I first met Erin when my daughter was 4 months old and was still unsure if I was going to return to work but had been advised to look into possible settings ASAP because most have a waiting list. I must have visited at least 20 childminders and 9 nurseries and had a short list of 3 to contact should the time come. Being local, I would sometimes see Erin at some of the groups I took my daughter to and my heart always warmed when I saw how attentive and nurturing she was to the children in her care. Unfortunately when I did make the decision to return to work, Erin was full so I went for option 2. However we did keep in contact as I was very keen to move to Erin’s setting. I remember leaping with joy when I received an email from Erin saying “I will have a child starting school in September, so will have a full time EYFS space available.” My colleagues thought I had won the lotto but I was over the moon. I gave notice to Nursery and we moved in September 2016.

The main reason behind this decision was for the “home from home” environment and also the additional activities/environments she could provide, that my daughter wouldn’t experience in a nursey setting (visits to Odds farm, Black Park, changing of the guard, activity groups, toddler playgroups just to name a few).

I can honestly say moving my daughter from nursery was the best move I ever made. When my daughter started with Erin, she had sensory issues (she would gag when touching slime/fur etc) and was petrified of dogs. The fear of dogs was something I really wanted her to overcome. Through Erin’s gentle introductions and encouraging manner the fear was quickly eradicated and now she is extremely fond of Erin’s dogs Lola and Bailey. People continually comment on how caring and well-mannered my daughter is. Most people say this is instilled mainly in the parental home environment but this is also something Erin has always reinforced in her setting. Any behavioural issues are dealt with swiftly but in a firm nurturing manner. We had regular updates on her development and thoroughly enjoyed receiving photos during the day of what she had been up too. Erin is vigilant when it comes to the safety and the safeguarding of the children in her care and I have never had any concerns. Erin follows the EFYS framework and supports the children to reach their milestones. She has an open communication channel with parents and is very flexible and accommodating ( e.g late drop offs for my daughter to attend appointments etc.) regarding timings.

When my daughter reached Pre-school age, Erin did the drop off and pick-ups for me which was ideal. The decision to leave Erin was extremely difficult to make but our new school is significantly out of area for Erin. I have a super confident little girl that definitely knows her P&Qs and that has experienced so much more than being in a nursey from the age of 1. The teachers at her school have also mentioned that she is a complete delight and I cannot thank Erin enough for nurturing this wonderful soul over the last two years. Erin will always have a very special place in our hearts.

To me, the poem below sums Erin up:

Although I’m not their mummy
I care for them each day.
I cuddle, read and sing to them,
And watch them as they play.

I see each new accomplishment,
And help them grow and learn,
I understand their Language,
And listen to their concerns.

They come to me for comfort,
And I kiss away their tears.
They proudly show their work to me,
Mine are the loudest cheers!

I am not their Mother,
But my role is oh so strong.
I nurture them and keep them safe,
Though maybe not for long.

I know some day the time may come,
When we will have to part,
But I know each child I’ve cared for
is forever in my heart…

Author unknown

Erin has my details if you want to ask me any questions.

Best Wishes,

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