It’s hard to speak in high enough terms of Hollie and how much she has brought to our family over the last 13 months. She has an incredible way with children – she’s calm and consistent, full of fun and adventures, and supports our children’s’ emotional needs with sensitivity and love.

Hollie started working with us (3 days a week) when our little boy had just turned 3 and our little girl was 7 months old. She immediately rose to the challenge of looking after a high energy and at times challenging 3 year old, knowing when to calm things to prevent him from getting overwhelmed, take the time to help him ride out his emotions and create lots of adventures to challenge and entertain. It’s been a joy watching Fynn bond with Hollie and grow as a person as he’s got to know her. He’s also formed a very close friendship with Hollie’s wonderful daughter, who he spends time with after she finishes school and in the holidays.

Hollie is likewise amazing with young babies. Arrietty was still very small when I returned to work but she took her under her wing with confidence and characteristic calm. I don’t remember a day when Arrietty resisted me leaving – a sign of how safe and held she felt in Hollie’s presence. She regularly takes her to local groups, arranges meet ups with other babies of a similar age and takes joy in encouraging her new abilities as she grows.

As well as her natural gifts with children, Hollie brings a huge amount of skill. She is ever aware of both of our children’s developmental needs, thinking up new games and activities to suit – from teaching our daughter baby sign to stretching our little boy’s understanding of the world around him.

Hollie has always been brilliantly flexible, doing additional hours at short notice when needed and helping with babysitting in the evenings.

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