We feel just so lucky to have Filiz as our son’s childminder for so many reasons. We had heard about her through a family member who were extremely happy with her and we are so happy that we took their recommendation.
It was naturally very hard for me to leave our 7 months old son to somebody else’s care when I had to go back to work fulltime. I had so many concerns. Is he going to sleep well? (He needed to be rocked to sleep which was a big stress point for me), is he going to eat well? (We had just started BLW with him and I wanted to prepare all his food for a healthy diet, was she ok to spend the time to feed him), is he going to miss me? He is much younger than the other kids are, will he get enough attention? Etc. Despite all my worries, it was such a smooth transition. Filiz was so receptive to all our wishes and requests. She adapted an excellent routine for Atlas and always found a solution to any of our concerns. Almost immediately, she became like a family member to us. She made it so easy for me and for Atlas with all the love and care she gave him and the comforting setting she provided. Since 14 months now, I am very comfortable leaving Atlas to her every day, knowing that she will be providing a loving care in the best way and that Atlas feels so much loved and secure.
Atlas is so happy to spend time with Filiz and his friends. During the weekends and holidays he mentions their names often, trying to tell a story. Filiz has a very nice playroom with lots of different toys, a fantastic garden that they enjoy so much in summer time and she takes them regularly to playgroups. All the games that they play together and his exposure to different kids and older children have made a very positive impact on his development. Although Filiz can speak Atlas’s mother tongue, which is Turkish, she spoke with him mostly in English, which has been excellent. Atlas can now understand and speak equally well in both languages. I am so fascinated to see all the new words, new games, new rhymes etc. he learns every day, thanks to the variety of exposure he gets with Filiz.
We have a very open communication with Filiz and she provides very detailed information about Atlas’s day every day while we are picking him up. Even on the days when we are slightly late, she never rushes the conversation and gives all the details with her observations. We even used to have a daily diary until he was 1 year old. Now, she sends us pictures and videos every day and it is literally the best moment of our working day to see what our dear son is up to and how happy he is playing with his friends. Filiz also makes recommendations to us on how to behave and respond on challenging habits and let us know about the rules she puts in place as examples. I am so happy that some of the first words Atlas have learned were “Please” and “Thank You”.
Once you get to know Filiz and see how happy your child is with her, you cannot even think about changing your childminder. We actually moved our house from Maidenhead to Datchet just to get closer to where Filiz lives rather than looking for alternative childcare nearer to us.
We are so grateful to have found such a trustworthy person and would without any hesitation recommend Filiz Charters for any childcare needs parents may have.

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