My son was with Helen for 3.5 years, from when he was 10 months old until he left to start school. I was looking for a family environment and home-away-from-home for him and Helen offered just that. She and her three sons were welcoming and caring and gave him lots of attention, and they helped him grow into a confident, friendly little boy who was well-prepared to start school.

Helen’s setting is immaculately clean and she has a huge range of toys. As well as allowing free play she guides children in arts, crafts and baking. My son would come home with lovely pictures, great handmade cards for all occasions, and yummy treats that he’d helped to bake. Helen also helped teach my son new skills such as threading, counting, holding a pen and writing his name. He thoroughly enjoyed regular trips to the park, library and play-group, as well as special days out further afield.

One of the most important things to me was how frequently Helen kept in contact. Through photos, videos and messages she let me know multiple times a day what my son was doing and how he was. It was incredibly reassuring and helped me feel like I was part of his day, despite being at work.

I can’t recommend Helen highly enough.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication