I’m a mother of 3 young children. My eldest 2 both attended a nursery setting and both did very well. However by the time my 3rd came along, family circumstances meant that Grandparents were no longer able to help out so my youngest was sent to different (and cheaper) nursery than the older two had attended. My gut feeling about the place and his experience there meant I swiftly removed him again just as Mary had spaces available. Having experienced a great nursery (and one I wasn’t keen on) followed by a childminding service I can honest say it’s the best thing we did. Mary’s is like a home from home for my youngest whilst still getting all the benefits of a nursery education, probably more in fact as Mary’s EYFS knowledge is brilliant. He’s counting, recognising numbers, sounding out letters and drawing pictures that actually look like what they are supposed to be!
Any previous reservations or worries I had about him not getting a ‘classroom’ experience have disappeared, seeing him flourish in Mary’s care makes me realise that he doesn’t need a classroom setting to settle into school when he goes. Whilst he’s with Mary he’s learning about food prep, he’s painting, he’s playing with a variety of toys and Mary has helped him develop into a confident little boy.
Mary is really responsive, she keeps in contact with us throughout the day, always handing my son over at the end of the day with details of what he’s been doing, what he’s eaten (and he really loves Mary’s food, especially the pasta!) and where they have been. He never comes home dirty, regardless of what they’ve been up to during the day.
I would highly recommend Mary to anyone considering a childminder, my son feels valued and loved at Mary’s and that is evident in the way he has developed.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication