We initially sent our son to Chelsea for a period of one month before he started nursery. He has mild autism and we wanted a caring environment with a small number of other children. The change in him was dramatic, after being with Chelsea he started being more sociable, more aware of others and was an extremely happy boy. We then sent him to Chelsea every day after nursery, and even though he is now at school he still goes to her for INSET days and and holidays. In the intervening time we had a second child, and when my wife went back to work we also sent the baby to Chelsea to be cared for, so we have had considerable experience of her with both babies and young children.

Chelsea is very professional and conscientious about her work, but combines this with a very caring and loving attitude towards the children in her care. The kids see her as almost a second mother and are very happy to be with her - they miss her when they do not see her for long periods of time. One of things which impressed us initially was her commitment to making sure the children undertake different activities. They have been on trips to the seaside, to the cinema and during an average week go to several stay and play sessions as well as the park.
As well as this the children are also content to play in her home, which is well organised and completely child safe.

When choosing a childminder you are bringing a new adult into your childs life whom they will potentially know for many years (I am still occasionally in contact with my own childminder 48 years later). Chelsea is precisely the kind of person that I want my children to know and to be cared for by, and thus I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone. Both our children have benefited considerably from being with her, and we consider ourselves lucky to have found her.

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