Welcome to Cheeky Monkeys 🐒
Hello, I’m Frances, an Ofsted registered childminder based in Withycombe, Exmouth. I provide a friendly, stimulating and nurturing environment for babies and young children (0–3 years) in which they can safely socialise and learn through play.
A gentle, confidence-building first step towards greater independence.
I’m here to support you and your little one through one of life’s big transitions ❤️
- Are you feeling anxious about returning to work after maternity leave?
- Is your little one particularly sensitive, nervous, or clingy?
- Would you like support with establishing positive sleep patterns and gentle sleep associations for your baby or toddler?
With many years of experience supporting families, I understand that every child is unique. I have a wealth of experience and a proven track record of helping even the most sensitive babies and young children feel safe, secure, and settled.
My aim is to help you and your little one navigate these transitions with confidence, reassurance, and care.
What I offer 🧸
- Home-based care for babies and young children, Monday to Thursday
- All meals, healthy snacks and cow’s milk included in the hourly fee, with no hidden extras
- Funded places: 9-month and 2-year-old funding, 15 and 30 funded hours, and Tax-Free Childcare
- Term-time-only and all year round contracts
- A free taster session just before your child’s first day
- Learning through play, following the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
What Ofsted said ⭐
“Children thrive in a warm and nurturing environment where their communication skills are actively developed.”
Ofsted inspection, February 2022 – read the report
What parents say 💬
A true home from home ❤️
I honestly couldn’t recommend Frances highly enough. She has looked after both of my youngest children since they were babies, and from the very beginning it has always felt completely home from home.
Neither of them has ever once cried about going to Frances — quite the opposite! They absolutely love going, and dropping them off genuinely feels more like leaving them with family than taking them to childcare. As a very fussy mum of four 😂, I don’t think I could give a bigger compliment than saying I have always left them there feeling completely happy and confident that they are loved, safe and being wonderfully cared for.
Frances knows them both so well as individuals. She understands their different personalities, interests and needs and puts so much thought into helping each of them learn and develop in ways that suit them. It never feels like a one-size-fits-all approach — she genuinely knows your child.
The communication is also amazing. We get daily updates, photos and videos, so we get to see what they’ve been doing and all the lovely little moments from their day. I’ve never felt like I’m missing out on their lives while they’re with her.
Another thing that has been invaluable to us is how flexible Frances is. With days, times and changing family life, she has always done everything she can to accommodate us. You just don’t get that same level of flexibility with many other childcare settings, and as a busy family it has made such a difference. Knowing that we can talk to her and she’ll always try to help where she can has been incredibly useful and something we really appreciate.
Most importantly, my children are happy there. They feel secure, comfortable and completely themselves, and the relationship they have built with Frances is incredibly special.
We feel very lucky to have found her. She has played such a big part in both of their early years and I genuinely couldn’t imagine anyone else having looked after them. If you’re looking for childcare that truly feels like an extension of your own family, I couldn’t recommend Frances enough. ❤️
Sam, September 2026, on childcare.co.uk
My daughter spent a year and half with Frances and loved it. Frances is a loving, caring lady who works with such a calm, organised manner. Which as a busy parent was greatly appreciated! The home from home setting was a great introduction to childcare for our girl. She was able to make friends, learn and grow in this comforting environment. Frances has heaps of experience and was always there for advice and support when needed. Since my daughter has finished and stared preschool she has said “I don’t want to go to preschool, I want to see Frances.” This has highlighted to us what a close bond our daughter developed with Frances.
We are so grateful for the service Frances provided. We will all miss her! Thank you xxx
Jasmine, March 2026, on childcare.co.uk
Read more about my qualifications and Ofsted history on the About me page, or see what a day at Cheeky Monkeys looks like on A typical day.
Space available 🎈
I currently have a space available Monday to Thursday. Get in touch to find out more or to arrange a visit.
Ofsted ⭐
Registered childminder since December 2008
URN EY387146
| 2009 | Outstanding |
|---|---|
| 2015 | Outstanding |
| 2022 | Good |