Melissa

5 Star Childminder

Albie has been with Melissa since he was age 1 for two days a week. I looked at a number of settings before deciding that the best option for both of us was Melissa. The reasons for me picking Melissa was firstly I loved the way Mel interacted with Albie & myself and the way she opens up her home for him. Albie to start with was a very challenging little boy and I felt Melissa supported him and his feelings well & helped support me with a few behaviour issues he had.

Albie enjoys going to melissas and he has come on so much with his development since being there. Melissa has shaped him as much as I have into the wonderful, happy & confident little boy he has become and a few techniques she uses I have copied at home.

Albie, Chester & Teddy have now started at pre school together and it is so nice to see how their friendships have grown.

I have absolutely no concerns regarding Melissa, her home or Albies development. I can honestly say sending Albie to melissas has been one of the best decisions I have made and when I drop him off it’s a huge relief that I can go to work knowing Albie is happy.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by CharB about Melissa on 08/11/2021

Response by Melissa on 09/11/2021:

Thankyou 😘

The Best Decision I Made For My Boys

I first met Melissa in 2009 and was soon sure that she would be a great fit for my then 2 year old son. She was and still is amazing!! As a first time mum I was very cautious of childcare but having to go back to work meant that I needed it. Melissa provided home cooked meals, plenty of interaction, education and stimulation including outdoor trips throughout the whole year. He was absolutely comfortable with her and her family and in a short space of time they felt like family to us. I could not have asked for a better childminder and raved about her to anyone who would listen! When it came to him starting reception I was gutted that he would have to leave but over the moon that he had been in such a stimulating and caring environment which prepared him for school so that his transition was seamless.

When I had my second son, I was praying that Mel would have a space for him and luckily for me, by the time I returned to work she did. He was a lot younger, being 9 months, but I was that confident in Melissa that I did not even think twice.

With both boys Mel kept meticulous records, updating me on their days, what they ate, what they may need extra help with, what she was encouraging them to learn. For me it was tonnes better than a nursery however just as stimulating and well equipped. With various outings including the beach, soft play, groups and much more I knew that although I wasn't giving them directly the care and attention I would have given them through Melissa they were defintely receiving it. She helped them develop critical skills such as counting and reading through practical day-to-day activities. Encouraged them to express themselves, how to share with other children in her care, manners, hygiene, the works.

Although over the moon for her move to a new area, we were gutted to be losing her and along with another mum and child helped convince her to continue on for a while longer until our children were in full-time school. Melissa being the nurturing carer that she is agreed!! Although both boys are in full time school now and Melissa is no longer in the area, I still recommend her and will always continue to do so. Mel had a massive impact on my family and also me as a mother and my boys and I will be eternally grateful.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Parent about Melissa on 31/12/2017

Am really impressed.

I am really impressed with Melissa as she took care of my daughter very well in all areas of the early years curriculum. My daughter still talks about her all the time. Am still looking forward to working with her when i give birth. I strongly recommend her at any time. Thank you very much Melissa and God bless.

• Overall

by ABOSEDE about Melissa on 08/09/2017

Amazing Childminder!

Melissa looked after my daughter four days a week for one year between 2015-2016. During this time we have watched her grow from a baby to a bright, sociable two-year old and I very much believe that Melissa’s input has played a huge part in her development. From the very first visit to Melissa’s house she was friendly, bubbly and kind hearted and my daughter seemed comfortable and showed no signs of fear or anxiety, she was made to feel like a part of the family. Her love for children was so obvious and genuine and watching her interact with her own children really created a lovely family atmosphere which was wonderful. It was such a warm, loving, clean, happy environment which allowed me to go to work knowing that she is safe and well cared for.
Melissa’s communication was fantastic as she regularly would send text messages and pictures just giving reassurance that my daughter was enjoying herself and safe & well. Melissa’s setting provided a great deal of stimulation for my daughter which kept her entertained all day long. Not to mention her regular excursions to, music group, bookstart, and a range of different toddler groups. I really like the fact that Melissa always managed to get the children involved in an arts and craft activity which may have also tied in to a theme, i.e Mothers Day, Christmas, Easter etc… One thing I really loved about Melissa was that her discipline was always firm but kind. She encouraged good behavior, kindness and compassion to others which are things we encourage at home. As my daughter is a vegetarian I was very concerned that Melissa was not going to be able to provide my daughter with the correct food but she provided her with three healthy meals plus snacks throughout her day and there was never any complaint from my daughter. Within that year my daughter’s vocabulary has increased immensely and she also managed to help us a great deal with potty training which was amazing! Her experience is so vast and she always deals with things in a calm and professional manner.
My daughter and Melissa had such a beautiful bond which as a parent gave me such a great sense of relief. My daughter always looked forward to going to see her and the other children.
I would have no hesitation in recommending Melissa to look after your children as I couldn’t have asked for a better person to look after my daughter. Even though she’s no longer looking after my daughter due to distance she will always be a major part of my daughter’s life. Thank you so much for all you have done.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Parent about Melissa on 19/09/2016

5 star

Melissa was my daughter’s childminder for 4 years, from the age of 2 to 6 years old. My daughter was happy and settled with Melissa immediately. Melissa has always been warm, welcoming, caring and attentive. My daughter felt like part of her family.
She progressed really well with Melissa, who carefully planned for and met her needs. She always provided a clean, stimulating and exciting environment for the children to play and learn in.
I was always confident that she was safe, loved and well cared for with Melissa.
Melissa has always been organised, punctual and professional.
I hold Melissa with the highest regard and would recommend her for any job with children.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Parent about Melissa on 15/09/2016