We met Helen through the government childminder and nanny page. We were looking for a new place for our son after concerns elsewhere. So already having a negative experience we were sceptical. The main thing we were searching for –
Cleanliness
Tidiness
Organisation
Education/outdoor activities
Care and attention to a realistic group of children roughly aground the same age.
We were initially aiming for a nursery and then we saw Helens Honeybees. So we popped her a message with the off chance she may have availability. She responded quickly and professionally, advising only two full days were available – so we continued the introduction process as we could utilise those two days and nursery. Helen has a private fb group that she uses to advertise the daily antics of the bees, and well, everything looked far too good to be true. So we went for a visit. Upon arrival there’s a wild and free hedge which strangely enough creates privacy and the feel of entering an enchanted gateway – we looked for the signature wreath as directed and scattered bee figurines. There’s an installed ring doorbell for safety and alerts – huge tick! We ring and wait a few moments (we’re visiting on a Friday so no children just a 1:1 session) and a very well presented, clean and pleasant lady answers the door, all smiles and radiating warmth. But the smell of the home was even more impressive given our past experience. It smelt clean but also fragranced (not like she’d just sprinted round with a can of febreze either; we’re talking deep scented). Regular cleaning. Fresh. Smell. – fantastic! We step inside and to the left of me a coat peg for the children – with name tags! To the right – a little name check station to register the children as present.... The night before I was complaining previously why didn’t they have these things so we didn’t get lost items and waiting forever for our child’s belongings. Helen had it sorted. Its also a shoes off home, which is something I’ve grown up with and reaffirms this with our baby. So already Helens is superseding and we’ve only just got through the front door. We then go through into the children’s area, where the walls are decorated with images of seeds and flowers shaping numbers from 1 to 10, a hoop with each child’s smiley face pinned displaying their inclusiveness in the home, children’s tables and chairs, a multipurpose table displaying a multitude of foraged goods, animals, and other educational materials. A combination of educational toys both wooden and plastic. Pencils – in matching colours in labelled pots! Dolls. Wooden utility play unit! Baskets and bowls sorted with toys because she pays attention to what the children enjoy and play with! She listened intently to concerns and learnt first hand about our baby boy. She showed us the children’s portfolios that she starts from day one detailing their journeys through start to finish. She has record books to put in the children’s bags for you to see what she feeds them/teaches them/observes in their characters/nappy changes the works! After one meet with Helen I just knew in my heart my baby would be happy here, not over stimulated or washed out with children to become feral – but heard, taught, cared for and nurtured in the moments I couldn’t be there with him. You can absolutely tell that every breath of this woman’s being is dedicated to children and not just her own, any child in her care is welcomed with warmth, smiles and love. The efforts this woman goes to, to include children in current worldly events – like painting a life size version of King Charles for his coronation so the children understand is outstanding. Teaching them kindness and how to be gentle with her animals. Going for daily walks and adventures. Each parental experience feels like she’s only caring for your child, her level of comprehending what each parent needs (especially when having negative experiences too previous) and delivering such an exceptional level of service is dumbfounding. How one woman can manage all this and continue to be such an enchanting, kind and genuine human is unbelievable. If you want your children to grow, learn and positively develop, if you understand that a child minder isn’t just designed to be a cheap stop to dump your child so you can have free time or work time (which you do you if so, each parenting style to their own) then Helen is by far underpaid and over accomplished for the service she delivers. She is absolutely astounding and worth every single penny. My son loves her, my parents love her and we love her. My son happily runs off without saying bye or crying. He’s just so comfortable and content. I also didn’t mention the garden or their little quiet space, I’d definitely investigate to see what you’re missing! ❤️ Also please remember - we were complete strangers when we met Helen. This is based soley on the month our baby has been with her.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication