Helen Hornsey's Reviews
Childminder
5 out of 5
Parents say
These reviews consistently praise the childminders for providing exceptional care, creating a nurturing environment, and going above and beyond expectations. Parents highlight the childminders' professionalism, flexibility, and genuine love for the children. They mention numerous engaging activities, outings, and developmental support provided. Many express gratitude for the childminders' role in their children's growth and sadness upon leaving their care.
Summary generated by AI from the text of most recent member reviews
Parent reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Helen Hornsey. Please note that reviews represent the subjective opinions of other Childcare.co.uk members and not of Childcare.co.uk. Parents must carry out their own checks and references on childcare providers to ensure that they are completely happy before enaging in the use of their services.
Jack spent a few years with Helen and Jo. Helen and Jo went over and beyond to ensure Jack settled in quickly. Jack absolutely loved all the days out they went on. I can’t recommend Helen and Jo enough-we will be forever grateful for them looking after Jack for us.
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Sophie
on 11/09/2024
Helen and Jo have exceeded all of our expectations as childminders to our son, Ellis. It's no exaggeration to say that he wouldn't have grown into the child he is today without the environment they've created and the support they've provided. So much imagination and attention to detail goes into every activity, we're always blown away that they have enough hours in the day (with enough time to spare to make a roast for the kids every week!). The countless days out to the zoos, parks and farms have been an incredible opportunity for Ellis to learn more about the outside world and we credit us being able to take him into any setting to these outings. We write this on Ellis's last day before starting in reception, something that we feel he's in a great position to take in his stride, given the foundation they've provided him.
If you're looking for an environment where your child will be looked after developmentally, emotionally and physically, we could not recommend Helen and Jo highly enough. We can't think of a better pair to have entrusted with our son over the past 3 years or a better group of children for him to spend his days with, it really has been a home away from home (with the added bonus of a playroom that Ellis wishes he could take with him).
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Greg
on 22/08/2024
Helen and Jo looked after our little boy Oscar from when he was 14 months to 2.5 years. They were simply amazing. I met them for a chat in advance to Oscar starting and they did everything they could to reassure me (a first time anxious mummy) that they would do everything to make sure Oscar settled in well with them, and he did very quickly as they said he would. They have a very effective structure to their day to allow for them to cater to all the kids needs including nap & meal times. Their setting is wonderful, with a fantastic selection of indoor and outdoor activities for babies through to preschool aged kids. Helen and Jo put so much thought into everyday; trips to the park and zoo, walks in the woods, crafts, baking, messy or imaginative or educational play, the kids meals etc. They go above and beyond. Oscar loved his time with Helen and Jo and we wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. Thank you Helen and Jo for everything but especially for taking such good care of Oscar and helping nurture him into the amazing little boy he is today Xx
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Milly
on 04/10/2023
We've been incredibly lucky to have Helen and Jo as our son's childminders. They are the most wonderful people and go above and beyond caring for the little ones. Our son would always be so excited to spend the day with them. It's a home from home with amazing activities set-up everyday and even special themed lunches such as Halloween and Christmas, which were a favourite. The children go on regular days out to the farm, zoo, parks etc. They keep us updated with photos of their days out and activities they've been engaging in.
I really couldn't recommend them highly enough!
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Hannah W
on 22/02/2023
Helen and Jo looked after my daughter for a long day 4 days a week for just over 3 years and we could not have been happier with the care and love she received whilst we were at work. They are amazing with children and my daughter absolutely adored them both - it really became a second home for her very quickly which was a huge weight lifted when leaving your little one going back to work. My daughter got to experience so many fun trips/days out/activities and exciting adventures each day with her friends and amazing Childminders. They really do put so much effort in to each day which is amazing. She even now loves to look at the pictures of the fun things she did years ago and still talks fondly of all the fun she had during her years with them both. Even during the Pandemic Helen and Jo were amazing whilst I worked from home and helped keep all the children and setting safe and as normal the little ones as possible which was a huge help. They have been a huge support system for myself and cared for my daughter like she was there own. I cannot recommend Helen and Jo as a childminder enough, your little ones will be in the best hands and you will not be disappointed! We were all so sad to be leaving for my daughter to start Reception in September and honestly we feel lost without them!! Thank you for everything Helen and Jo you are both Superstars!!
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anny13
on 08/11/2022
My son has just left the care of Helen and Jo after being with them just over 2 years. I always felt very nervous about leaving my baby with anyone but Helen always made this easy. It is like a home from home for my son. He enjoyed every aspect and always came home happy. Helen and Jo go above and beyond and seriously care about the children they look after. They communicate regularly and are flexible. I would highly recommend them to anyone that asks. I will always be grateful for everything they have done to help us with the care of our boy. Charlotte and Ed Barnes
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Char
on 23/09/2021
Our 4 year old daughter has been going to Helen and Jo since she was 1 and I can’t even put into words how much my partner and myself love the care they provide. They are both so loving, caring, kind and wonderful - my daughter loves them both and has so much fun with them! The kids go on fun days out, do exciting activities and are constantly learning key skills as they go!
My daughter is going to school in September so unfortunately has to leave but luckily our son will be starting with Helen and Jo next year!
We never leave our children with anyone except Helen and Jo and we trust them whole heartedly.
They keep us updated with photos of the activities they get up to and the communication is second to none.
I’m so grateful we were recommended Helen by a parent friend as I cannot imagine sending my children anywhere else.
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KellyM
on 03/08/2021
Our son started with Helen and Jo when he was just 3 months old and very sadly will be leaving almost aged 5 in August 2021. As a teacher I knew I was always going to be particular about who looked after our son. Cliche or not I literally just knew when I first met Jo and Helen that they were ideal, what I didn’t realise was how they would quickly become an extended family for our son. They have such an incredible way with children, from caring, listening and understanding to guiding, developing and shaping. Their Instagram account (helenandjo_childcare) will show you some of the play and development activities they do, often centred around a theme which really helps engage and make it memorable. If the school our son was going to was near Helen and Jo there is no way he wouldn’t still be there everyday for after school care. It will be an extremely sad day when he says his final goodbye to Helen and Jo as I couldn’t have asked for better people and they truly have helped raise our son, for that I will be forever indebted! Our son wouldn’t be the little man he is without their care. When looking for a childminder, in my opinion, you won’t find better, they are trustworthy, reliable, experienced, knowledgeable, caring and quite frankly absolute diamonds!
Mr and Mrs Ridgeon
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Mrs R
on 05/05/2021
My daughter has been with Helen and Jo since she was 4 months old. I was reluctant to go back to work so early but Helen definitely put my mind at ease and my baby was most definitely in safe hands. They do so much for the children - they are always out and about learning and playing. My daughter learnt so much in preparation for nursery and big school - probably more than I could ever teach her at home!
We have some absolutely wonderful memories and miss Helen and Jo very much :)
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SMitchel
on 03/10/2020
I honestly don’t know how I would have coped managing a busy job and raising two children if it hadn’t been for Helen and Jo. They have been incredibly professional and reliable for the whole three years we’ve been with them. Both of my children formed strong bonds with them and it’s been very hard to say goodbye, now that my eldest has gone to school and my youngest is starting nursery next to the school. I really feel the excellent care Helen and Jo provided has made both of them confident resilient children who have not struggled to make the leap to school/nursery. Thank you again so much, we will definitely be calling lots for babysitting!
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Corun
on 06/10/2019
My now 4 year old son has been with Helen and Jo since he was 10 months old. They have been absolutely fantastic childminders and were his extended family. Both Jo and Helen love our son and this is obvious in how they speak to him and always give him cuddles. We wanted a Childminder that would love and care for him and we totally lucked out with Helen and Jo.
His development throughout the years has been supported by these wonderful ladies and their activities, while at the same time instilling positive boundaries.
They are always out and about with the children, whether it be to the farm, the zoo, the park or out for walks in the woods, there’s no opportunity to get bored! They also helped to support my little boys interest in animals and nature with big hunts and simply by having very friendly pets.
It has also been lovely to have my son in a setting with different age ranges so that he could interact and make lots of friends. He has grown into a confident and caring little person due in no small part we are sure to Helen and Jo’s influence. He has made friends with children from Helen’s that I hope will last now that he has moved on to school.
It has been a wrench to leave this wonderful setting and we hope to keep in contact which I think is testament to how amazing these women are. Thank you so much!!
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Amy
on 07/09/2019
My son Bobby has been coming to Helen and Jo since he was 1 years old, and i could not recommend them enough! Having previously only used family members for help with my daughter growing up, i was a little worried how i would feel leaving Bobby with people we didn't really know, but from day 1 they treated him like their own and we felt so comfortable with him being left.
Helen and Jo both have such a relaxed, calm nature. They clearly love what they do and care so much for the children they look after. Communication is amazing, we were always kept well informed with what Bobby was getting up to, where he had been and who he played with, and were sent photos of him enjoying his fun days out, or making crafty bits at Helen's house.
I have built a lovely friendship with Helen and Jo, and me and my children are going to miss them so much. Due to Bobby starting big school we are having to say goodbye to regular childcare with these lovely ladies, but i will keep in touch and hope to see them in the school holidays as we all need to keep having our regular 'Helen and Jo' fix xxxx
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Taylorg5
on 16/07/2019
My daughter Evelynn Kay has been attending childcare with Helen & Jo 4 days a week, since the beginning of June 2018.
From day one both my fiance and I have been incredibly impressed with how welcoming they're. We were made to feel at complete ease during the settling in period and Evie has loved being involved in so many activities and adventures. Her development has come on leaps and bounds since joining.
Helen and Jo are incredibly due diligent at keeping us informed on the progress of Evie, any concerns they may have are always raised in a timely and efficient manor.
Our daughter has specific dietary requirements which Helen and Jo have managed closely to ensure there has never been any issues with regards to cross contamination. We're now working with them to slowly introduce certain foods back into her diet, Helen and Jo have been beyond helpful with this whilst insuring Evie's well being at all times.
Evie is extremely happy and settled with Helen and Jo. It was her Birthday this month and they went to the extra effort to arrange a celebration for her. This clearly demonstrates how thoughtful they're for the children in their care.
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Jennifer
on 19/11/2018
Helen and Jo looked after my son Jake from the age of nine month's old up until recently when he started nursery. I was so worried about finding childcare for Jake when I went back to work after my maternity leave but from day one Helen and Jo put my mind at ease. I was sent pictures and daily updates during Jake's first few weeks and knew that Jake was being well cared for in a safe and loving environment and was enjoying his time with Helen and Jo. Jake has loved every minute of his time with Helen and Jo and on many occasion did not want to leave when it was time for me to pick him up!
Jake has become such a confident boy and I put that down to the time that he has spent with Helen and Jo. He has been on so many days out from farms, soft play, days at the park and walks in the woods. On rainy days Jake has always been busy with various different activities, crafting, baking cakes or reading books. There was also so much thought put in to the various Mother's Day/Father's Day/Xmas gifts that Jake has made with Helen and Jo and brought home with him.
We were so very sad when Jake had to leave (although we have been lucky that Helen was able to help with some last minute childcare recently so Jake was extremely happy to see all of his old friends again and to dress up for the Halloween party!)
I feel very lucky to have found Helen and Jo and honestly believe that you could not find better childminders.
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Amy
on 07/11/2018
Lincoln started with Helen and Jo when he was about 8 months. I spent months worrying about childcare before I went back to work but after Lincoln's first day I realised I had been worrying for nothing. Not only did Helen and Jo support Lincoln's routine and needs they also had a really positive effect and helped improve it. Lincoln was really hard work getting to sleep but then helped get him to sleep in the day and into a good routine.
Helen and Jo have a genuine care for all the children look after. They do so many fun things like the going to the zoo, farm and doing crafts. I felt less guilty about working when I knew he was being loved, cared for and was having fun.
Lincoln has just stopped going to Helen and Jo as we moved county. We wish we could have taken them with us!
Trusting someone with your child can be a scary thought but Helen and Jo have always been kind, trustworthy and honest people. They will really be missed!
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on 29/10/2018
my daughter Sophie has been looked after by Helen since she was 10 months old. Sophie settled in great with Helen instantly and I automatically felt at ease leaving Sophie with Helen.
Helen and jo are a brilliant team, really friendly and energetic. Sophie loves both of them.
She was always coming home with arts and crafts bits from projects they have been doing. They visit parks, zoos and garden centres.
Helen and jo go out of their way to ensure the children are happy. I am gutted Sophie is leaving, but she is starting nursery.
highly recommended childminders!
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Dawn
on 29/12/2017
Helen and Jo are amazing. My daughter Elena has been going to Helen for 2 years, and she loves going. She comes home from so many exciting days out, and she truly loves Helen and Jo.
I was recommended Helen by a friend and ever since Elena and myself have both benefited from Helens support and guidance. When Elena first started going to Helen, she was very unsettled. Helen could not have been more supportive, helping her settle and reassuring me.
From days out to the Zoo and Farm, and lots of creative fun, Elena comes home every day happy, telling me about all the new things she has done and learnt.
Helen and Jo really are a fantastic team, and offer such a safe and loving environment for children to grow and learn.
I could not of asked for more from a childminder.
Due to moving house, Elena will be leaving Helen and Jo. I am so sad that Elena can not carry on enjoying her days with them. If only I could take them with me!
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on 11/10/2017
Helen has cared for our daughter Maddison for a year and a half now, since she was just 1 years old, and she adores Helen so much! Maddison was a bit unsettled for the first few weeks which was very upsetting for us being new parents, but Helen was great, reassuring both me and my partner that Maddison was fine just minutes after we had dropped her off, and to put us at ease Helen would send us photos of Maddison playing and laughing, so it was clearly worse for us than it was for her!!
As working parents, it is very difficult to find childcare that you can be assured of its quality and the happiness for your child / children. If you are looking for someone who REALLY cares for your child / children as much as their own, I strongly recommend you visit Helen - she is a great, caring person who has a lot of experience in childcare. We are fully happy of all the aspects of her setting; activities (they do lots of days out and planned activities). Helen also has a fab garden and playroom for entertaining the children she looks after. We would not hesitate in recommending Helen to anyone looking for childcare.
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on 01/09/2016
I spent a great deal of my maternity leave worried about what to do in terms of childcare for my son - Nursery v Childminder? When I met Helen and Jo, all my worries were gone as I knew they would provide the best care (second to me!) for Sebastian.
Helen and Jo were professional from the start, and above all they were really respectful and patient given that this was a whole new experience for me, in particular a scary one. Going back to work was daunting enough, let alone asking someone to care for my son as if he was their own.
Helen's house is well equipped for all Sebastian's needs - separate play room full of toys and books, lovely garden and well located to local parks. Helen and Jo provide a welcoming environment and I honestly have never looked back.
The first week was tough on me but within days Seb was already holding his arms out to both Helen and Jo! I was provided with daily pictures of Sebastian, as well as a diary telling me of his adventures, naps and lunch/snacks. I love reading his diary and am often jealous of all the places they go to. These have included not only local parks but Willows Farm, Paradise Wildlife Park and Jungle Mania to name a few! Only bad weather keeps them at home and then on those days they bake and get crafty!
I give full credit to Helen and Jo for getting Sebastian into an established routine which makes for a happy baby - and in turn a happy Mummy!
I feel very very lucky indeed to have Helen and Jo in our lives. They are wonderful people who take their job very seriously. I would recommend them as childminders to anyone looking for childcare. I am expecting my second child any day soon and can honestly say that I will spend zero time worrying about childcare as I have Helen and Jo.
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on 19/08/2016
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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on 13/06/2016
Helen was without doubt instrumental in our sons development, from the age of just under 2 years old our son was in with Helen for nearly 40 hours a week. Her care and level of compassion was all we could have asked for. With us both at work full time we had to find someone that our son could trust and love when we could not be there. Our son grew very found of Helen and was heart broken to leave her care.
We would not hesitate in recommending Helen as a superb childminder, someone who you can leave your child with and know that they will be cared for and loved in a safe and trusted environment.
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on 27/04/2014
Helen has looked after Luke sine he was one so about 14 months now. She is fantastic and so are all her family.
Leaving Luke on his first day was hard but Helen reassured us both and sent messages and photos through out the day. When Luke is not himself she still sends a message and photos to reassure us he his fine.
Luke has loved going to Helens he tells us about his trips to the farms to see the animals and going to playgroup , the park and playing with all his friends. Helen and her family are la second family for Luke.
Luke has learnt so much since being at Helen's and people comment on what a happy confident boy he is
Helen is very flexible. I work shifts and she accommodates my shifts which is great. My shifts can change at short notice and she is always happy to help. I don't ever have to worry that I'm going to be off late as I know Luke will be happy and well looked after
Luke will miss Helen and all her family very much when we move. We are so grateful to have found Helen, and can't thank her enough for looking after him so well for over the past year
I highly recommend Helen and if we weren't moving Luke would still be with Helen I just wish she would move to Norfolk to.
Thank you so much Helen.
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on 14/02/2014
I am so glad we found Helen on this website...Our 3 year old daughter has been here since she was 22 months old. Helen made the transition between childminders seamless from our very first meeting and has always been friendly, approachable and loving towards us as a family. Charlotte really feels like part of Helen's family and spends lots of time telling us what she has been up to with ‘My Helen’. She is always excited to go in the morning and sometimes we can even bribe her with it to get her to sleep at night!
Charlotte immediately grew in confidence around others and when trying new activities, which was wonderful for us to see when we were out and about. She is full of beans when I collect her, telling me about playgroups, singing new songs, trampolining, her best friends and all her adventures of the day!
Helen is flexible, accommodating and supportive, both Helen and her family offer a warm and welcoming home from home environment which was so important to us when looking for someone to take care of our little girl! Charlotte has made lots of little friends and spends our ‘work time’ socialising and having fun, what more could you ask for?!
We have already booked baby bump number 2 in for when he or she is old enough to go and will continue to take Charlotte when she starts Nursery so she can keep in touch with everyone!
Thank you Helen x
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on 25/01/2014
It's hard to explain how wonderful I think Helen is in a few short paragraphs. I think my son Ethan says it all when he tells me 'I love Helen, I love her a million,' and he does. The relationship between a child and their childminder is so important and something I as a mum definitely worried about the most. I needn't of worried! Helen and Ethan have a great relationship and I too am nagged about outings with the gang during holidays! Special mention also to Helen's lovely family who Ethan adores and who play with him so brilliantly.
Not only is Helen friendly,flexible, helpful and thoughtful but she is really brilliant at what she does; looking after, engaging and caring for children. Ethan bounces on the trampoline, ices biscuits, plays games and that's just in an afternoon!
During a recent change in my routine, my 4 year old was a little bit sad and not his usual self. Not only did Helen notice these slight changes in a child she had only known a few weeks, but she raised the matter quickly with me and wanted to ensure all his needs were being met. This real care for both his physical and emotional needs was a real comfort and confirmed what I already knew, I had found a very special childminder..:-) .
I cannot reccomend Helen highly enough.
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on 14/03/2012
My 4 year old daughter has been with Helen for just over a year and she really enjoys it there. Helen has a big garden with loads to play with and when the weather is good they are always outside getting fresh air and playing.
My daughter only goes to Helen's during the term time but she always asks me if she can go there in the school holidays!
My work hours are fairly irregular and Helen has made life easier for us by being really flexible.
We would definately recommend Helen to anyone looking for a helpful, caring and flexible childminder.
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on 22/07/2011
We found Helen through this website as soon as we knew I was pregnant. Helen has been incredibly helpful and supportive both during my pregnancy and during our son's first few months.
Now I have returned to work Helen looks after our son 5 days a week. Helen is very flexible on time and how he is looked after. Our son loves being with her and is a very happy little boy.
It has really helped my husband and I going back to work knowing that our son is with someone we can both trust and rely on.
We couldn't recommend Helen highly enough.
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Katie270
on 17/04/2011
