Linda was the first child-minder we met to discuss our childcare needs. See I worked funny 12 hour, night and day shifts and they were different every week. I was seeking childcare for the following year as I just started maternity leave with my son. Linda was very adaptive and assured me she could help our family and keep 2 spaces on hold for us. Instantly I felt welcomed and less panicky about what the next year was going to bring.

My daughter was 2.5 when she first met Linda, she became instant friends with Linda and her Grandchild who was the same age, my daughter did not want to leave Linda’s house that day!. This gave me great reassurance that my children would be ok. We did not feel we needed to seek other options, Linda was just perfect, we knew that straight away from her caring, bubbly personality and the way she would interact with my children and just seeing how the other children in her setting would just run up to Linda for a big cuddle. One of my worries before meeting Linda, was that my children would want a cuddles when they were upset as my children can be a little sensitive at times, but I knew Linda had lots of cuddles to share with them. We met whilst on maternity leave to settle the children in. The children settled in better than expected, this made going back to work as smooth as possible, knowing they would be ok. Don’t get me wrong, it was difficult going back to work, but the children were in the best hands and I knew they were happy.

Linda has now been our child-minder for 1.5 years and we could not imagine anyone else looking after our babies. Linda aka ‘Nana’ or ‘Lindy-Loo’ has grown incredible close to our little ones, like she was their real Nana. My Daughter copied her Grandchild and started to call Linda Nana straight away, this stuck and they both still call Linda Nana, which I think is just lovely. The kids enjoy going to Linda’s every morning and I can honestly say that she cares for all her children with love and care like they were her own. Linda treats all her children as individuals, knowing each of their likes and dislikes and providing them with home cooked yummy meals the kids enjoy. Barbie-fish pie is an all time favorite with my 2 and it is requested all the time. I have requested Linda give me some of her recipe’s as I could learn a lot from Linda’s cookbook.

The children go on daily walks to the local woodland with her 2 beautiful golden retrievers, Poppy and Lilly. The kids, especially my son loves them dearly. They are so gentle and always welcoming for cuddles and sloppy kisses when I see them, I do love them. I often receive lovely picture messages of the children building Den’s in the woods and splashing in puddles with their welly’s on, nothing but smiles on their faces.

The transition of my little girl starting nursery was best it could have been, Linda supported us all the way and adapted to our needs, I know she will do the same for my son when the time comes for him to start nursery too. I have also changed jobs and my hours have changed too, Linda has been great to support the change.

One of the best parts about having Linda as our adoptive Nana, is that we work together as a team. We frequently discuss the children’s needs and any concerns we both may have. We put into place new ideas and routines, using the same words, phrases and actions at home as well as Linda’s home, helping the children learn and develop. If I have any concerns I will often ask for Linda’s advice as I value her opinion more than most as she knows my children so well and I know that she has 3 lovely girls herself, I would be proud to have my children grown to be just as lovely as hers.

Even though we have only known Linda just over 2 years, it feels much longer. Linda has become an important part of our family and also a very dear friend of ours. I am very happy to provide more feedback if you want to know more, I have nothing to say but great things to say about how Linda cares for my children, it is very clear Linda loves her job and all the children in her setting, anyone can see that. Linda was graded Outstanding in her last Ofstead inspection, this is a true reflection of Linda’s work xxx

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