Alison looked after our son Raffy from 6 months until he was 2 and a half and throughout that time we found her to be the most exceptional childminder and now friend to our family. From the moment we met her, we were impressed by her professionalism, knowledge and the deep love and care she displays for the children and the families she works with.

As Raffy was relatively young when he went in to childcare, we were nervous about leaving him full time in a childcare setting. However our concerns were immediately put to rest due the hugely welcoming environment she provides. We had been particularly concerned with regards to his dairy and soy allergy but she was more than capable in catering for him with nutritious dairy-free meals and snacks whilst also managing his interactions with other children and their food. She is extremely experienced and knowledgeable in childhood allergy management and is able to instigate allergy ladders where appropriate, all of which was enormously reassuring.

Raffy regularly attended several activities whilst under Alison’s care which we were of huge benefit to his development including baby sign classes, The Forest School and Willows Farm. Whilst there, we received lovely videos and photos of Raffy having a fabulous time which always brightened our day and demonstrated his increasing confidence, participation and enjoyment. We received regular feedback about his activities, behaviour, developmental achievements and interaction with his peers both on the doorstep and via whatsapp which was very reassuring but never overbearing. Alison was and is always approachable and compassionate, and we always felt able to discuss anything about Raffy or our wider family circumstances with her in confidence. Her wisdom and sage advice delivered with a gentle approach was always appreciated.

In her care, we watched Raffy develop into a polite, caring and kind little boy with excellent manners. People always remark on both this and his confidence and I have no doubt that is more than a little due to the supportive and encouraging environment Alison provides for the children she cares for. We couldn’t have been happier with her care and would recommend her without hesitation.

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