Before Catherine, JR had never been looked after by anyone other than myself, his dad or his granny. We expected it to take a while for him to settle in but he adjusted incredibly well and quickly.mi feel that this was largely to do with Catherine's attentiveness and the flexible and personalised approach she uses in her role as a childminder.

Her home was always clean, tidy and full of suitable toys to entertain JR and assist in his development. Before JR started, we met with Catherine at a local playground close to her home and then in her home, her flexibility to met initially outside her home was a great help. We discussed her policies and procedures and her background and training. It also gave me a chance to observe her interacting with JR. Her professionalism and wide knowledge of appropriate procedure was impressive and she answered any questions I had comfortably and openly. I liked the way she communicated with JR, their interactions appeared mutually enjoyable and relaxed.

In the time that Catherine had been looking after JR his speech has developed greatly. He frequently sings songs that Catherine had taught him and I believe her chatty, friendly personality has played a huge and important role in developing his communication skills. I'm also impressed with the way Catherine uses journals to communicate further with me about JR's time with her as well as his progress allowing myself and Catherine to monitor JR's development. I find it very reassuring that Catherine uses all her resources and openly shares all JR's progress so openly with me.

I was sad to see the end of her caring for JR but it was time for to start school. Catherine has truly been a huge asset to JR and she truly has been all we could have asked for as a childminder and more.