After extensive research we decided that Helen was the best suited & most qualified person to child mind our daughter as we are both full time working parents. From our initial meetings we felt confident that Helen would be able to meet the needs and requirements of Ella, bearing in mind that she would be only 10 months old and she was a premature baby, therefore less developed than a normal baby of this age.

We have always felt comfortable talking to Helen; we have a very open and honest parent and childminder relationship, which we feel is so important. We both feel that Helen’s care of Ella is of a very high standard and she treats her as if she is her own and has welcomed Ella into her home and family with open arms.

Ella has had numerous health issues over the last year. Ella catches everything and has had multiple chest problems and has been recently diagnosed with asthma. Helen has supported throughout and adapted her daily plans where needed if Ella has had a bad night, without being to the detriment of the other children in her care. We honestly do not know what we would have done or how we both would have kept working full time without Helen’s support.

We feel Ella’s rate of development has been accentuated by being in Helen’s care. She is starting to count, knows her colours and shapes, sings along to nursery rhymes and has such a good vocabulary range. Her confidence has also increased. Ella loves going to Helen’s house, which is such a joy to see.

We love the fact that Ella does so much with Helen, feeding the ducks, going to various classes, parks, Willows, the Zoo etc. It is so good for Ella to get out each day.

We are constantly kept up to date through the parent /carer book and regularly receive texts, photos and messages highlighting Ella’s activities and development and we have no doubt that Ella is so happy in Helen’s care.

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• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication