A childminder in Teignmouth celebrated a quarter of a century of looking after youngsters in the town on Monday (November 4).

Nicky Burgess started Burgess Childminding on November 4 1999 and was joined by her husband Paul a couple of years later.

After 25 years, the couple are now looking after some of the offspring of children they looked after in the early years.

‘I want to thank all the children and families who have supported me over the last 25 years,’ Nicky said. ‘It has truly been a privilege to be able to help the children and be part of their lives. I hope I’ve made a difference to all the families.’

Nicky is a well-known character in Teignmouth and has raised thousands of pounds for local organisations and charities through fundraising activities and events. She was the first lady president of Teignmouth Rotary.

‘Over the last 25 years there have been lots of changes to childcare which have greatly improved standards,’ Paul noted adding that during this time the availability of childcare places has worsened with the number of childminders halving in the past ten years from 56,200 in 2013 to 27,900 in 2023.

‘Considering the average registration of a childminder is 11 years, being in business for 25 years is an amazing achievement which shows the dedication of Nicky to all children and parents,’ Paul said. ‘In Teignmouth there are only a handful of business who have either been operational or even in the same hands for 25 years.’