We have known Trina for the past two years when she started looking after our older son. He was one year old when he started and settled in straight away. With her warm and loving personality she won his heart. We were impressed with Trina right from the beginning, particularly the way she engaged with our son. She followed his lead rather than imposing herself and our son quickly warmed to her.
Trina has a natural warmth and empathy which I think makes her stand out in her capacity to care for children. I was always impressed by how calm she is and how well behaved all children are in her care. She teaches them respect and boundaries in a kind and gentle manner.
She is knowledgeable about child development and safeguarding of children. Trina keeps up with her personal development by taking evening courses and webinars and offers advice when asked. She worked closely with us during our older son’s potty training and followed our lead.
She plans frequent activities taking into account the needs of every child. These include trips to parks, farms, museums, indoor soft plays, and music classes. During rainy days, she prepares activities at home: messy play, singing and dancing, reading and learning or our son’s favourite; building a gigantic train track in a hallway. In the summer, they had paddling pool and even a bouncy castle in the garden. She risk assesses every activity to make sure children are safe but this does not stop her from giving children fun and stimulating day.
Her house is always clean and her garden is a safe and fun place for children to let off some steam.
Trina has also looked after our son overnight. She kindly offered to take care of him when I went into a labour and we have never doubted our son was in good hands and well looked after.
Trina is now looking after our younger son who is now 11 months. She makes sure the house is safe for his exploration and plans activities appropriate for his age. She prepares healthy home cooked meals.
She is justifiably confident in her care of the children, yet communicates promptly if she has any concerns. She keeps a diary of everything our son does and learns during the week which makes the whole settling in period for us easier.
Trina has been unfailingly reliable in her availability and flexibility for as long as we have known her.
In short we have found her a wonderful carer for our sons, someone who has contributed a great deal to their development into happy young boys over the last two years, and a friend to them who they love very much.

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