child) published on 16 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My children just love going to Little Minnows Nursery and are provided with a wide range of activities to aid with development and exploration of the world around them. They are always excited to go in and even ask during the holidays if they can go in! All the staff are lovely and helpful and the facilities

are amazing especially the lovely garden. Communication through EY Log is great and I love reading and seeing what the children have been up to during the day. Also the meals are always varied and nutritious.

Reply from Hayley Clow, Director at Little Minnows NurseryThank you very much for taking the time to leave us such a lovely review, it is very much appreciated. We are so pleased that your children are always excited to come to Little Minnows and that you are happy with everything that we provide for them.

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Review from Grace B (Mother of Child) published on 21 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Little Minnows Nursery is a truly wonderful nursery. My son has been attending since he was 10 months so we have been able to experience various ‘rooms’ and I can honestly say the experience has been faultless. The staff are kind, enthusiastic and thoughtful. They completely live up to their “home from

home” mantra. Nothing is too much trouble and as I’m a very routine driven mum I’m sure I must cause some headaches (!) they are hugely helpful and willing to be flexible to my (and my sons needs) needs. Choosing a nursery was a difficult decision but I am so glad to have chosen Little Minnows and would (and have) recommend this fantastic childcare setting without any hesitation.

Reply from Hayley Clow, Director at Little Minnows NurseryThank you so very much for taking the time to leave us such an amazing review. It is very much appreciated. We are so pleased that you are so happy with the care we provide to your son and that he enjoys his time at nursery.
Thank you again.

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Review from L S (Mother of Child) published on 4 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Outstanding nursery. The staff, the house, the grounds and the level of care are brilliant, and my children always look forward to going. The manager kindly showed us around, and you can see the pride she has for such a lovely nursery that she runs so well. Also, the whole team provide over and above

support for my eldest, going through the SENCO process, and the support as a mum has been so great too. They have pushed for his referrals and met me to discuss ILPs and developments, and I am so grateful for their professionalism and dedication to my son. He is coming on so well, and it's with so many thanks to the whole team! My littlest loves his key workers, and you can tell with every new development and milestone, they are excited, right alongside us! I trust the nursery, and nothing is ever too much of an ask of them. I'm so grateful my kids go here.

Reply from Hayley Clow, Director at Little Minnows NurseryThank you so much for taking the time to do such a detailed and lovely review, it is very much appreciated. We are so pleased that you are so happy with everything we provide for your little ones and that they enjoy their days with us.
With all our children we take the time to meet all their needs.

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Review from Kirsty E (Mother of Child) published on 16 December 2022 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My little boy loves going to nursery, the staff are helpful, friendly and informative using the system to communicate what our son has done throughout the day.
The staff also let our little girl view the property as she was desperate to see where her little brother was going. Thank you so much for

looking after my son.

Reply from Hayley Clow, Director at Little Minnows NurseryThank you so very much for taking the time to do us such a lovely review, it is very much appreciated. We are so pleased to know you are so happy with the care that we provide for your son and it was a pleasure to show your little girl around the nursery.

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Review from Rebecca T (Mother of Child) published on 22 September 2022 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Absolutely amazing nursery, my little boy has been coming here since they opened. The staff are so, so lovely and kind. Couldn't recommend this nursery more. My son has come on leaps and bounds in confidence since starting. Can't thank you enough!

Reply from Hayley Clow, Director/Manager at Little Minnows NurseryThank you so very much for taking the time to send us such a lovely review, it is very much appreciated. We are so pleased that you are happy with everything we provide for your son. I will also thank the team on your behalf.

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Review from Rosie B (Mother of Child) published on 5 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Excellent nursery. My daughter has been there from age 7 months to now at 15 months. She absolutely loves going, which makes it a joy taking her! She goes one day a week, purely for the social element, so I was initially worried it wouldn’t be enough time for her to settle, but even when she’s had a

week off, she returns happy to see all of the staff. The setting is absolutely beautiful, with the gardens which are used often by all of the children, which is a massive bonus to a nursery in the centre of town. I also love the home-like atmosphere of the nursery, especially for when my daughter was a lot younger. The sleeping arrangements are excellent, with staff being very accommodating to what you would like for your child, eg options of pram sleeping, as well as in the dark crib room and nap times. The app used to log details on your child makes it very comforting when you’re away from them for a long time, especially the photos that get uploaded throughout the day.

Reply from Hayley Clow, Director/Manager at Little Minnows NurseryThank you so very much for taking the time to give us such a lovely review, it is very much appreciated and so pleased you are so happy with everything we provide for your daughter at Little Minnows Nursery. Thank you again.

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Review from Nancy P (Mother of Child) published on 4 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Little Minnows Nursery is a fabulous nursery. All the staff are kind, caring and helpful. My little boy absolutely loves going to nursery so much so he even wanted to go on his birthday! We recently moved to Truro and had to move nursery which I was really worried about but I never thought we'd find

somewhere as lovely as Little Minnows Nursery who made me feel so much better about the moving nursery experience because of their kindness and my little boy slotted right in despite being incredibly shy and nervous he's come along in leaps and bounds since being at Little Minnows Nursery.

Reply from Hayley Clow, Director/Manager at Little Minnows NurseryThank you so very much for taking the time to leave us such a lovely review. It is very much appreciated.
We are so pleased that you are so happy with the care that we provide and that your son has settled so well with us.

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Review from Kate P (Mother of Child) published on 4 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Little Minnows Nursery is a stunning nursery provision. My husband and I fell in love with the setting when the owners had just secured the premises and were still decorating. The owners were so welcoming and their vision for the nursery just shone through and despite viewing other nurseries, this was

the only place we could see our baby attending. The staff are kind, friendly and brilliant with children - my child’s face lights up when the workers welcome him in the mornings. The nursery goes the extra mile. Our child, for example, has food allergies and health needs and they are fantastic at reassuring us that he is well cared for. Also, they put on some many wonderful extras, such as a baby lamb visiting at Easter and Santa visiting at Christmas… such a lovely place. Like most parents, our child is our most precious thing and we trust Little Minnows Nursery to provide him with superb care.

Reply from Hayley Clow, Director/Manager at Little Minnows NurseryThank you so very much for taking the time to leave us such a lovely review. It is very much appreciated.
We are so pleased that you are so very happy with the care that we provide for your son and that he enjoys all the activities and trips that we do.

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Review from T R (Mother of Child) published on 1 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

All of the staff at Little Minnows are so welcoming. Little Minnows is a fantastic setting, providing high-quality care for our little one. Their communication is fantastic and they provide great opportunities for our little one on a daily basis. We would recommend Little Minnows to anyone looking for

a caring, setting that feels like a second home for your child.

Reply from Hayley Clow, Director at Little Minnows NurseryThank you so much for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. We're so glad your little one is so settled and enjoying her time with us.

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Review from Steph L (Mother of Child) published on 1 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Little Minnows is such a nurturing setting. The staff are always warm and friendly. It is plain to see they truly care about what they do and lots of thought and attention goes into the activities and provision provided for the children. Communication is really good and they are very understanding and

considerate of additional additional requests or needs of individual children. I cannot recommend them enough.

Reply from Hayley Clow, Director at Little Minnows NurseryThank you very much for taking the time to leave us such a lovely review. We're really pleased that your little one is enjoying his time at Little Minnows.

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Review from Olga H (Mother of Child) published on 29 October 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

As a mother of two, I know it's the best nursery my kids have been to so far. We were there from day one and the commitment and devotion of the owners and staff is incredible. The setting itself being right in the city centre yet with a massive garden and parking is extremely rewarding. And with the

expertise and family values oriented approach it makes it full overall perfect. Small groups fully equipped for age needs provide an amazingly naturing environment and kids are progressing and thriving there. Thank you.

Reply from Hayley Clow, Director at Little Minnows NurseryThank you so much for taking the time to write such a lovely review. We are so glad our family ethos has shown through for you and your child to experience.

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Review from Hannah P (Mother of Child) published on 10 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

We love Little Minnows! We had to find a new nursery and we were over the moon we found Little Minnows. The staff are wonderful, friendly and take great care of our daughter. She is really thriving there. I love the constant updates on her day and her development. We couldn’t ask for a better nursery.

Reply from Hayley Clow, Director/Manager at Little Minnows NurseryThank you so much for taking the time to write such a lovely review. We're so glad your daughter is happy and enjoying her time with us, her smile really brightens up the room. A big thank you from the whole Little Minnows team!

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Review from Katie F (Mother of Child) published on 12 August 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

I feel so happy that I found Little Minnows Nursery for my son. The staff are amazing and they look after him so well. I was worried that he might get upset the first time I dropped him off, but he ran in with the biggest smile on his face. I cannot recommend them enough.

Reply from Hayley, Director/Manager at Little Minnows NurseryThank you so very much for taking the time to do such a lovely review, it is very much appreciated and we are so happy that your son has settled so well at Little Minnows.

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Review from Annie S (Mother of Child) published on 30 July 2021 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

So pleased to find Little Minnows. With lockdown restrictions in place for the majority of my son's life, we thought it was crucial to find the best place we could as our son hadn’t done any socialising or been left with anyone else before. We feel so lucky to find Minnows. Their child-centred approach

to settling has been outstanding. The staff seem so experienced and go above and beyond with their daily updates. I feel that this nursery is truly nurturing as the staff are so good and the beautiful building, rooms and gardens are an absolute bonus. The location is also great for drop-offs and pickups. We have had experiences of other child care provisions and this really is the best. Thank you.

Reply from Hayley Clow, Director/Manager at Little Minnows NurseryThank you so very much for taking the time to write us such a lovely review. It's very much appreciated.
We are so pleased that you are so happy with everything we provide and that your son has settled so well.

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Review from Kristen S (Mother of Child) published on 20 July 2021 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Such a wonderful place for my little minnow to go for pre-school! The building is gorgeous and all the rooms are so well equipped, I wish I could play in there all day! The garden is enormous and really accessible for the children with lots of outdoor activities to keep them busy. The management are

brilliant - really responsive to queries and emails, nothing is too much trouble. They get involved with the children too which is rare to see - my little one raves about them when they play with her. The staff in the rooms are equally wonderful, warm, caring, fun and provide lots of entertainment for the children all day long. There’s parking, it’s close to town, it’s perfect!

Reply from Hayley, Director/Manager at Little Minnows NurseryThank you so very much for taking the time to do such a lovely review, it's very much appreciated.

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Meet the Team (25)

Hayley Clow

Job Title: Owner Joined: 2021

Hayley completed her Nursery Nurse Examining Board (NNEB) course at Weymouth College in 1993. Once qualified, her first position was as a private nanny to a family of teachers at Bryanston School near Blandford Forum. Here she cared for a newborn baby Alice and her brother Henry who was 4 (who would later play rugby for Scotland).

In 1996 a former RAF family, Sandra and Michael Slater opened Archway Nursery in the grounds of Bryanston. Hayley took the position of Baby Room Leader, helping to decorate and set up the nursery prior to its opening.
Sandra and Michael saw a passion in Hayley and told her that one day she would open her own nursery.

She has worked in childcare and education in Dorset, Devon and Cornwall ever since. 25 years later that dream has been realised with the opening of Little Minnows in Truro.

“Opening our own nursery has been a long-standing dream which began when we helped to set up Archway Nursery in Blandford in 1996. We are really excited to be opening Little Minnows Nursery in Truro.”

Tom Clow

Job Title: Director Joined: 2021

Hayley and Tom met whilst at school in Dorset and married in 1997. Hayley gained the NNEB qualification in 1993. She has worked in childcare and education in Dorset, Devon and Cornwall ever since.

Tom joined the Royal Marines in 1991 and retired in 2020. They have four children, one an A&E nurse, one in the Army and two in higher education.

Tom and Hayley opened Little Minnows Nursery in 2021. Tom is also a volunteer with Mevagissey Coastguard and a keen gig rower with St Goran Rowing Club.

Rachel Dawes

Job Title: Manager Joined: 2022

I’ve been in childcare for 10 years and hold a Level 3 qualification in childcare and Team Leading and Supervising.

I moved to Cornwall from Brighton and Hove in 2021 where I worked in an independent, homely nursery setting for 8 years, in a senior role.

I live locally with my boyfriend and 3 cats. We love exploring Cornish beaches and spending time with friends and family.

Sophie Baxter

Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2023

To follow soon.

Sarah Thomas

Job Title: Nursery Chef Joined: 2021

Hello, I am Sarah! I'm a Level 3 Practitioner and I have been in Childcare for 10 years. I have been in various roles throughout nurseries, working with all ages and abilities. I have been the Chef at Little Minnows since 2022

What I enjoy most about my job is seeing happy faces when the children have learnt something new and are proud of themselves.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and playing games! I enjoy being creative and decorating.

Kirsty Tucker

Job Title: Minnows Room Leader Joined: 2022

I have worked in childcare for more than 10 years, I am Level 3 qualified in “Children and Young People’s Workforce”.

I really enjoy working with children, watching them grow and develop in the nursery. I love setting up different activities, learning through messy play, always joining in and putting smiles on their faces.

In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, and going for long walks.

Jemma Pellow

Job Title: Tiddlers Room Leader Joined: 2023

To follow on.

Daisy Finch

Job Title: Nippers Room Leader Joined: 2022

To follow soon.

Lauren Alcock

Job Title: Schoolies Room Leader Joined: 2025

To follow soon

Carly Foord

Job Title: Full Time SENDCO Lead Joined: 2022

I am a passionate Early Years Educator with a great love for working with young children. My favourite part of my job is that no two days are ever the same. The unpredictable magic of children makes my work so much fun! I am dedicated to providing high standards of care, boosting self-esteem, facilitating independence, and creating meaningful learning opportunities. I have 15 years of experience working in Early Years Education. I have a bachelor's degree in Primary Education and Early Childhood Studies as well as earned many certifications in healthy eating for the under 5s, health and safety, safeguarding, infection control, and fire safety awareness.

My other great passion in life is my family and friends. I spend my time with my husband, two children, and our crazy cockapoo. I enjoy following my children’s passions and watching them flourish. For me, I love live music and watching a gig with friends. I also enjoy taking long dog walks in fields, woodlands or along one of our many beautiful beaches.

Chelsea Craig

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner Joined: 2024

To follow soon

Lara Hine

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner - Minnows Room Joined: 2022

To follow soon.

Charlotte Marples

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner Joined: 2022

To follow soon.

Amanda Hobbs

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner - Tiddlers Room Joined: 2023

Hello, Amanda here. I have worked in childcare for 33 years. In London until I moved to Cornwall in 2003. I have worked in many roles within nursery settings. I love to see the children develop and grow, and I find their interest in the world to be amazing. I'm so happy to be a part of their journey.

My interests outside of the nursery are; meeting with friends, gardening, and growing flowers and vegetables. I love to be near the sea and combine this with my love of rambling and history.

Kelly Thomas

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner - Nippers Room Joined: 2021

Hi, I’m Kelly and I’ve been working in childcare since 2014. I have a Level 3 qualification in “Children and Young People’s Workforce”.

I love working with children and making sure they get the most out of their time at nursery and are always having fun.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family and exploring new places.

Melissa Moses

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner Joined: 2023

To follow on.

Lisa

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner - Schoolies Room Joined: 2021

Hello there, I’m Lisa and have been working with children for eight years. My passion is connecting children with the natural world. In my free time I’m a Scout Leader and will often be seen in the woods, kayaking down the river or in the sea – I’m a year round wild swimmer!

I love the rewarding nature of seeing children be able to grow and learn while supporting them to build their own confidence.