We chose Maria to be our childminder because it felt like a real home. Her family has 'adopted' both my children as if they are part of the household.
In the three and a half years (4 days a week) we have found Maria to be:
• Hugely Experienced
• Reliable
• Honest & Trustworthy
• Flexible
• Very Professional
• Caring and Loving
• Responsible
• Great Communicator
I have been extremely happy with the care my two children has received, and the great progress they have made whilst in Maria’s care. Maria’s home is always welcoming, clean and well organised and the children have great fun playing with all the toys available and with the other children in her care. I’ve been impressed by the variety of toys that Maria has and that the children don’t play with just gender stereotype toys. Beyond all this though, it is Maria’s warm and friendly but no nonsense approach which sets her apart from other childminders. Maria has a really lovely manner with all the children in her care. She is always kind, calm and patient with them and all the children are happy and well behaved and know exactly what’s expected of them.
Maria is a great communicator and has no trouble in gaining my childrens' confidence and therefore encouraging good behaviour and kindness and compassion to others, both skills which are important to us at home. When they step outside their boundaries she responds with firm but kind discipline explaining what we would like to see, which they understand. When they are hurt or feeling under the weather I know that they feel happy to be comforted by her and I am confident that she can administer either first aid or medication following all the correct procedures and completing the necessary records to ensure my childrens' health and safety.

I also liked the fact that I would see Maria out and about whatever the weather so that I knew my children would get the advantage of toddler groups, the beach, soft play areas, walking tours, sand and water play, drawing and sticking, reading and puzzles as well as outings to different park, trips to feed the ducks and walks in the woods. She provides a wide, fun range of activities and plenty of outdoor exercise. I know my children has especially enjoyed the outings and open air activities. Maria also always takes extra time to do fun activities around birthdays, Mother's/ Father’s Day, Christmas, Easter and Halloween.
I know Maria provides healthy snacks such as fruit and water. Maria serves a very healthy balanced menu during the week for lunch and/or dinner times. I am also aware that Maria ensures good personal hygiene in encouraging all the children to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet.
Maria completes an online diary detailing what they have done each day. From this I have a complete picture of both my childrens' whole day including what was eaten, how long they slept and all their activities. This diary was accessible at any time of the day. This has helped me to feel involved with their care and that I could talk to them about their day.

Since the start of 2015 I’ve been reassured time and time again that I made the right choice. Both my children were so happy there and really loves Maria. I’ve seen my children progress since they spent time with Maria and the other children in her care. Maria also keeps very detailed progress charts/reviews of each milestone the children achieved. Maria has taught both my children to speak fluent English (as it is their second language).
At the end of each day Maria has a smile and is always happy to discuss the day without rushing me. All in all I am thoroughly happy with the outstanding level of care my children received and I’m certain that being in such a positive and happy environment have helped them develop into confident and self assured little people.

I would without a doubt recommend Maria as a great and reliable childminder to anybody.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication