Emma looked after our nearly 4 year old son over the last 3 years on a full time basis (Mon-Thurs) and I can safely say with total confidence that we couldn't have found a better childminder (or any childcare setting) for him.

We initially looked at nurseries, some rated outstanding, but none of them felt like the sort of environment we'd want our 1 year old at the time to spend the better part of his week at. We had no experience of childminders either directly or through friends, so the concept was really foreign to us, but we thought to give it a chance.

When we found Emma, it was clear she was exactly what we were looking for. We loved the way she spoke to the children on their level, calm, respectful and full of humour. She's incredibly organised and a fantastic communicator, keeping us well-informed and reassured in the process throughout our son's stay.

Emma takes the children out regularly and my son very quickly felt safe and secure in the predictable routine even as a baby. He had access to stimulating activities, outings and made friends with children older and younger than him which was wonderful. Our son certainly appreciated going out so regularly and this suited him really well.

My son learned all his table manners at Emma's and napped like a dream (he never napped with us!) He was provided with endless opportunities to develop his confidence, motor skills and social-communication skills.

We will truly miss Emma and her humourous hand-written accounts of our son's daily diary that we will treasure forever. She is a real gem and we will always be grateful for how far our son has come on with his confidence largely because of her.

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• Communication