Shirley's set up is the best thing one could ever dream of for their children. Mine have been with her for over 2.5 years and I cannot think of anything I would recommend she and her team do differently. It's just perfect!

First, there is the family spirit we are all after as a parent - to have a home away from home for our children. As a family-run business with the excellent level of support from Gladstone and Milene, Shirley truly nurtures all the wonderful children she looks after as if they were her own. And the simple fact that our kids don't want to leave their premises when we pick them up at the end of the day says it all.

The second aspect is educational. Shirley and Gladstone are ever investing in new toys, materials and training courses to make sure they offer our children a wonderful learning experience. Being myself a language and cross-cultural professional, I really appreciate the fact that they teach them new things about the world, international cultures and the planet in general on an ongoing basis. They have themed weeks and the kids learn while having fun, they absolutely love it. They also take them on outtings to the local library, farm etc.

Third, but not the least, they cook all of their food fresh and organic. They truly watch the children's diet and teach them to eat well and varied.

Outdoors and physical exercise is also a great thing that Shirley values for our children. Their custom-built play area in the back garden is all children could ever ask for (they even have a pirate ship!) and they make sure that (weather dependent) they take them outdoors as much as they can - whether it be in their own garden or local parks.

I cannot recommend her services enough and if a case could be made in terms of best practice for childminders, I truly believe they should come and see how things are done at Shirleys!

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