Arthur from June 2012 (Two and a half days per week).

I spent a long time deciding what sort of childcare I wanted for Arthur. I looked at several day nurseries and felt uncomfortable with the rather confined nature of the care there. I knew I wanted a more home-like experience for him and felt his care should represent as close to that provided by myself and my husband as possible. I spoke to several childminders but as soon as I chatted with Helen over the phone I knew I that I wanted to meet her and that we were on the same wavelength. I couldnt be happier with the care that Helen provides. Arthur enjoys his days with her, Ionie and the other children immensely. She provides a wide range of activities including plenty of outdoor play. I know that Arthur has recently enjoyed sand and water play, feeding the squirrels in the park, drawing and sticking, reading and puzzles, den building and trips to the seafront play park. Helen provides a lovely, safe and child-friendly environment in her home with plenty of space for the children to explore. The garden even includes a muddy play area and sensory space where the children bring and examine further things they have collected on their outings (Arthur loves seashells!). Helen is an excellent communicator and had no trouble gaining Arthurs confidence. I know he feels safe in her care and when he is hurt or feeling under the weather I know that he is happy to be comforted by her. I am confident that she can administer either first aid or medication following all the correct procedures and completing the necessary records to ensure his health and safety. Helen provides Arthur with all of his meals. She offers great variety and always with an emphasis on healthy eating. The children are allowed to explore the various ingredients that go into making their food and sometimes they even manage to cook together. These are values which are important to us at home and I am particularly grateful for the effort that goes into encouraging these interests whilst Arthur is in her care. Helen completes a diary detailing what Arthur has been up to each day. From this I have a complete picture of his whole day including what he has eaten, when he has slept and all his activities. This helps me to feel involved with his care and I can talk to him about his day. As the diary is based on an easily accessible website it also offers the opportunity for me to add comments and advise on areas of development which we may be working on at home. It makes things much easier to work as a team to make sure Arthur gets the best care possible. I also love the photograph gallery which enables us to actually see what our little boy has been up to in the day. All in all I am extremely happy with the level of care and personal attention that Arthur receives. I couldnt be more pleased with our decision to entrust Arthur to Helens care. Sometimes I think he enjoys it more at Helens Happy Home than he does at his own one!!
Thank you Helen.
Siân, Brighton

• Overall
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