We found a pearl !
Francine has been looking after our little Charlie (13 months old) for about 3 months now and it already seems she is part of the family !
I was worried I could not find someone available on short notice and professional at the same time. And there she was, very smiley and skilled and she made us feel comfortable straight away !
Francine has a very professional approach: we were invited to visit her place and have free play before signing anything. Her priority was to create a bond with Charlie and make sure he would familiarise with the place and herself first. Her house is clean and safe, she has a garden with toys and a sandpit and regularly takes the children for a stroll in the park, to the library and many other child friendly places. When Charlie spends his day with Francine I know he will have fun and do a lot of activities.
She makes sure playtime also develops their motor skills and creativity. Charlie has been painting, drawing, baking and playing outdoors with other children - she meets with other childminders and all children play together.
She treats him like if he was her child (and her own children are very well mannered and sweet): her and husband Darek dressed up for Christmas time and organised a party with Christmas gifts (parents were invited), she celebrated Charlie's 1st birthday with cake and even invited us all for diner.
Also, I am French and very happy that Francine speaks regularly French with him :)
Charlie goes to Francine's twice a week and each time, she sends me a full report of the day (type of meal, description of activities and nap pattern etc.) + a lot of pictures, which is lovely !
Charlie arrives in the morning with a smile and actually seems a bit sad to leave her in the evening :) I cannot recommend enough Francine and Darek's daycare