Elena 2011's 5 Star Reviews

Childminder

5 stars 5 out of 5
23 ratings

Showing only 5 star reviews

Below are the 5 star reviews for Elena 2011. Please note that reviews represent the subjective opinions of other Childcare.co.uk members and not of Childcare.co.uk. Parents must carry out their own checks and references on childcare providers to ensure that they are completely happy before enaging in the use of their services.

My 15 month old has been going to Elena's childminding service since September and he is nicely settled in. It was the first time he has been with someone outside the immediate family and he is happy and have adjusted. I am happy for the support Elena and Mark has provided for us so far.

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by Avatar for Uju Uju on 16/10/2024

Our little man has been with Elena and Mark since he was 1 year old and I can honestly say that Elena and Mark gave him a super start in life. He loved it there, he was engaged, he learned lots and he developed into a polite, caring, intelegent little boy.
It was clear to see their influence and whatever we started with him at home it was well reinforced in their setting.
Mark and Elena offer great flexibility too, which is perfect for us as schedules can change at relatively short notice.
If you are looking for a childminder I can not recommend Elena strongly enough.

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by Avatar for Gibbzz Gibbzz on 14/09/2022

Our daughter Maria has been looked after by Elena and Mark since she was 7 months old and now Maria is ready to start school in September. I cannot thank enough four their hard work in the past 4 years.

Elena’s settings is calm and inviting, filled with carefully chosen toys that encourage open ended creative play.
Elena carefully plans activities around the interests and developmental milestones of each child helping them to learn through play.

Everything is taken care of: Lots of singing and reading, Regular photo updates so we get to see all the fun things that Maria has been up to each day together with her friends. The children spend a lot of time out-of-doors in her garden, which is very well equipped for all sorts of adventures.
Elena celebrates birthdays and other occasions with the kids, and they enjoy the party food, singing and dancing.

I am so proud of Maria’s development, especially with her English as she is bilingual and we do not speak English at home, so all her language skills she has from Mark And Elena.

I would highly recommend Elena’s settings, Maria spend 4 lovely years with Elena and Mark and will definitely miss them.

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by Avatar for anna anna on 20/08/2021

My son has been going to Elena's child care since he was 9 months old. He is now 3, we are moving so sadly he will be leaving. He has loved his time with Elena and Mark, he comes out full of stories, and has made some lovely friendships and with Covid this has been essential for his developed when we haven't been able to mix outside.
He loves to play in the garden and join in the music sessions.
He can be very fussy with food and they have been very patient with this, also very flexible when I have to stay on at work or need to swap my days.

I can highly recommend, and thank them for looking after H so well.

Rachel

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by Avatar for REM REM on 21/06/2021

Since Verity started her childcare journey at Mark and Elena’s we’ve had nothing but support and understanding for our family needs and requirements.

As a naturally anxious mother, who had suffered with mental health issues including post-natal depression during my maternity leave, meeting such a down-to-earth family who have a strong knowledge of the importance of childhood development and the early years of education really put me at ease.

Since transitioning from being with my child all the time to returning to working two part-time jobs Elena and Mark have shown a great deal of flexibility and compassion especially with how clingy and emotional my daughter Verity was for the first year of being apart for a couple of hours, two days a week.

I’ve really noticed the difference in Verity’s ability to be more socially outgoing and share her interests more freely with us, relatives and companions since exploring the different outdoor, music-based and play-based learning activities that Mark and Elena provide for her. The moment we pick her up she always recalls her favourite parts of the day and has gradually begun to make positive relationships with other children of mixed ages thanks to Mark and Elena’s gentle and calm encouragement.

I can tell that Verity is secure in expressing her wants, interests, needs and desires and she communicates her emotions effectively. She always looks forward to her walk to Mark and Elena’s and happily waves us off at the door.

We’ve collaboratively managed to map-out, plan and scaffold many specific milestones such as potty training, stopping the use of pacifiers for comfort and becoming more adventurous with exploring a range and variety of food flavours and textures ensuring that her nutrition is balanced. We couldn’t have done this without confidently consulting Mark and Elena on our concerns based on what we were struggling with at home and getting positive feedback from them in what approaches worked effectively. I never feel judged or compared when having those conversations with them and they always make the time to listen to my worries and keep in regular contact to relieve me of that guilt.

The updates and use of social tools are so reliable. I get regular, weekly updates of videos, photographs and comments in regard to Verity’s general day and any significant leaps of progress or impressive moments. They also message me weekly just to check that I’m familiar and ok with the admin side and medical side of childcare which really helps me to feel organised and puts me at ease especially as a busy teacher and domestic carer as life and time can get very busy!

It’s amazing to think that Verity has already achieved and shared so much with them since being there from five and a half months. She’s since learnt to crawl, stand, walk, remain dry in pants etc.

I feel incredibly fortunate and blessed to have found a system that fits in to my life so easily and I couldn’t imagine how we’d sustain our family routine without Mark and Elena. Discovering that they were local and within walking distance was just an added bonus.

Verity missed Mark and Elena lots during lockdown and even with the unpredictable challenges of COVID-19 Mark and Elena made the effort to maintain reliable and clear contact via WhatsApp to ensure that we could share our day-to-day lives and experiences with them and other parents. They also informed us of any policy changes which proved that they put the safety of all families that they are involved with as their core priority. This has made returning to work smooth and stress-free for myself and my husband.

I can’t sing their praises enough and am already eager to see what the future brings in their setting. I know that Verity has a happy, bright, successful time ahead since beginning her learning journey there and I truly, genuinely mean it when I say that I highly recommend Mark and Elena as a decent choice when considering a child minder.

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by Avatar for Kayleigh Kayleigh on 06/10/2020

Elena and Mark have been super with our little one and offer great flexibility to us.
He took a little time to settle in but they were calming and reassuring, so after a week or so he went from not wanting to say bye to toddling up to the door as quick as he can to get indoors to where all the fun happens.

The setting is well stocked with toy and thinks to keep the little ones entertained and educated. There is also a substantial garden with outdoor toys (mud kitchen, slides, ride-ons, see-saws etc.), which is great because our boy loves to be outdoors,

Our son has come on leaps and bounds since starting with Elena and Mark and under their careful guidance he has started to understand sharing and taking turns (he is still little).

He always gets a good healthy meal and snack and we love the updates and videos we are sent during the day.

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by Avatar for Gibbzz Gibbzz on 02/10/2020

I have my both sons with Elena & Mark and its been a beautiful journey so far. The bigger one has been with Elena just before he was 1 and soon he will be 4. Can't believe how time flies. He absolutely love it in there. During the lockdown he missed and cried that he cannot see his friends and join his usual activities. She also organised video calls with all children which was an amazing idea. They loved to see each other.
Elena covers different types of indoor and outdoor activities, taking care of children meals,organising music and dance time, pretending games, painting and making cards etc As my biggest one is preparing to school now, she already started a development plan to help this transition to be smoother.
She has been flexible with our sons needs and keeps records about our children's development. Considering that I have my both children with her, definitely it's a piece of mind for me knowing that I have someone to trust 100%. Its never easy to let go to that "mummy routine" and I have always considered her as a "second" mum for my children.
Elena has been always caring and flexible with my sons and can't thank her enough for all her efforts to make my kids happy and make me happy also. We have lovely memories so far!

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by Avatar for Andreea Andreea on 01/10/2020

Our family is lucky to have Elena as childminder. She is kind and loving. Together with her husband, Mark, they create a fantastic environment for kids to play and learn, every day a new adventure inside or in the garden. My son loves playing in the garden with cars and outdoors kitchen. The children have a diverse menu. She is keeping us informed about our sons evolution sharing videos and pictures. Elena is doing a fantastic job.
We highly recommend her.

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by Avatar for Raluca Raluca on 01/10/2020

My little one is with lovely Elena and Mark over a year ago and I have been always happy with their involvement during all this time. They organise a variaty of activies, indoor and outdoor and my son really loves the music activity. They offer a daily journal at home but also using Tapestry to add videos and reports regarding your child development. Elena provides daily nutritional meals for children but you are more than welcome to bring yours if you want so. Always been really flexible with timing and when I needed her to keep my little one a bit more. They have always been supportive and informative with our little one and I highly recommend her to anyone! She had my little one since he just turned one and I imagine it wasn’t easy for none of us but I was truly happy for my little one to be into her settlement. She help us a lot with my son food diversification and he did his first steps with them! I can say that my little Edward has definitely a “second home”😊

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by Avatar for Andreea Andreea on 08/01/2019

Our daughter has been going to Elena and Mark's for just over a year and a half now, since she was 18 months old. From day one Elena and Mark have been brilliant in ensuring she settled in, as well as updating us on her development through a daily diary, reports, photos and videos.

The setting is lovely, they make the children feel at home through creating a nice clean, friendly family environment; with a great variety of home-made food and educational activities.

We are delighted with our daughter's development and preparation ready for school whilst in Elena's care. We couldn't recommend them highly enough.

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by Avatar for Parent Parent on 19/07/2018

My son has been with Elena and Mark for 3 years now and will sadly be leaving soon for school. Ethan has developed and grown so much in Elena's setting and I cannot recommend her enough for this.

Elena has lots of toys and provides variety of indoors and outdoor activities. However the weekly music lessons are my sons favourite and will be missed. Elena provides nutritious meals as well as daily diary with all the details of activities and food that my son has. I am also very grateful for the support given and advice on how to cope with challenging behaviour or address any worries you might have

I really couldn't recommend Elena and Mark enough and I am extremely happy with the care and support my son has received.

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by Avatar for Parent Parent on 18/07/2018

Elena has been childminding my daughter since July 2015. She was taking care after her for 3 years.
I have been extremely happy with the care my daughter has received, and the great progress she has made whilst in Elena’s care. Elena’s settling is always welcoming, clean and well organised and my daughter has great fun playing with all the toys available and with the other children in her care. Beyond all this though, it is Elena’s warm and friendly approach but with strict rules that all children must.
She provides a wide, fun range of activities including outdoor exercise. I know children have enjoyed play doh, drawing and sticking, reading, puzzles and music classes as well as various garden activities. Last week they decorated cards to give to theirs Daddies for Father’s Day.
Elena is a great communicator and has no trouble in gaining children confidence and therefore encouraging good behaviour and kindness and compassion to others. When our daughter steps outside her boundaries Elena responds with firm but kind discipline explaining what she would like to see in terms which our daughter understands. When she is hurt or feeling under the weather I know that she feels happy to be comforted by Elena and I am confident that Elena can administer either first aid or medication following all the correct procedures and completing the necessary records to ensure his health and safety.
Elena provides healthy, home cooked meals and snacks such as fruits. I am also aware that Elena ensures 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 Elena’s home which has ensured that my daughter has remained healthy and bug free for the last 3 years.
Elena completes a diary detailing what my daughter has done each day. From this I have a complete picture of her whole day including what she has eaten, how long she has slept and all her activities. This helps me to feel involved with her care and that I can talk to her about her day.
All in all I am thoroughly happy with the level of care my child receives and I’m certain that being in such a positive and happy environment is helping my daughter develop into a confident and self-assured girl.
I would absolutely recommend Elena as a great and reliable childminder.

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by Avatar for Parent Parent on 21/06/2018

Elena and Mark are a fantastic couple and you can see straight away that they are great with children. We had our daughter with them for nearly a year. She loves going there every morning and comes home with a big smile.
Even before starting we had an accommodation period, but our daughter was ok to be left in their establishment after just 3 days. Over the time that she has been there she has developed a lot, every week we can see that she is doing something new. She is always busy with games, activities, outside play, arts and crafts and music. Music day it is a great hit with our daughter, she loves dancing and music. In all this time her mobility, her language and her social skills have developed so much.
Elena and Mark are always there to help you with support and advices for every problem that you could encounter. They do a daily dairy that goes home with the child every day so you can see how their day was and what they did. Also they have made a tapestry journal which provides you with pictures and videos of their daily activities.
We are very happy with Elena and Mark and we highly recommend them.

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by Avatar for Roxana Roxana on 22/02/2018

We are happy to recommend Elena as carrying and reliable childminder. Our 3 year old daughter since the first day was coming back home happy and smiling, and she made a lot of new friends. She has learned a lot at Elena’s setting and benefited from contact with various age children. Due to Elena working with her husband as assistant, and having her own two children it is very home like and happy environment, where children can develop various skills as well as confidence through play and interacting with each other. Elena also helped our daughter with her language and provided us with constructive feedback on a daily basis.
Elena supported us on our potty journey, provided advice, ideas and supported us by following the same routine and as an effect our daughter is now fully toilet trained. Also children have child size toilet at Elena setting which is an advantage.
Elena has lots of toys and provides variety of indoors activities like drawing, painting, messy play with water, play dough, also other arts and crafts. Children also spend a lot of time playing outside in the garden or going on outings to nearby parks and playgrounds. However the part we will miss the most is weekly music lesson, which is my daughter’s absolute favourite.
Elena provides nutritious meals as well as daily diary with all the details of activities and food that children have, and we appreciated that very much as a busy working parents. She was always flexible in accommodating our requests, informative and supportive. We are sad to be leaving Elena’s setting but we are hoping she could help us further with care over our daughter in the future. We are grateful to Elena and her family for their help and support.

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by Avatar for Emilia Emilia on 02/08/2016

My little girl Simona has been in Elena's childcare for over 2 years now and she loves every minute of it. Her older sister Kristiyana joins her everyschool holiday.

Setting are always tidy, clean and with lots of toys for every child group and for different activites. Massive garden, where the children play in the nice weather.
Elena and Mark always make sure they have fun activities planned for the day. Trips to the local park, play groups and Music class, which my daughter is always looking for. Elena is making sure all children learn manners, she teaches them healthy eating and how to e nice to each others. My daughter has a daily diary and that way I know exactly what she has been up to all day.

With English not being her first language I was a bit worried for SImona and how difficult it would be for her to learn letters and numbers. She is now 4 years old and can spell her name and other words, knows every letter from the alphabet and can count to 100.

Elena and Mark are always there when you need support and to give you advice on how to cope with challenging behaviour or address any worries you might have. When Simona developed a stutter Elena gave me reassurance and tips on how to help her overcome it.

I highly recommend Elena and Mark and rest assured that your child will be in really good hands.

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by Avatar for Tinka160 Tinka160 on 31/07/2016

My son started with Elena back in December and has had no problem settling in. Elena and Mark have made the process very easy and painless for us both.

Seth enters with a smile and always leaves with one. And when there are a few tears Elena is brilliant at distracting and comforting him.

Although Seth is one of the youngest currently in the setting he has had no problem interacting and making friends with the other children. Every week I can see how much he is learning and developing from being around the other children, but also because of all the activities Elena and Mark provide for him. They are always doing something whether that is playing at the park, the back garden, or in the play room (all constructive) or arts and crafts and even a music class every week (which my son loves).

I can't recommend them enough. They have a fantastic establishment and run an excellent childminding business. I will be very sad when the day comes for my son to leave, as I'm sure he will be too.

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by Avatar for Parent Parent on 12/04/2016

I was nervous about putting my children with a childminder as I had never done it before, but upon meeting Elena and Mark who work as the most fantastic childminding team I can honestly say I've never felt so at ease. Both my kids can't wait to get there in the morning, and are quite often to busy to greet me when I pick them up. My daughter who stays with them all day while my son is at school comes home with the best stories of her day, Elena has even organised a music class once a week and my daughter loves it. The development my children has made already has been fantastic and i haven't hesitated in recommending them to others already.
Most brilliant childminders.

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by Avatar for Parent Parent on 11/04/2016

Really recommend Elena. She has made the settling in process for my son (and for me), a lot easier. She distracts him easily in the mornings, when he is tearful, and can see that she pays attention to his needs, and already notices his likes and dislikes.

There is always plenty to do, and I like the fact that they go outside as much as possible, which he loves too. Lots of different activities are done throughout the day, and they even go to a music group.

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by Avatar for Parent Parent on 22/04/2015

We have been using Elena's services for two months now and we are absolutely happy with her. When I go to her setting to pick up our daughter, I always find her happy and playing. That is the best signal for me.

Elena has a really nice, clean and tidy place. You can see kids drawings, pictures and toys. You can feel like home there.
Also Elena has two lovely daughters (my daughter loves them!), who are very friendly with the kids. When you meet them you can see that Elena and her husband are wonderful parents.

We are from Argentina, so my daughter's first language is not English. Elena is helping her with the language and we are seeing how she is learning new words every week. We are grateful to Elena for having patience with this specially.

I would highly recommend her.

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by Avatar for Lucy Lucy on 21/04/2015

Elena has been my childminder for over a month now and zack loves it there from the first day of settling in to this day current he enters elenas home with a smile and leaves with one too.
Elena offers so much fun and enjoyment not only at her home where she has plenty of toys games books you name it she has it but just the atomosphere is grate she has a lovely family that welcome the children in her care into there home and the two young girls our very good with the children always playfully and cheery.
Elena is a very organised lady with a very nice and tidy home she always reassures you when you ask questions she provides a top rated service and I would recommend anyone to use her

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by Avatar for Emma Emma on 26/03/2013

We used Elena's services for a week and I'm very pleased with the way she looked after our baby. She is very organized and even though we used her services for a short while, she ensured all the formalities are completed. We also liked the way she made note of our daughter's daily activities.

Her house is very tidy and there are quite a few toys for kids to play. She has two lovely daughters who are so cheerful and welcoming and both of them enjoy playing with kids and looking after them.

We will be very happy to use her services if required in future and would recommend her to anyone looking for a good childminder.

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by Avatar for aadhyac aadhyac on 19/10/2012

My son has been going to Elena's for a few weeks now. After the first meeting, I had the feeling that he is gonna be in good hands.
Elena is surrounded by a wonderful family who all welcomed us into their home and my son was immediately very comfortable playing with the toys.
My son always seems happy when I pick him up which is the most important thing!
I would highly recommend Elena to anybody looking for a childminder.

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by Avatar for Parent Parent on 21/02/2012

Elena Looked after my eleven month old daughter for two days as a trial to see how she would settle into being cared for by another person.
Shannon loved being with Elena and was very happy each time i dropped her off and and was reluctant to come home as she was enjoyning playong with Elena so much.

Elena welcomed our little one into her family with open arms with all the warmth and care that we could hope for.

We feel that our experience with Elena has given us a realistic idea of how our Daughter will cope with being in a child care environment and wish her the best of luck for the future

Elena, Please accept our thanks for your help and allowing us to see how our little girl would cope with being left in the care of another person outside the family, we really appreciate your time and the care that you have shown.

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by Avatar for Parent Parent on 25/01/2012

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