My son has been with Anna’s Acorns (Anna and her husband, John) since April 2016. He attended 5 days per week for 2 years. From January 2018 we reduced him down to 2 days as he alternated with nursery school. He starts reception this September.

I have been extremely happy with the care my son has received, and the great progress he has made whilst in Anna & John’s care. Their home is always welcoming, clean and well organised and my son has great fun playing with all the toys available and with the other children in their care. Beyond all this though, it is their warm and friendly, but no nonsense approach, which sets them apart from other childminders we have experienced.

They provides a wide, fun range of activities including plenty of outdoor exercise and soft play centres. I know my son has recently enjoyed sand and water play, drawing and sticking, reading and puzzles as well as outings to the park, trips to feed the ducks and walks in the woods. Last week he decorated a card to give to his Daddy for Father’s Day.

Both Anna & John are great communicators and have no trouble in gaining my son’s confidence and therefore encouraging good behaviour and kindness and compassion to others, both skills which are important to us at home. When my son steps outside his boundaries, they respond with firm but kind discipline explaining what they would like to see in terms which he understands. When he is hurt or feeling under the weather I know that he feels happy to be comforted by them and I am confident that they can administer either first aid or medication following all the correct procedures and completing the necessary records to ensure his health and safety.

I am also aware that they ensure good personal hygiene in encouraging all the children to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. I’m sure that it is this practice together with the cleanliness of their home which has ensured that my son has remained healthy and bug free for as long as I can remember.

They complete an online app diary detailing what my son has done each day. From this I have a complete picture of his whole day including what he has eaten, how long he has slept, all his activities, his EYFS steps progress and even photos which the greater family in South Africa benefit from too! This helps me to feel involved with his care and that I can talk to him about his day.

All in all I am thoroughly happy with the level of care my son receives and I’m certain that being in such a positive and happy environment is helping him develop into a confident and self-assured little boy.

I would absolutely recommend Anna’s Acorns as great and reliable childminders.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication