Lucy's was the first setting we visited when looking for childminders. People advised us to look around, so we did. I visited another 3 childminders who instantly made me realise how badly I wanted my son to be with Lucy! She was everything we were looking for and I was so thankful that she had a space for H!

H joined Lucy's setting when he was 11months and stayed there until he moved on to pre-school at 2years 10months. I was so happy with the care we received from Lucy, Gemma and Natalie and would recommend their setting to anyone. I could tell from day one that she would be great. I turned up to drop him off, nervous to leave him for the first time, and Lucy picked him up, smiled and said, "Have a good day mummy!" and helped H wave me off. And that was it. He was in and settled. We never had tears at drop off and H went in happily every single time. He left there 5 months ago and still talks so fondly about his time with Lucy.

H hit all his milestones while under Lucy's care and I very quickly saw changes in him as Lucy helped him grow in independence and confidence, particularly with his language skills. The two years H spent with Lucy prepared him so well for pre-school.

Lucy provides a great range of on site activities and visits to local parks/attractions and H always had such fun. She has a lovely setting with a great range of toys and equipment including a fireman's hat which I think H wore the whole time he was there!

H had three meals a day at Lucy's. He really enjoyed the food, and, according to Lucy's recording app, would often have second helpings!

The communication is excellent, daily photos and videos of the children having fun. Lucy always kept us informed and updated with text/WhatsApp messages as well as a daily record app and paper letters in the bag. Lucy was always very accommodating when H needed any additional care; nappy cream, medication, antibiotics, etc. and I felt very confident with her providing this.

Lucy also arranged a lovely social event at Christmas where all the parents could meet. It was so lovely to be able to see H playing in the setting with the friends he spoke about, as well as being able to chat with the other parents.

As a teacher, I had to go in to work during all of the lockdowns and Lucy continued to care for H during this time, so that I could care for the children of other keyworkers. Obviously this was a worrying time for me, leaving my 1 year old during such unprecedented times, but Lucy continued to provide a loving, home from home environment that I knew was safe. She was flexible and accommodating as my working hours changed a lot during that period and I'm so grateful to her.

Our daughter will be starting with Lucy in December 2022, also at 11months, and I'm so excited for her journey with Lucy to start.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication