I have been incredibly fortunate to find a childminder as capable, dedicated and selfless as Michelle. She exudes energy and evidently loves working with children. My youngest daughter has benefited from daily interaction with Michelle since she was just 6 months old - but has now started school. Obviously returning to work after maternity leave was something I dreaded, yet Michelle made the transition as pain-free as possible. Her home is a friendly, warm and welcoming environment, and Michelle is meticulous in her organisation and management, ensuring cleanliness, healthiness and indeed safety. It is a wonderful privilege to know that my baby has been in such a caring and loving environment that is conducive to her development and socialisation.

There are never any tears at morning drop-off; to the contrary my daughter runs straight towards the toys and dressing-up items, immediately interacting with the other children and forgetting to kiss me goodbye! This is reflective of how comfortable she feels in Michelle's home, and I am delighted that my baby is enchanted by her surroundings. How could she not be? There is a wide variety of toys and books, a beautiful garden outside (weather permitting!), and Michelle always plans fun activities that encourage growth, both educationally and socially.

The social aspect has been crucial to my daughter's development - it has been brilliant to see her mix with other children, and Michelle has taught her how to share properly, how to adopt the fundamentals of etiquette such as table manners, and also how to function happily in group settings. She is a particular fan of the more creative activities (especially if she can make a mess!), and Michelle is always switched on to special dates in the family calendar, regularly sending my daughter home with lovely cards and art work for the fridge.
Michelle also provides a daily summary of my daughter's nappy changes, meals, sleep patterns, and general activities. This allows me to plan our evenings more succinctly, and I always find it very helpful that Michelle works in tandem so naturally with parents.

Michelle is an absolute delight to work with, and I can genuinely surmise that there is no one else I would rather have had looking after my child.