Sally was childminder for our daughter, Leah, between April 2018 to December 2020.

Sally is our second experience of a childminder as the childminder who had looked after our son was fully booked. We have been very pleased with Sally’s level of professionalism in her field. Sally was clear about the way she works with children and the way she sees them as individuals. This is evident in the way she talks with children and also in the way she interacts with her own children who are now older. The way we would describe Sally is: patient, kind and loving. She shows warmth and respect to all the children we have seen her with. Sally has always adapted to the needs of each child.

Within the setting, Leah has been happy and engaged in playing with different toys. The two pet rabbits have brought much enjoyment and feeding the squirrels in the garden has added to the fun. Sally has a good outdoor space with a little kitchen and different toys the children can play with. Usually Sally will take the children out in the morning. This has included a variety of activities such as children’s groups where they mix with other children, the toy library, a local park or the beach. She has also taken the children to local attractions such as Paradise Park.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic Sally has adapted her setting well to the changes. Sally’s approach has been taking practical steps to ensure guidance is adhered to and she has sought regular support from representatives within the council. The changes appears to have had little impact on Leah’s experience of being in the setting. Sally has continued to take the children out in the mornings as much as has been possible. They have been going to local woodlands and parks (usually avoiding play areas). Sally has also continued to work on the children’s social skills and has teamed up with other childminders to meet in the outdoors when government guidance has allowed for this.

Leah has always been happy at Sally’s and enjoyed the comfort of being in her home. Over the last year we have realised that our daughter experiences some separation anxiety. It is to the credit of Sally that it has taken us several years to understand this issue as she has always been easy to settle with Sally.

The support Sally has offered has been invaluable as a family with two key workers. Sally was able to continue to childmind Leah throughout the lock down when several other childcare facilities were closed. In the period Leah has been with Sally she has not had to take time off sick.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication